Volkswagen Beetle is an icon. This car tells a story. Only someone who knows its history could make a new generation of this Volkswagen a reality. The task ahead for the Volkswagen engineers was very clear. They had to develop a high-tech car that was still affordable, did not leave any stone unturned, integrated the communication technologies of our times and of course achieved the lowest environmental impact. It also had to be a car that places driving fun at the forefront. This new generation VW Beetle would have to be a very agile, dynamic performer, and the people who developed the Volkswagen Golf GTI would also be able to achieve this as the new Beetle needed to also quench the speed thirst of some drivers.
The Beetle now measures 4,278 mm in length (+152 mm), 1,808 mm in width (+84 mm) and 1,486 in height (-12 mm). The track width front and rear, as well as the wheelbase at 2,537 mm, are also increased. Overseen by Walter de Silva (Volkswagen Group) and Klaus Bischoff (Volkswagen Brand), with Marc Lichte the team leader for exterior design, the car’s new proportions mean the roof extends back further, the windscreen is shifted back and the rear section is now more akin to that of the original Beetle. The boot capacity is a practical 310 litres, up from 209 litres in the 1998 model. The Beetle has four seats, with a split-fold rear seat for added versatility.
Inside the cabin, the Beetle’s designers created a modern, practical and distinctive appearance with easy to identify and ergonomic controls. Certain features, such as the glovebox and colour accent panels hark back to the original. There is also a wide range of innovative equipment ranging from Keyless Access through satellite navigation systems and a panoramic sunroof to bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights, all of which are available for the first time on a Beetle.
As well as being economical and environmentally sound, the Beetle is also built to be one of the safest cars on the road thanks not only to features such as standard ESP and six airbags but also a laser-welded and galvanised body structure which has one of the highest torsional rigidity values in the segment at 26,000 Nm/°. In addition the range-topping engine, the 2.0-litre 200 PS, features standard XDS electronic differential lock as fitted to the Golf GTI. This system extends the familiar EDS functionality. XDS improves handling in fast curve driving and calibrates the car toward more “neutral” steering; it does this by using active brake intervention to prevent wheel spin of the unloaded wheel on the inside of the curve, and this improves traction.
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 feel 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’ at traffic lights and when you decide to shed your fatherly image and take on a little boy racing attitude.
When the original was launched in 1938, it was known simply as ‘the Volkswagen’, quickly acquiring a raft of nicknames from across the world. Whatever the name, its popularity is not in question, with more than 21.5 million sold in the past 73 years.
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
