The Beetle is an automotive statement. Accordingly, it can also be adapted according to customers' individual tastes. Generally, the first step is in the engine line-up; for the Beetle, Volkswagen will offer a total of 5 engines with a power range from 77 kW / 105 PS to 147 kW / 200 PS in Europe. In the USA, there will be 3 engines (103 KW / 140 PS to 147 kW / 200 PS); and China will also get 3 engines (77 kW / 105 PS to 147 kW / 200 PS). The second step in customisation is in the selection of an equipment version. For the regions Europe, America and Australia / New Zealand, Volkswagen has produced 3 packs: "Beetle", "Design" and "Sport". In China, the Beetle will be available in the versions "Design" and "Sport". Each of the equipment lines has a fully independent character.
Tell me your name!
This time, there really is a country-specific nickname on the back of the car – that is, a name like Käfer, Beetle, Vocho, Coccinelle, Fusca, Maggiolino or 甲壳虫. Only if the customer wants this, of course. If a country really exists whose vernacular does not include a nickname for the bestseller, this is not a problem either: the Beetle signature can be selected. And of course there is another name available as an option: Volkswagen!
Standard features of 3 lines: "Beetle", "Sport" and "Design"
European combinations
The 2 entry-level engines (diesel and petrol engines with 77 kW / 105 PS) can be ordered together with the "Beetle" and "Design" equipment lines; the "Sport" level is not offered with these engines. All 3 equipment lines can also be combined with the 2 mid-power levels (103 kW / 140 TDI and 118 kW / 160 PS TSI). The top engine (TSI with 147 kW / 200 PS) is offered exclusively on the "Sport" version.
USA combinations
The base engine (125 kW / 170 PS) can be ordered with the "Beetle" and "Design" versions. Volkswagen is offering the Clean Diesel (103 kW / 140 PS) in an extensively featured "Design" version as a "TDI". In the USA, the "Sport" will be offered exclusively with the 147 kW / 200 PS engine. "Design" and "Sport" are each offered in 3 customisation levels, as is usual between New York and San Francisco. All US versions have air conditioning. Different to in Europe, new cars in the USA are usually purchased from the dealer's lot in preconfigured versions; individual ordering of a car with detailed individual options, as in Europe, is the exception in America.
China combinations
In China, 2 of the petrol engines (TSI with 77 kW / 105 PS and 118 kW / 160 PS) are available with the "Design" version. The 160 PS engine can also be ordered as an alternative engine for the Beetle Sport. Also coupled with the "Sport" in China is the top engine with 147 kW / 200 PS. Both equipment lines are offered in 2 different versions. All Beetle versions in China have a standard DSG automatic transmission and air conditioning. As in the USA, customers usually purchase preconfigured vehicles in China.
"Beetle" – base model eliminated
"Beetle" exterior
And this is how the "Beetle" looks in detail (example of European version): the base version of the Beetle can be recognised by... Never mind, it is not so easy any more. Because the bumpers are painted in body colour now. Okay, the expert will see that the air inlet screen, door handles and side guard strips are all in black, and the car has 16-inch wheels mounted on it. But only on a second look; and on a Beetle with dark paint it would likely even take a third look to notice. As is usual at Volkswagen, lateral turn indicators are integrated in the door mirror housings. A Volkswagen standard that is hidden: galvanising of the body. Rust? Unlikely. But what you will see is the rear spoiler that is standard in this version from a power output of 118 kW / 160 PS.
"Beetle" interior
When the doors are opened, a knowledgeable observer can make this out as the base version, but not based on different quality properties. There are no differences. One car, one quality. What is conspicuous: what is called the "Dash Pad", the part of the dashboard that is oriented forward, and painted in a sporty black. Other standard features include 3 cupholders (2 in front, 1 in rear), the legendary assist straps on the B-pillars, large storage bins in the doors, Easy Entry system, the centre badge of the 3-spoke steering wheel also in black, gear shift gate and drink holder with chrome borders, split/folding rear bench seat and height adjustable front seats. The seats are upholstered with active-breathing fabric in "Beetle" pattern. Other details upgraded in chrome or designed in chrome include the parking brake lever grip, climate control elements, interior door handles and the badge of the rotary light switch.
"Beetle" functional features
The Beetle – designed with frameless doors – scores in this category too with a wide array of standard features. Always in the car are features such as Hill Climb Assist, electric windows and mirror adjustment, comfort turn indicators (1 press = 3 flashing cycles), vertical and axial adjustments for the steering column, vanity mirrors in the sun visors, multifunction display Plus, RCD 310 radio-CD system with 8 loudspeakers and diversity antenna, an electromechanical and speed-dependent control of the power-assisted steering, warning tone when the light is not turned off and a warning tone and visual indicator when a seatbelt is not fastened (system acquires all seating positions), 2 reading lights and naturally central locking with wireless remote control.
"Beetle" safety
Every Beetle across the globe has the ESP electronic stabilisation programme (including ABS, Brake Assist, EDS, ASR and trailer stabilisation), daytime running lights, height-adjustable head restraints all around, 3-point safety belts (with belt tensioners in front), ISOFIX fixtures in the rear bench seat for secure fastening of compatible child seats, front airbags, combined head and side airbags for driver and front passenger, reflectors in the doors and automatic hazard light activation (under hard braking).
"Beetle" USA version
In America, the ‘base' version was designed for commercial users and government services. Due to its different vehicle speed conditions, this version is equipped with a different brake system (drum brakes at rear) and all-season tyres. Modified features include an air conditioning system, cruise control and tyre pressure monitoring. The 2.5-litre version is also delivered with hydraulic-assist steering.
"Design" – more colour in life
"Design" exterior
The "Design" version builds on the "Beetle" and offers a plus in exclusivity. Above all, more colour is used. The European version illustrates this: it begins outside with body-coloured door handles and side guard strips (the latter with chrome decorative strips). In this case, the decorative trim under the side windows is made of anodised aluminium; the black air inlet screen in front is upgraded with a chrome strip. 16-inch alloy wheels ("Whirl" type) with 215 tyres rounds out the appearance.
"Design" interior, functionality, safety
Inside, the Dash Pad painted in body colour immediately catches the eye. In front of the front passenger is the "Beetle bin", which is part of the Dash Pad; it lies behind a hinged cover that swings upward and is also painted in body colour. It is opened with a silver clasp. Also painted in body colour: the upper door trim panel. This is all intended to be a tribute to the first generation Beetle, and it adds magic to the interior, giving it a very special flair. Also standard: storage pockets on the back of the front seats and the chrome badge of the rotary light switch and chrome borders for controls of the ventilation system or optional air conditioning. Also designed in chrome are the ring trim around the instruments, the decorative rings around the lateral air vents and the radio module together with the air vents integrated there as well as accents for the electric window switches. The "Design" version also includes comfort seats in front, elegant seat covers in "Design" pattern, a 3-spoke steering wheel with decorative accents in body colour, woven floor mats (front and rear), front fog lights with static cornering lights as well as indirect background lighting in the vicinity of the 2 reading lights between the driver and front passenger.
"Design" USA versions
The "Design" equipment line is offered in 3 versions. Compared to the European version, the USA "Design 1" has such features as 17-inch alloy wheels ("Circle Black" type), artificial leather upholstery plus seat heating (front), 3-stage ambiance lighting, leather-trimmed steering wheel and leather-trimmed parking brake grip as well as a Bluetooth hands-free system. The "Design 2" pack is based on "Design 1" and adds the Keyless Access engine starting and locking system, multifunction steering wheel, SAT radio, centre armrest in front, panoramic tilt/slide roof and RCD 510 radio system. The "Design 3" version builds upon "Design 2". Here standard additional features include 18-inch alloy wheels ("Disc" type), RNS 315 radio-navigation system and the Fender sound system.
"TDI" USA versions
The Beetle with Clean Diesel is delivered in the "TDI" equipment versions (3 versions). "TDI 1" is based on "Design 1", but it also offers features such as 17-inch "Rotor" alloy wheels and is equipped with Keyless Access, multifunction steering wheel, SAT radio, centre armrest in front and 3 auxiliary instruments above the centre console. The "TDI 2" pack is based on "TDI 1" and adds the panoramic tilt/slide sunroof and the RCD 510 radio system. In turn, "TDI 3" is based on "TDI 2"; here, added features include the RNS 315 radio-navigation system in place of the RCD 510 radio system and the Fender sound system.
"Design" China versions
The "Design" equipment line is offered in 2 versions. Both of them are essentially based on the European version, but they add market-specific auxiliary equipment. For example, compared to the European version, the "Design 1" in China adds a dual clutch transmission (DSG), leather-trimmed steering wheel and parking brake grip, smokers pack, air conditioning, cruise control, 3 auxiliary instruments above the centre console and a centre armrest. "Design 2" is based on "Design 1", but also includes sport seats, leather upholstery with seat heating in front, panoramic tilt/slide sunroof and heated windscreen washer nozzles.
"Sport" – a matter of dynamics
"Sport" exterior
Those customers who choose the "Sport" version get – with the exception of the legendary New Beetle RSI – which is being offered in a limited edition of 250 vehicles – the most dynamic Beetle ever. And this not only refers to its powerful yet efficient turbocharged engine, which is illustrated by the European version: it starts off with 17-inch alloy wheels ("Spin") and 215/55 tyres. Also standard are red painted brake callipers (on the 147 kW / 200 PS), black painted door mirror housings (in the style of the Golf R and Scirocco R) and side guard strips (the latter with chrome accents), rear spoiler, chrome strip in the air inlet screen, chrome-plated tailpipes (on the 147 kW / 200 PS) and anodised aluminium trim strips. All of these features create one stylistically consistent unit, like that of a top level sports car. So, the Beetle Sport is not only a first-class companion for recreation, but also for business.
"Sport" interior, functionality, safety
Inside, the Beetle Sport offers a Dash Pad in carbon look plus the Beetle bin, ambiance lighting (one colour), sport seats with lumbar supports (front) in "Sport" pattern (with storage pockets on the backs of the front seats), a 3-spoke leather-trimmed steering wheel with black painted accents, leather-trimmed parking brake grip and gear shift grip, door sill plates, pedals in aluminium look, chrome surrounds of the controls for the air conditioning system that is standard here, black painted upper door trim panels and woven floor mats. Also standard: front fog lights with static cornering lights and indirect background lighting in front.
"Sport" USA versions
Similar to the "Design" equipment line, the "Sport" is also offered in 3 stages. Compared to the European version, the "Sport 1" adds such features as 18-inch alloy wheels ("Twister" type) and auxiliary instruments above the centre console. "Sport 2" is based on "Sport 1"; here, additional onboard features include Keyless Access, multifunction steering wheel, SAT radio, front centre armrest, panoramic tilt/slide sunroof, RCD 510 radio-CD system and the Fender sound system. Clearly, "Sport 3" is an extension of "Sport 2" and contains additional leather sport seats and the RNS 315 radio-navigation system instead of the RCD 510.
"Sport" China versions
Just like on the "Design" equipment line, the 2 "Sport" versions are also based on the European pack of equipment features. Features added to "Sport 1" in China include a DSG dual clutch transmission, multifunction steering wheel, leather upholstery with seat heating, automatic climate control system, cruise control, 3 auxiliary instruments above the centre console, front centre armrest, panoramic tilt/slide roof, Park Assist (front and rear), heated windscreen washer nozzles, RCD 510 radio-CD system, folding door mirrors, Light & Sight pack and an anti-theft warning system. The most exclusive equipment pack is in the "Sport 2" version; here, along with 18-inch alloy wheels, standard features include a multifunction steering wheel with DSG shift paddles, Fender sound system, 3-stage ambiance lighting and sport chassis.
Optional features – high-tech meets cult car
In addition to the 3 equipment lines, the Beetle can be customised by adding features from the options list . Here is an overview of the most significant features:
Bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights
For the first time, Volkswagen is offering the Beetle with bi-xenon headlights. The outer edges of the xenon module are framed by 15 LEDs that make up the daytime running lights and parking lights on each headlight. An option that can be ordered with bi-xenon headlights is LED licence plate lighting.
Panoramic roof
It is transparent, and it can be tilted or opened. The precise name is therefore panoramic tilt/slide sunroof. It is 80 per cent larger (glass area) than on the previous model. Incidentally, the thermally insulating glass blocks 99 per cent of UV radiation and 92 per cent of thermal energy. The panoramic roof does not reduce the interior height of the Beetle, because it opens towards the exterior. When the roof is opened, a wind deflector protects against air turbulence in the car's interior. The rotary switch for opening and closing the transparent roof is intuitive in its operation. When the switch is pressed upwards, the sunroof also moves upwards (tilt function). Meanwhile, if the sunshine is too bright, a sunshade can be pulled out that spans the entire opening (even if the roof is open).
Radio-CD and radio-navigation systems
The New Beetle was exclusively available with radio-CD systems specially designed for this model. However, there was no navigation system. Volkswagen is now taking a completely different approach, and offering all of the systems that are available in models such as the Golf, Jetta and Passat on the new Beetle. As standard, the Beetle has the already very good audio system RCD 310 with 8 loudspeakers (4 tweeters and 4 woofers) and dual tuners. The top system among the audio systems is the RCD 510 with integrated CD changer, SD card interface and touchscreen. Offering an economically attractive entry into the area of radio-navigation systems is the RNS 315 with 5-inch touchscreen (400 x 240 pixels), CD player, SD card slot and dual tuners. The top radio-navigation system model is the RNS 510. It offers up such refinements as a 6.5-inch touchscreen, DVD player, voice control, SD card slot and 30-Gigabyte hard drive. In the USA, a SAT radio is also available.
Sound system from Fender...
Anyone who knows about the world of rock music is familiar with such greats as Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton. The first played Fender guitars, while the latter still does. Now, the legendary producer of US musical instruments and amplifiers – in a joint venture with Panasonic – is exclusively sharing its know-how with the Volkswagen brand. The result is an optional Fender sound system that is being offered in the Beetle. Those choosing this sound system also get interior ambiance lighting that can be set to one of 3 colours (white, red, blue). Besides providing indirect illumination in the door trim area, it also includes light rings around the loudspeaker boxes in the doors.
...and its technology
The Fender sound system consists of 2 tweeters installed in the interior door mirror triangles and two in the rear side trim. They are equipped with neodymium magnets and woven domes. In the front doors, there are woofer loudspeakers with dual voice coils, which are arranged in the rear side trim. There are also woofers in the rear side trim panels, each with a single voice coil. In addition, a subwoofer with dual voice coil is housed in an enclosed bass box that is integrated in the Beetle's boot. The centrepiece of the sound system is a 10-channel amplifier with Class A/B power amplifiers and 400 Watts. In Europe, the Beetle is the first car to be equipped with a Fender sound system.
Keyless Access
The Keyless Access locking and engine starting system is appearing for the first time in the Beetle; it operates without a door or ignition key. When one of the door handles is touched, the system detects access authorisation from a transmitter carried in the person's jacket, trousers or hand bag; it then unlocks the Beetle and enables an engine start via the engine start button located in front of the gear shift grip. Locking of the Volkswagen is also activated by touching one of the 2 door handles; in this case, however, a specially marked surface is used.
Ambiance lighting
In the Beetle, to the left of the steering wheel, there is not only a small wheel for brightness control of the instrument backlighting, but also (as an option) a second one with the scaling "0", "r", "w" and "b". This wheel is used to control the innovative ambiance lighting system. The settings "r" "w" and "b" stand for the colours of the ambiance lighting: red, white and blue. The indirect lighting itself is located in the door trim panels, while direct lighting is implemented as a light ring around the door-mounted loudspeakers. Ambiance lighting is offered as a pack in combination with the also optional Fender sound system.
Auxiliary instruments
Another classic feature: the optional auxiliary instruments above the selected radio-CD or radio-navigation system: oil temperature, clock with chronometer function and boost pressure gauge. The oil temperature gauge shows when the engine is ready to go onto the race track where the chronometer can be put to good use. And the boost pressure gauge? It optimises either driving fun or fuel-efficiency – depending on the driver's inclination and mood.
ParkPilot
When the Beetle is ordered with ParkPilot, the driver can access a visual display on the screen of the radio-CD or radio-navigation system that assists in parking. The display image shows a top view of the Beetle that symbolically depicts potential obstacles in front of and behind the car at their precise locations. In addition, there is an acoustic warning: an intermittent tone increases in frequency as the car approaches the obstacle, eventually becoming a continuous tone.
Leather upholstery with sport seats
Particularly elegant is the leather upholstery that is also available in a two-tone version. In this case, the Beetle is equipped with sport seats in front, while other features include storage pockets on the backs of the front seats as well as lumbar supports and seat heating in front.
Notes:
TDI, TSI, DSG and Twincharger are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG or other companies of the Volkswagen Group in Germany and other countries.
Features and technical data apply to models offered in Germany. They may differ in other countries.
All fuel economy and emissions data cited in this press release are forecast values as of June 2011.