Volkswagen launches The Beetle

The choice of space could not have better complemented the icon that Volkswagen Singapore was launching on 11 July. The blend of new and old in the National Museum of Singapore formed the perfect setting for the launch of the definitive Volkswagen Beetle, dubbed ‘The Beetle’.

Having ‘evolved’ from the original, Volkswagen considers the 21st Century Beetle a modern classic, a car that has maintained the hallmarks of the original Beetle which made it a cult classic. The Beetle retains the characteristics of its original, retaining the distinctive round headlights, flared wings, clean rear light design and bonnet shape. But there have nuanced changes to the car. It now sits wider, lower and is longer to give the car a more dynamic appearance which Volkswagen describes as muscular. With larger dimensions, the Beetle now offers better practicality, with adequate space in the rear to seat passengers comfortably.

On the inside, the 21st Century Beetle comes decked out with an extra glovebox, often called the Beetle box. Coloured panels in the car’s exterior colour also stretch across and around the dash, giving the car a unique appeal. A 10-speaker Fender sound system is also available as option for those who want more oomph in their ride.

For the moment, the Beetle is only available with Volkswagen’s award winning 1.2-litre TSI engine. In line with the brand’s philosophy for downsizing engine, the 105bhp with 175Nm turbocharged engine’s performance is complemented by its modest 16.9km/L fuel efficiency. CO2 emissions also stand at only 137g/km.

With Volkswagen’s seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox equipped as standard, the Beetle can make 0-100km/h in 10.9 seconds before topping out at 180km/h.

At press time, the Beetle 1.2 TSI is priced at $132,300 with COE. Volkswagen had also revealed that a larger capacity 1.4-litre engine variant will be made available sometime in the first half of 2013.

Credits: Text: Jonathan Tan, Photos: Jonathan Tan and Manfacturer