Volkswagen launched the iconic Beetle in India today, with an ex-showroom price starting from INR 28.73 lakhs (ex-showroom Mumbai). What started in life in 1939, from an idea allegedly conceived by Adolf Hitler that sought to mobilize the masses, has now become a premium vehicle for the lifestyle conscious. The Beetle, once synonymous with love, peace, freedom and other associated synonyms, has now entered the 21st century with a modernist appeal.
Built around Volkswagen’s PQ35 platfrom that’s shared with the new Jetta as well, the latest Beetle’s appearance has grown more masculine. A victim of quirky evolution, the new Beetle’s silhouette involves a lower, flatter roofline and more upright wind-shield, unlike its rotund predecessor. The interiors have matured up too, and don’t feature the infamous flower vase anymore, dropping its appeal as a “chick car”.
Internationally, the Beetle is available both as a Coupe or a Cabriolet, along with a slightly outdoorsy Dune version. For the Indian market through, there’s just one variant for now, loaded to the brim with all the comfort and convenience features that its premium pricing predicates. There’s also a single engine option available – a turbocharged 1.4L TSI petrol engine which is mated to a 7-speed DSG gearbox.
The new Beetle is available at select Volkswagen India outlets across India.
FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS
Technical
- Engine – 1.4 L /110 kW TSI
- Transmission – 7-speed DSG
- Wheels – 4 alloy wheels 16″ “Whirl” / Space-saving spare wheel 16″
- Tyres – 205 / 60 R16
- Suspension – 4-link rear suspension
- Steering – Electromechanical speed-sensitive power steering
Exterior
- Panoramic tilt/slide sunroof
- Bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights ( DRL)
- Front fog lamps with static cornering function
- LED License plate lights
- Protective side moldings in body color with chrome strip
- Rear spoiler
- Body-colored door handles
- Green heat-insulating glass in side and rear windows
- Body-colored bumpers
Interior
- “Vienna” leather seats
- Mood lighting on front speaker surround- 3 colours
- “Chrome trim for rotary light switch and controls of AC system”
- Scuff plates
- Carpet mats, front and rear
- Leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel with Multi-function display, audio and telephone controls
- Paddle shift
- Leather hand brake lever handle and gearshift knob
- Door and side trim panel partially in leather
- Illuminated vanity mirrors in sun visors
- 2 front reading lights
Safety
- Driver’s and front passenger airbag with front passenger airbag deactivation
- Combined curtain and side airbags
- Electronic Stability Control with driver steering recommendation, ABS, ASR, EDL and EDTC
- Disc brakes
- Front underbody guard
- ISOFIX- Child seat mounting points
- 3-point seat belts in front with belt tensioner
- Two 3-point seat belts, rear
- Front & rear head restraints
- Hill hold control
- Electronic immobilizer
- Front & rear Park distance control, with acoustic warning and graphical display
- Brake pad wear indicator
- Seat belt reminder
Comfort and Convenience:
- Climatronic dual-zone auto air-conditioning system
- Multi-function display “Plus”
- Sound system with 8 speakers USB interface, AUX-IN and Bluetooth connectivity
- Instrument cluster with electronic speedometer, odometer, tripmeter and tachometer
- Front seats with height adjustment
- Start/stop system with generative braking
- Auto-dimming interior mirror
- Auto headlamp activation
- Rain sensor
- Cruise control system
Car available in 4 body color options
- Habanero Orange
- Oryx White
- Tornado Red
- Blue Silk
