Volkswagen The Beetle 1.2 TSI DSG Review: Beetle remastered

What we like:

Still unmistakably a Beetle

retro-inspired interior

more than sufficient performance

competent ride and handling

What we dislike:

Looks like the previous model from some angles

can be better equipped

The Beetle’s funky nature continues on the inside. There’s a body coloured dashboard panel called the dash pad that not only harks back to the original model’s but look good too. Additional body coloured panels can be found on the steering wheel spokes and the doors. An especially nice retro design touch is the additional glove box that opens upwards on the front fascia – the Beetle box as it is lovingly known as, is a design feature that is shared with the original model. Modern necessities like the passenger airbag though, means that the Beetle Box is a tad shallow to store anything more than parking coupons. Thankfully, there’s still a more conventionally sized glove compartment on the underside of the dashboard.

Compared to the last generation New Beetle, the new car’s dashboard isn’t as vast so it’ll be easier to reach for that cash card in the IU in the new car. The driving position is spot on thanks to wide adjustments for the driver’s seat while the view out is a panoramic one thanks to relatively slim A-pillars. The instrument pack is a simple affair with an oversized speedometer with a multi-function display within flanked by a small rev counter and the biggest fuel gauge of any recent cars we can ever remember. Those who require additional information on engine parameters can go for the optional auxiliary instrument pack that can be placed on top of the dashboard. The steering wheel is another retro inspired item – not only its spokes feature body coloured panels but the wheel rim itself is specifically slimmer in the mould of classic cars’. The Salsa red/black colour scheme for the seats also somehow adds to the retro ambience in the Beetle. Gone from the old model is the unmistakable Beetle flower vase on the dash.

Behind the driver and front passenger, the Beetle can easily accommodate two full sized adults thanks to reasonable amounts of head and legroom even though it doesn’t have its predecessor’s domed roof design. The boot offers 310 litres of luggage space, a noticeable improvement over the old car’s 209 litres. Fold away the rear seat backs and boot volume will increase to 905 litres.

An optional feature that is fitted on the test car is the superb sounding, award winning Fender sound system. Cars fitted with this hi-fi system will also come with ambience illumination on the doors and speaker surrounds as well as a sub-woofer fitted on the right hand side of the boot among other features.

Unlike the cutesy New Beetle of the late 1990s, this latest iteration of the timeless Bug is not just a Golf with Beetle inspired clothes but a Beetle that is true in spirit and character to the original model.

Credits: Story by Raymond Lai Photos by Yang and Raymond Lai