Volkswagen reveals all new Beetle in Singapore

Set against the charismatic backdrop of the Singapore National Museum, the Beetle of the 21st century is unveiled to a crowd of media. Both carry a long illustrious history, as well as a special place in the hearts which have been fondly stirred.

The Beetle is the latest entrant to the Volkswagen lineup in Singapore. Upholding its aim of bringing technologies to the masses (the customers), Volkswagen Singapore has achieved an increase in the local market share despite the shrinking market size, further boosted by the new products that has been launched in the first half of the year - CC and Golf Match.

Best of both Worlds

The team at Volkswagen set off with the objective of “Design a new original”, in the aim to stay true to its origins, as well as to retain the independent and distinctively image of the cult car. Bestowed with the iconic styling of the original Beetle, the car boasts a clean, undisturbed design which makes it instantly recognisable.

Expressing his ideas behind the new Beetle, Head of Design at Volkswagen, Klaus Bischoff explains, "The Beetle is now characterised by a clean, self-confident and dominant sportiness. The car not only has a lower profile; it is also substantially wider, the front bonnet is longer, the front windscreen is shifted further back and has a much steeper incline. All of this creates a new dynamism."

Further illustration of Bischoff’s ideas can be proven on paper - the new car is 84mm wider, 152mm longer, and sits 12mm closer to the ground. The growth in the dimensions also meant that the Beetle is also more practical, seating four adults in comfort, not to mention 310 litres of practical boot space, which is further extendable to 905 litres.

Underneath the bonnet, the Beetle carries the marque's renowned TSI engines, promises to be the most efficient Beetle just yet. The 1.2 TSI powerplant, matched with a seven-speed DSG gearbox, despatches the century sprint in 10.9 seconds. More impressively, the car sips at 5.9 L/100km, emitting only 137g of CO2 per kilometre.

As with the rest of the range of models, the Beetle will come in a variety of colours and trims, as well as a long list of customisable options. Audiophiles for instance will be duly excited about the Fender sound system, which was the recipient for 2011 “Best-sounding car stereo”. Specially designed for the Beetle, the system is powered by a 10-channel amplifier rated at 400 watts. Ambience lighting will come as standard when the premium sound system is spec-ed.

The Beetle will be available in 1.2 TSI trim, with prices starting from S$132,300 (inclusive of COE).