GO
GoAutoLogo
MENU

Make / Model Search

Car reviews - Volkswagen - Beetle - range

Overview

Volkswagen's much-improved Beetle is a more serious affair than the 90s version

18 Feb 2013

SINCE the 1990s are fashionable again, Volkswagen is trying to revive the post-modern Beetle concept with the infuriatingly named “The Beetle” – another front-drive four-seater Coupe-cum-hatch based on outgoing Golf running gear.

This time, though, the Germans are taking it more seriously, ditching the vase and adopting a longer, lower and meaner visage that tries to connect more authentically with the Typ-1 original.

It’s an improved Bug in every area, for sure. But in an era of the multi-niche Mini, Honda CR-Z Hybrid, Hyundai Veloster and Toyota 86, is there even any call for such blatant nostalgia?

Gallery

Click to see larger images

Model release date: 1 February 2013 to 1 March 2017

Previous model

1C Beetle

Released: February 2000
Ended: October 2011
Family Tree: Beetle

WITH much fanfare, VW released the long-awaited post-modern Beetle just weeks into the new millennium.

Based on the Golf IV-derived PQ34 architecture and using conventional struts up front and a torsion beam rear suspension system, the Mexican-made three-door four-seater Coupe with a rear hatch was powered initially by an 85kW/170Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, driving the front wheels via either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

From September 2001, the range was expanded to include a 110kW/210Nm 1.8-litre turbo, adding much-needed performance to the Flower Power chariot, while a cheaper base car using a 75kW/148Nm 1.6-litre followed a few weeks later.

In mid-2003, a fabric-roofed Convertible arrived in revised 85kW/172Nm 2.0L guise, adopting a new six-speed Tiptronic auto, and carried through to 2011, taking on the Series II facelift changes from October 2005.

These were quite mild upgrades inside and out, but the Coupe Series II range lost the 1.8T and 2.0L petrol models for the continuing 1.6L, while a 77kW/250Nm 1.9-litre TDI turbo-diesel in five-speed manual-only form became the economy leader.

Special editions including the Ikon, Miami, Anniversary and Black-Orange sustained interest as the Beetle lost its fad-driven sheen, proving that the basic engineering underneath was no match for the quality driver-focussed charm of the arch-enemy Mini from BMW.

Click to share

Click below to follow us on
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram

GoAuto can help you buy a new Beetle

Customer Terms and Conditions – New Car Lead enquires

Agreement

This is an agreement between GoAutoMedia Pty Limited ACN 094 732 457 of PO Box 18, Beach Road, Sandringham, VIC, 3191 (“we/us”), the owner and operator of the GoAuto.com.au website (“the website”) and the person wanting GoAuto.com.au to provide them with a lead for the purchase of a new car (“you”).

By completing a New Car Lead Enquiry, you agree to the terms and conditions and disclaimers and acknowledge the policies set out below.

Terms and Conditions

  • In order for us to effect a lead you must you must complete a New Car Lead Enquiry (“Enquiry”).
  • We will call you as soon as possible after you complete the Enquiry and certainly no later than the next business day. When we call, we will discuss with you your new car requirements.
  • You consent to our passing on the Enquiry and your requirements to an appropriate authorised motor car dealer as a lead.
  • We will contact you again in approximately eight days following your initial enquiry to check on the progress of the Enquiry.
  • While we will provide the dealer with the Enquiry and details of your new car requirements, we take no responsibility for what happens after passing on that material as a lead.
  • You acknowledge that we are a new car information service providing new car editorial information, pictures and prices to our customers as a guide only. Any new car prices published on the website are the manufacturers’ recommended retail prices and do not include delivery charges and on-road costs. Any authorized motor car dealer to which we pass on your Enquiry as a lead will provide you with full details of the price at which the vehicle will be sold to you.
  • You acknowledge that we do not sell motor vehicles. Any sale of a new car to you by a dealer after we have passed on your Enquiry to that dealer as a lead, is a sale by that dealer not by us.

Privacy Policy– New Car Lead Enquires

  • We take privacy very seriously. We understand that you will only complete an Enquiry if you can trust us to protect your personal information and use it appropriately. Our policy is to ensure that the personal information collected when you make an Enquiry is only used for the purposes of connecting you with an authorised motor car dealer.
  • We do not on-sell information collected from you or any other customer.
  • From time to time, we may email you with information or promotions that may be relevant for car buyers. You will continue to receive communications from us unless you tell us that you do not want to receive any advertising or promotional information in the future by unsubscribing from these communications.
close
* Denotes required field
** Australian inquiries only

Motor industry news

GoAutoNews is Australia’s number one automotive industry journal covering the latest news, future and new model releases, market trends, industry personnel movements, and international events.

Catch up on all of the latest industry news with this week's edition of GoAutoNews
Click here