Globally, the original Beetle was first unveiled to the world in 1938 and ever since, over 22 million units have been sold. Here in Malaysia, the Beetle was introduced in the 1950s, quickly becoming a cult favourite and distinct icon for anyone born before the 90’s. Today, after more than half a century of bringing happiness and creating memories for Malaysians, the Beetle has evolved to suit modern needs but still remains an icon of popular culture among the people.
Engine and Performance
The Beetle comes with a 1.2l TSI direct petrol injection turbocharged engine mated to a 7-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG). This turbo-charged motor pumps out 105PS and 175Nm of torque, between 1,550 and 4,100rpm; enabling the car to reach 100km/h in 10.9 seconds and goes all the way to its top speed of 180km/h. Despite excellent acceleration performance, this classic bug still returns remarkable fuel consumption with 5.9 litres/100km (or 16.9km/litre) on the combined cycle.
Safety Features
As with all Volkswagen vehicles, driver and passenger safety is always a priority with a host of uncompromising safety features, which has resulted in the Beetle receiving the highest possible Euro NCAP 5-star rating. New in the Beetle is its anti-theft alarm system with electronic immobiliser which offers maximum protection against vehicle theft.
In addition to the anti-theft alarm system, the car comes standard with a 3-point seat belts with seat belt tensioners, safety-optimised front headrests, combined side and thorax airbags (for front passengers), as well as driver and front passenger airbags with front passenger airbag deactivation. This exciting but safe car is also equipped with anti-lock braking system (ABS) with brake assist (BA), electronic stability control (ESC), electronic vehicle immobilisation device, hill-hold control, park distance control (PDC), and child seat anchorage points (ISOFIX).
Interior
Emulating the feel of the classic bug, the Beetle also comes with the distinctive Beetle glove box, dash pad painted in body colour, front-centre armrest, leather gearshift knob and a multi-function leather steering wheel with control for Multi-function Display (MFD), radio and telephone.
The Beetle 1.2l TSI Design comes with the ‘RCD 310’ radio system with single CD player, Bluetooth, USB adapter cable and 8 speakers. The Beetle 1.2l TSI Sport on the other hand is further equipped with the ‘RCD 510’ touch screen radio system with 6 CD changer, USB adapter cable, SD-card slot, Bluetooth and 8 speakers, sport seats with “Vienna” leather upholstery, lumbar support, ‘Climatronic’ air conditioning system with 2-zone temperature control, along with paddle shift and cruise control.
Exterior
At the front, the Beetle comes with Bi-Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights (1.2l TSI Sport only); electronically adjustable, foldable and heated exterior mirrors; front fog lights with static cornering lights; and 16-inch ‘Whirl’ alloy wheels with 215/60 R16 tyres.
The Beetle is currently available in five colour choices: Candy White, Tornado Red, Saturn Yellow, Toffee Brown and Deep Black. Now open for booking at all Volkswagen dealerships in Peninsular Malaysia from 15 August. The Beetle 1.2l TSI Design is priced at RM131,888 and RM142,888 for the 1.2l TSI Sport.
For more information on the Beetle, please visit www.volkswagen.com.my
