Can you remember when Volkswagen first started selling cars in Australia, and with which car? The year was 1953 and the car was the Volkswagen Beetle. Fast forward 60 years and Volkswagen are launching the third incarnation of the iconic Volkswagen Beetle.
The more aggressive lines hanker back to the first Volkswagen Type-1 Beetle from 1938 and may remind some people of the Porsche family ties. Ditched are the cute looks that may have put some buyers off when the new Beetle was re-introduced back in 1998
2013 Volkswagen Beetle Overview
Available in a single trim level the 5 star safety rated, four-seater Volkswagen Beetle has been spending some time at the gym, with the sleeker lines, lower ride height, wider footprint and more aggressive stance the latest Beetle looks impressive. If you are one of those buyers who love that retro look and don’t require the practicality of a hatchback the new Volkswagen Beetle might just tick the box for you.
The list of standard equipment is as you would expect from Volkswagen with air-con, multi-function d-shaped steering wheel, two front and side airbags, ABS and ESP across the range, multi-function leather steering wheel and Bluetooth and parking sensors.
There are two optional extras packs. The “Technology” pack for $2,700 includes Bi-xenon headlights for high and low beam with LED daytime driving lights and automatic self- levelling, electrically foldable exterior mirrors, keyless entry and starting system including starter button, LED rear number plate light and Low tyre pressure indicator.
The” Sports” pack at $1800 gives you Alloy wheels 18x8” with 235/45 R18 tyres (space saver spare), Dark tinted rear side and rear window glass, sports instruments on dashboard – boost pressure, oil temperature & stopwatch and Steering wheel gearshift paddles on the DSG.
The Volkswagen Beetle Range:
6 Speed Manual - $29,990
7 speed DSG - $ 32,490
Fender Limited Edition model, guitar-style dash, Fender sound system and deep dish rims for $34,490 (auto only).
2013 Volkswagen Beetle Engine
The 1.4 litres TSI petrol engine is the same engine that can be found in the current Volkswagen Golf range. Maximum power is 118kw @ 5,800rpm and peak torque is 240Nm is delivered @ 4,500rpm.
The front wheel drive Beetle can be paired to either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG, both transmissions are fuel efficient with the manual claiming 6.8l/100kms and the DSG combined fuel use of 6.4l/100kms. On our test drive around the hills of Brisbane we averaged around 7.7l/100kms, not bad considering this wasn’t an economy run.
2013 Volkswagen Beetle Interior
Volkswagen excels at interior fit and finish and the third generation Volkswagen Beetle is no different. Volkswagen has redesigned every element of the interior making the third generation a giant leap forward.
Inside, the Beetle has an all new design, thankfully the flower vase is gone, the second glove box is re-introduced a homage to a bygone era. Plastics are also used sparingly thanks to the colour coded inserts of the dash and door panels.
Jumping behind the wheel drivers are presented with familiar VW layout. The round dials (tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge) are easy to read, and the large multifunction display built in do the speedo is clear and easy to use. In the centre of the dash drivers will find the audio and optional navigation systems ($2,500) that are framed by two air vents. Below this is the temperature control panel, the hazard lights and parking sensors and finally the gear lever. Buyers can also opt for a panoramic sunroof which costs $1,700.
Seating in the four-seater Beetle is now lower in profile, the longer roof section results in more rear head room for passengers. The redesigned seating system aims to improve comfort for all passengers.
Whilst not a big as a hatchback the luggage capacity has increased from the 2nd generation Beetle and now ranges from 310 litres to 905 litres with split/folding rear bench folded (previously 209/769)
2013 Volkswagen Beetle Exterior and Styling
The third generation Volkswagen Beetle is now bigger, wider and lower than its modern day Beetle it replaces. The Beetle now measures 4,278 mm in length (+149 mm), 1,808 mm in width (+87 mm) and 1,477 in height (-21 mm).
Taking it styling from the original Beetle and from the modified hot rod beetles from the sixties the new beetle is now more masculine and aggressive in its looks.
Upfront are the classic round bug eyes with daytime running lights sit above the black plastic grille that house fog lights and indicators. The new roof extends back further, the windscreen has been moved closer to the driver, giving it a sportier feel and the rear draws a large chunk from the original Beetle.
2013 Volkswagen Beetle On The Road
Quick, nimble and fun, three words that sum up the driving the new Beetle. The 1.4 TSI engine is one of the best engines in it class, it plods along effortless until your plant your right foot and it spring in to life with enough power to make driving fun.
The lower ride and height and wider footprint allows the Beetle to corner at speed with very little body roll. Cabin noise is quite, even on secondary roads.
2013 Volkswagen Beetle Challenges
Practicality will be the main turn off for buyers looking at the Volkswagen Beetle. Limited to only four seats and a small boot space means the Beetle is suited to Singles, Couples or those without children.
The optional sat-nav at $2,500 is expensive as is the leather trim at $3,300. Hopefully there will be some “special” package deals to get these options at reasonable rates.
2013 Volkswagen Beetle Competition
Hard to name a direct competitor for the Volkswagen Beetle, but the cars this best fit the feel good factor are:
The fun to drive retro classics that you could consider are the much smaller 2013 Fiat 500 priced from $18,800 for the hatchback 0.9 TwinAir manual and the 0.9 TwinAir MTA is priced at$20,300.
The other modern retro is the Mini Cooper is priced from $31,650 for the 1.6litre entry model up to $40,700 for the sports model.
If the retro styling doesn’t end up convincing you, then there are host of small cars that you could consider. The cheaper Volkswagen Golf 90TSI at $24,990. The best selling Mazda 3 starting at $20,330. While the space aged looking Honda Civic is priced from $20,490
Another car that might just tickle your fancy is the Hyundai Veloster priced from $23,990 for the 1.6 litre manual.
2013 Volkswagen Beetle Verdict
If you are after a car that stands out from the crowd and is a pleasure to drive then the third generation Volkswagen Beetle might just be for you.
The new aggressive look will appeal to a larger percentage of buyers and with those 18' inch twister wheels the Beetle looks mean.
So if you feel like throwing caution to the wind and living a little on the wild side the Beetle might just bring a little happiness to your day.
