Continuing to ride on its cute retro look alone, the Volkswagen Beetle has yet to see any major redesign since its re-introduction back in 1998. And it shows. The 2009 version of the tiny coupe and convertible fall far behind other compact coupes in terms of passenger and cargo space, horsepower, and standard features. But the Beetle heritage remains a powerful one, and on looks alone, the 2009 Beetle stands out from the pack.

For 2009, the trim line-up has been trimmed to one S trim in both coupe and convertible form, each of which is also available with a PZEV engine for California owners. The front-wheel drive Beetle sports a less-than-exciting 150-hp, 2.5-liter inline-five engine, paired with either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic in the coupe. The convertible offers only the automatic. Gas mileage hovers around 20/28 mpg, another area where the Beetle falls behind the competition.

Both coupe and convertible offer 16-inch wheels, full power features, remote entry, cruise control, tilt and telescopic steering, and a CD/MP3 player with input jack and satellite radio. A sunroof is optional for the coupe, and a dealer-installed 6-CD changer and larger 17-inch wheels are available. The 2009 Beetle varies in safety ratings, with top four- and five-star ratings for frontal and front-side impact, but only three for rear side impact. This might not be a problem, however, considering the Beetle offers barely enough room for rear passengers anyway. The rounded roofline cuts headroom considerably, while rear legs get only 33 inches of room. A 12-cubic-foot trunk expands to 27 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down in the coupe, but the convertible holds barely 5 cubic feet. The soft-top in the convertible power-retracts, though it must be secured to the windshield manually when put back up.

As with all Volkswagens, the 2009 Beetle handles smoothly and precisely on the road, with responsive steering, limited body roll, and a comfortable overall ride. But its shaky safety record, cramped interior, and sluggish powertrain might feel a bit outdated to those preferring substance over style.