New Volkswagen Beetle Review

  • Nov 26, 2015
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We take the latest iteration of the iconic Volkswagen Beetle for a spin on the scenic roads of Wolfsburg, Germany

New Volkswagen Beetle

If there is one car in the Volkswagen portfolio that needs no introduction, it is undoubtedly the Beetle. Volkswagen commenced sales of the Bug during the Second World War; after 70 years and sales of over 22 million globally, the Bug has now evolved to look like this. Say hello to the new Volkswagen Beetle.

Now, unlike its predecessor, this New Beetle bears tremendous resemblance to the original Beetle. While the overall silhouette of the two cars are still extremely identical, VW has done well to give this new Beetle a retro-modern look. The swooping tail section gives it a retro appeal and the longer bonnet leading into the headlights with DRLs and the rear spoiler add that much needed modern charm. What's more, in this new iteration, the Beetle is wider and longer than the outgoing model.

New Volkswagen Beetle

We really liked the fact that retro-modern theme continues on the inside too. Just like the original Beetle, a part of the dashboard comes covered in body-coloured panels, albeit in plastic instead of metal. Overall, the quality of plastics isn't up to the mark with what you would expect out of a car in this class. Seats are comfortable and supportive. In terms of space, even an average person would be cramped for room at the back. At 310 litres, the boot is of a decent size, but loading larger suitcases might be a task due to the swooping tail section.

New Volkswagen Beetle Instrumental Cluster

A car in this class is expected to come loaded with features, and in that regard, the New Beetle doesn't disappoint. The Coupe version that will make it to India will come fitted with a sunroof, keyless access, leather seats and ambient lighting. The centre console is a large touch screen unit that supports Bluetooth, AUX and USB connectivity and has navigation system too. On the outside, the New Beetle will feature LED Daytime Running Lights and chrome ORVMs.

New Volkswagen Beetle Infotainment panel
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Internationally, the New Volkswagen Beetle comes with four engine options. Of these the one that will make it to India is the 150PS 4-cylinder 1.4-litre TSI engine. This unit comes mated to a 7-speed DSG transmission. Twist the key and the car comes to life with a sweet sound. It isn't the quickest off the line, but felt fairly comfortable cruising at 140kmph on the autobahn. However, post that it does tend to take longer to gain speeds and needs a long straight to reach its top speed. We have always loved the way the 7-speed DSG from VW performs and in this new Beetle it is no different. Shifts are butter smooth even when you take matters in your hands with the paddle shifters.

Ride quality isn't out of this world and the car tends to feel jittery especially on city roads. The suspension is firmly set up due to which you feel even some of the smaller bumps seep into the cabin. But this same attribute ensures that the Beetle behaves fairly well in corners. The wider track and the larger wheels too play their part in inspiring confidence in the car’s handling capabilities. The steering is fairly accurate but lacks connect and feels falsely weighted.

New Volkswagen Beetle
Bookings of the New Volkswagen Beetle have already commenced in India and it is expected to be launched in December. Deliveries of the car too will start next month. For someone looking for exclusivity, the Volkswagen Beetle’s iconic design will give them just that along with the pride of owning it. But considering that the car will be launched around the Rs 30 lakh mark, the Beetle with the 1.4-litre unit doesn't feel like a great value for money proposition. If VW could bring in the more powerful 2.0-litre unit, then things would probably be a lot different.

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