Beetle with bells and whistles
THE Beetle is one of the world’s best known, most loved and most individual cars.
Volkswagen has refined the lifestyle icon’s design, engineering and technology.
For the South African market, VW is launching a limited edition Beetle R-Line model with only 50 units available to participating Volkswagen dealerships.
Identifying features of the new version of the Beetle include a redesigned front bumper. The central air inlet has been made larger and framing it now in the vehicle body colour are bars that strive outwards in an Ashape, making the Beetle appear wider and sturdier.
On both the left and right outer edges of the bumper a black trim element emphasises the width.
Customers opting for the new limited edition R-Line version will acquire a Beetle that additionally has a further narrow air inlet between number plate and bonnet. The Beetle is furthermore equipped with a new trim element in elegant gloss black that runs all around the car. It frames, among other features, the central air inlet and – acting as body-wideners – the wheel arches and side sills. Also black on these versions is the central and lower part of the rear bumper, diffuser included, which has been remodelled in line with the front of the car.
The exterior modifications are rounded off by a new optional paint finish, white silver metallic, standard park distance control, the newly colour-coordinated 18-inch Ravenna Adamantium silver alloy wheels and smoked LED tail lights.
The Beetle’s interior has a black painted dashpad and upper door panels, the glove compartment in original Beetle style. Volkswagen has significantly changed the seat fabrics with the R-Line inspired seats.
Front sports seats are finished in contemporary “Kyalami” cloth upholstery, with an embroided R-Line logo on the head restraints.
The vehicle is equipped as standard with the composition media radio system and eight loudspeakers and includes a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, USB interface as well as App-Connect (only Apple CarPlay compatible).
The optional Fender premium soundpack delivers a unique audio experience thanks to the 400 watt output from the eight speakers and subwoofer.
The Beetle R-Line is a four-cylinder engine that features added power thanks to turbocharging. The TSI engine has an output rating of 110 kW and offers a maximum torque of 250Nm (between 1 500 and 3 500rpm). Fuel consumption on the new Beetle R-Line is 5.7litres/100km.
The model comes standard with 5year/90 000km service plan, 3year/120 000km warranty and a 12-year anticorrosion warranty.
The retail price (VAT incl) of the R-Line 1.4 TSI 110kW DSG is R419 500. a