The Beetle is an icon and it tells a story, a story way back to the year 1938 - when the original 'Bug' or 'Type 1' was born.
75 years on, ageing Beetles can still be seen on the roads everywhere, making it the longest running and most manufactured car of a single design platform.
Launched last year, the third generation Volkswagen Beetle succeeds the ‘New Beetle’ - the cute Bug on wheels that ignited the neo-retro craze at the turn of the millennium.
The 21st century Beetle features a more aggressive appearance with a lower profile, while retaining an overall shape reminiscent of the original Bug.
The Beetle is now available with the popular 1.4-litre TSI Twincharger engine and joins its 1.2-litre counterpart in the local lineup.Exterior
Even a quick glance at the Beetle from the outside will tell you that Volkswagen has done more than slapping a new nose on it.
75 years on, ageing Beetles can still be seen on the roads everywhere, making it the longest running and most manufactured car of a single design platform.
Launched last year, the third generation Volkswagen Beetle succeeds the ‘New Beetle’ - the cute Bug on wheels that ignited the neo-retro craze at the turn of the millennium.
The 21st century Beetle features a more aggressive appearance with a lower profile, while retaining an overall shape reminiscent of the original Bug.
The Beetle is now available with the popular 1.4-litre TSI Twincharger engine and joins its 1.2-litre counterpart in the local lineup.Exterior
Even a quick glance at the Beetle from the outside will tell you that Volkswagen has done more than slapping a new nose on it.
Familiar features such as the classic round bug eyes - now with daytime running lights - greet you as you stand in front of this iconic car.
The look of the Beetle is undoubtedly more masculine now, with a longer, flattened bonnet and roofline which portray a lower stance.
The rear draws a large chunk from its predecessors with a menacing spoiler that gives the car a raring-to-go character.Nonetheless, there is still much to be said about the Bug's cutesy charm that never fails to turn heads.
The look of the Beetle is undoubtedly more masculine now, with a longer, flattened bonnet and roofline which portray a lower stance.
The rear draws a large chunk from its predecessors with a menacing spoiler that gives the car a raring-to-go character.Nonetheless, there is still much to be said about the Bug's cutesy charm that never fails to turn heads.
Interior
Inside, familiar Volkswagen styling is livened up by matching body coloured trims swooping across the dashboard, steering wheel and along the window sills.
It's particularly effective as a visual treat especially for a car like the Beetle and we reckon that the interior will be a tad dull indeed if an all-black theme is specified.
Up front, the leather wrapped steering wheel has a slim rim and is unique to the Beetle. The flat-bottomed design also allows for a firm grip, making it easier to pilot.
Inside, familiar Volkswagen styling is livened up by matching body coloured trims swooping across the dashboard, steering wheel and along the window sills.
It's particularly effective as a visual treat especially for a car like the Beetle and we reckon that the interior will be a tad dull indeed if an all-black theme is specified.
Up front, the leather wrapped steering wheel has a slim rim and is unique to the Beetle. The flat-bottomed design also allows for a firm grip, making it easier to pilot.
The multimedia infotainment system also gets an upgrade over the 1.2-litre variant, with a new 6.5-inch high resolution display sporting multi functions such as navigation and voice control - all at the touch of a button.
Music junkies will not find the Fender sound system (a cost option) a stranger. And if you're guessing it's the same company that equipped the late great Jimi Hendrix with his Stratocaster guitar, you're absolutely right.
Music junkies will not find the Fender sound system (a cost option) a stranger. And if you're guessing it's the same company that equipped the late great Jimi Hendrix with his Stratocaster guitar, you're absolutely right.
The Drive
Feeding the Beetle with 160bhp and 240Nm of torque is a clever 1.4-litre TSI Twincharger engine, allowing the car to complete the century 'flight' in a flash - feeling faster than the 8.3 seconds on paper.
With the DSG transmission, the Beetle bolts up eagerly and kicks down just as readily, providing for impressive in-gear acceleration. And with seven ratios to work with, the engine does not need to rev as hard during overtaking, or when climbing ramps like the Benjamin Sheares Bridge.
Even on imperfect tarmac, the Beetle retains its composure. The ability to soak up bumps and undulations makes it a comfortable ride in most situations.
Compared to its predecessor, the lower ride height and wider footprint of the 21st century Beetle turns your usual commute into a rewarding drive, especially along twisties where the chassis responds with little body roll.
Feeding the Beetle with 160bhp and 240Nm of torque is a clever 1.4-litre TSI Twincharger engine, allowing the car to complete the century 'flight' in a flash - feeling faster than the 8.3 seconds on paper.
With the DSG transmission, the Beetle bolts up eagerly and kicks down just as readily, providing for impressive in-gear acceleration. And with seven ratios to work with, the engine does not need to rev as hard during overtaking, or when climbing ramps like the Benjamin Sheares Bridge.
Even on imperfect tarmac, the Beetle retains its composure. The ability to soak up bumps and undulations makes it a comfortable ride in most situations.
Compared to its predecessor, the lower ride height and wider footprint of the 21st century Beetle turns your usual commute into a rewarding drive, especially along twisties where the chassis responds with little body roll.
Despite the exciting performance, the Beetle isn't thirsty. We managed to achieve a fuel economy figure of 12.3km/L, which isn't very far off from the claimed figure of 16.1km/L.
The car is also a 'green' Bug, emitting just 143g/km of CO2, granting it a $5,000 CEVS rebate.
Conclusion
It's never easy to reinterpret an automotive icon. But with a more stylish and brawny exterior, the designers at VDub have successfully achieved that.
A good blend of performance and frugality makes it shine in the performance department too.
After two days behind the wheel, the involving experience made it hard to part. And we reckon the Beetle is well worth a look if you're in the market for a sprightly two-door with a touch of individuality.
The car is also a 'green' Bug, emitting just 143g/km of CO2, granting it a $5,000 CEVS rebate.
Conclusion
It's never easy to reinterpret an automotive icon. But with a more stylish and brawny exterior, the designers at VDub have successfully achieved that.
A good blend of performance and frugality makes it shine in the performance department too.
After two days behind the wheel, the involving experience made it hard to part. And we reckon the Beetle is well worth a look if you're in the market for a sprightly two-door with a touch of individuality.
