The newVolkswagenBeetle is now available in South Africa. Based on the iconic Beetle that sold over 21.5 million units since 1938, the new Beetle is both a tribute and an embodiment of the original Beetle, retaining its classic design, the new Beetle is sporty and refined, a Beetle for the 21st Century.

New Volkswagen Beetle offers two engine choices

The new Volkswagen Beetle is available with the choice of two TSI petrol engines. The turbocharged 1.2-litre TSI engine offers 77kW available at 5000rpm with a maximum torque figure of 175Nm available from 1550rpm. Acceleration to 100km/h is achieved in 10.9 seconds with a top speed of 180km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 5.9-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 137g/km. This engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

The 1.4-litre TSI engine is both turbocharged and supercharged to offer 118kW at 5800rpm with 240Nm of torque available from 1500rpm. The 0-100km/h sprint will last 8.3 seconds and will reach a top speed of 208km/h. Fuel consumption for this variant is rated at 6.6-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 143g/km. This variant employs a 6-speed manual transmission or can be had with an optional 7-speed DSG transmission.

Exterior Styling

The new Volkswagen Beetle is longer, wider and lower than the original Beetle, giving it a more sporty appeal. Classic features such as the flared wings, rear-light design, shape of the bonnet, side and door sills and large wheel arches are reminiscent of the original Beetle. The new beetle incorporates a rear spoiler in black with the underside in body colour. The Beetle is also the only VW model equipped with round headlights while bi-xenon headlights are available as an option and come with Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) which include 15 LEDs arranged along the outer edge of the headlight housing.

The new Beetle is offered in two new equipment lines namely ‘Design’ and ‘Sport’ which offer varying design features. With the ‘Design’ equipment line, the Beetle is fitted with 16-inch ‘Whirl’ alloy wheels with ten spokes. In ‘Sport’, the Beetle rides on 17-inch ‘Spin’ alloy wheels with five spoke design. 18-inch, five spoke ‘Twister’ wheels can be ordered as an option. Ten colours are available for the new Beetle.

??Interior Styling

The interior combines classic and modern styling cues and the Beetle features elegant leather upholstery fitted as standard on the 1.4-litre version with a two-tone variation available as an option. The shape and colour of the dashboard are either in body colour or ‘carbon look’ depending on the model and trim level. The new Volkswagen Beetle has an additional glovebox integrated into the front fascia and features a specially designed three-spoke steering wheel. ??Luggage space is ample with boot space of 310-litres. With the rear seats folded down, cargo capacity increases to 905-litres. A panoramic sunroof is available as an option.

New Volkswagen Beetle – Price