Volkswagen opens order books for new Beetle

Volkswagen’s new Beetle is now available to order, as the car maker prepares to make the first deliveries in the spring of 2012.

At launch the car will be available with two engines; a 1.2 litre TSI 105 PS mated to a seven-speed DSG transmission and a 1.4 litre 160 PS TSI with a six-speed manual gearbox.

The latest model of the Beetle is designed to overcome the muted response to the last one, where the presence of a in-car vase and plastic flower ensured that for the most part, only women considered buying it. For the latest model, Volkswagen promise less flower and more power, ditching the vase and offering new more refined, efficient and powerful engines.

Ditching the vase, Volkswagen will add three other engines to the initial choice of two– a 1.6-litre TDI BlueMotion Technology 105 PS, 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS and 2.0-litre TSI 200 PS – which will join the line-up later in 2012 along with the option of a six-speed manual gearbox for the 1.2-litre TSI model.

Three trim levels will be available: Beetle, Design and Sport.  Among the initial engine offerings, the 1.2-litre is offered in Beetle or Design trim from £16,490 (RRP OTR) and the 1.4-litre in Design or Sport trim from £19,470.  The entry level Beetle comes with a good level of kit as standard; including air conditioning, remote central locking, an RCD 310 CD system with DAB radio and rear Isofix seat preparation.

Moving to the mid-level Design trim adds 17-inch alloy wheels in a choice of two styles, Bluetooth telephone preparation with MDI (multi-device interface) iPod connectivity, front fog lights, an alarm, an RCD 510 DAB CD/radio, multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel and body-coloured door and dashboard panels.

The range-topping Sport specification brings 18-inch alloys in a choice of two styles, tinted glass, cruise control, sports seats, parking sensors, gloss black door mirrors, dashboard and door panel and 2Zone electronic climate control.

A wide range of optional equipment will also be available, including Keyless Access, satellite navigation systems, a panoramic sunroof and bi-xenon headlights. 

Slightly wider and longer than the old model with a bigger wheelbase, Volkswagen has also improved the ride of the latest Beetle. On the road, new suspension contributes to more dynamic driving performance than in the previous model.  A very lightweight strut type set-up at the front is completed by semi-independent rear suspension.  The 2.0-litre TSI 200 PS has four-link rear suspension and, along with the 1.4-litre TSI 160 PS, also benefits from standard XDS electronic differential lock, as fitted to the Golf GTI.

Fuel economy gets as good as 65.7 mpg on a combined cycle and 114 g/km of CO₂ when motorists choose the 1.6 TDI fitted with Bluemotion Technologies.

Volkswagen Beetle car leasing deals

Volkswagen Beetle road test reports

The option that is expected to make the biggest impact is the Fender sound pack.  Developed in conjunction with the legendary electric guitar firm of the same name, this audiophile’s delight offers a 400W output and a subwoofer, along with switchable three-colour illumination surrounding the front loudspeakers, all for just £495.

Order books open today, with initial customer deliveries expected in spring 2012. 

Author: Faye Sunderland, October 21st, 2011
Filed under: Volkswagen | No Comments »