>FAST FACTS

Volkswagen Beetle. Two-door, four-passenger coupe/convertible. Front-wheel drive.

PRICE: Wolfsburg Edition Coupe - $24,475; Dune Coupe - $29,995; Wolfsburg Edition Convertible - $28,475; Dune Convertible - $33,595.

ENGINE: 2.0 litre inline four cylinder, double overhead camshafts, two valves per cylinder, turbocharged. POWER/TORQUE, horsepower / lb.-ft: 174 @ 5,000 r.p.m. / 184 @ 1,500 r.p.m. FUEL CONSUMPTION, City/ Highway, l/100 km: 9.0 / 7.1. COMPETITION: Mini Cooper; Fiat 500. WHAT'S BEST: Iconic shape; good ride and handling; nicely finished and seemingly well screwed together.

WHAT'S WORST: Performance at least at these altitudes leisurely at best; automatic transmission slow to respond; limited top-down visibility in convertible model; still no bud vase. WHAT'S INTERESTING: The world will be a sadder place with one fewer whimsical car.