The modern VW Beetle arrived in 1998. This was the 1st Beetle to have its water cooled modern engine in the front and not in the rear like the classic air-cooled Beetle. It introduced a new automotive icon to the world and brought with it ‘Beetle Mania’. By 2010, VW had sold more than 1 million of these new modern Beetles. It was time to get an all new Beetle into showrooms. Launched in the later part of 2012, 2 models were introduced to the Malaysian market. We test drove the 1.2TSI 2 months ago and now we are testing the hot version, the 2.0TSI which borrows its powerplant from the hot hatch Golf GTI.
Beetle shows its stripes
It’s now bolder, more dynamic and more masculine. A comparison to the 1998 New Beetle shows that nothing has been carried over. This new Beetle is now characterised by a clean, self-confident and dominant sportiness. The car not only has a lower profile; it is also substantially wider, the front bonnet is longer, the front windscreen is shifted further back and has a much steeper incline. The roof profile actually runs distinctly lower and mimics the profile of a Porsche Boxster.
The figures confirm this: This Beetle is 1,808 mm wide (84 mm wider), 1,486 mm tall (12 mm lower) and 4,278 mm long (152 mm longer). This has resulted in entirely new proportions. The gain in length allows the roof to be extended further, the front windscreen shifted back, and the rear section follows the contour of the original Beetle. All of this gives the VW Beetle a powerful appearance with muscular tension.
Beetle: a new DNA
The new styling carries some of the Beetle’s longstanding characteristics which include its round headlights with LED daytime running lights and the flared wings. A new feature on this 2.0TSI is the rear spoiler that is homogeneously integrated in the design. It assists this Beetle to maintain contact with the road on its quest to reach a top speed of up to 225 km/h. The top surface of the rear spoiler is always black, while its underside is painted in body colour.
Beetle an original interior like no other
The cockpit makes a visual impression where everything is within reach and sight. The shape and use of colour in the painted front facia panel of the dashboard hark back to the design of the first VW Beetle, yet the new car does not have a retro look. And yet everything has been redesigned. Three round instruments arranged in front of the driver (tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge) provide all key information; integrated in the speedometer (middle position) is a multifunction display. From the “Design” equipment level, the adjustable air vents and the instruments have chrome bezels. This also applies to the audio/navigation systems optimally located in the driver’s visual field on the dashboard, framed by two air vents. This also includes the controls for the climate control system. Everything is within grasp and sight.
Similar to the original Beetle, the new car has an extra glovebox integrated in the front facia whose lid folds upward which is too shallow and has little practical use (the standard glovebox that is also integrated opens downward).
Beetle drive and dynamics
Start the engine and it fires up with absolute silence as the cabin is well insulated. Outward vision is good and you sit high. The audio system is a high-end system that needs no upgrade unless you are a concert conductor. The system is easy to use and it is very initiative for even the most IT un-savvy.
Drive this Beetle in the city and you will quickly appreciate its ride comfort and ability to get other road users to gawk at your sexy ride. It is a good looking car and there will be people admiring it as you cruise along. On the highway and as you build up speed, there is little noise that enters the cabin. Take you speed up to illegal speeds and there will still be a quiet enough cabin as little wind and road noise travels into the cabin. Using the Golf GTI engine, this Beetle hardly ever feels lethargic or in need of more power. It delivers in spades in city traffic and you will never feel inadequate when the competition tries to ‘smoke’ you at traffic lights and when you decide to shed your fatherly image and take on a boy racer attitude.
Safety features have been given a top priority where this Beetle comes with 6 airbags and this is complemented by Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) and Brake Assist (BA). Additionally, the car comes equipped with a tyre pressure monitoring system, rain sensor and auto dimming rear view mirror.
So who is the driver of the new Beetle 2.0TSI? Well we think that executive women will be drawn to its looks and will appreciate its features and drive ease. New to the Beetle buyer demographic will be stylish young successful men looking for a car that suits their image. The previous Beetle was a hit with women mostly and many rich individuals who had the Beetle as 3rd or 4th car in the garage and now it will appeal to a wider audience. This Beetle carries a price tag of RM218,888 making it some RM80k more than its lesser sibling, the 1.2TSI. Decision, decisions, decisions.
Volkswagen Beetle 2.0 TSI Specifications
Engine: Inline-4, DOHC, 16V, Direct Injection
Capacity: 1984cc
Transmission: 6-speed DSG, FWD
Max Power: 200PS @ 5,100rpm
Max Torque: 280Nm @ 1,700 – 5,000rpm
Acceleration: 7.5 seconds
Price: RM221,060 without insurance
