Volkswagen Middle East has revealed that the new generation Beetle – arguably the world’s most recognizable car – will be available in the Middle East in three exciting configurations: S, SE and SEL. The Beetle is a reinterpretation of the original design, which made its debut over seven decades ago and offers a distinctive bold, dynamic and masculine look with a powerful new engine.
Thomas Milz, Managing Director, Volkswagen Middle East, said: “Since its world debut, the third generation Beetle has been eagerly anticipated in the Middle East and we are delighted that we are able to offer three exciting choices that deliver on quality, performance and style but also provide flexibility to budgets.”
“We expect the Beetle, with its modern, sporty features, to be a big hit. The new model is a step-change from its predecessor with a powerful new engine, the Beetle enjoys 210HP from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) and a top speed of 227 km/h. Its arrival in the region heralds a new era in the future of one the world’s most iconic cars,” concluded Milz.
In homage to its heritage, many of the classic Beetle characteristics have been incorporated, including its round headlights, flared wings, bonnet shape, sides and door sills and large wheels (up to 19 inch). However, the new Beetle offers entirely new proportions to its predecessor – 1,808 mm wide (84 mm wider), 1,486 mm tall (12 mm lower) and 4,278 mm long (152 mm longer) – that gives it a powerful appearance with muscular tension.
With a starting price of only USD 27,196, the new Beetle will be available in a range of styles and colours: solid, metallic, pearl and two tone sunroof (with black ceiling) shades and a range of special colours including Denim Blue, Saturn Yellow and Tornado Red.
The Beetle S is the entry level model and features a multi-function leather wrapped steering wheel; Fender® Audio System and eight speakers (including dual tuner); an automatic air condition “Climatronic” with dual zone climate control, which can be separately controlled and parking distance control that provides acoustic warning signals at the front and rear of the vehicle.
The mid entry model, the Beetle SE, has a number of distinguishing features including 18-inch alloy “Twister” wheels; a multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel with gear shift; a transparent tilt/slide sunroof, which is 80 per cent larger (glass surface area) than its predecessor and insulates 99 per cent of UV radiation and 92 per cent of heat energy; bi-xenon headlights including 15 LEDs frame the xenon module on the outer perimeters of the headlights.
The top line model, Beetle SEL, offers the features of the S and SEL models but comes with 19-inch alloy “Tornado” wheels; a keyless locking and starting system and the leading radio navigation system – the RNS 510 and the seat centres and inner sides of side bolsters are wrapped in “Vienna” leather. It also offers additional refinements including a 6.5-inch touchscreen, DVD player, voice control, SD card slot, 30 Gigabyte hard drive and a mobile device interface with ipod/iphone adapter cable.
The new generation Beetle will be available at local dealerships from June 2014 in Volkswagen dealers across the region – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
Facts overview:
• Engine: Four-cylinder, 2.0l TSI (turbo stratified injection)
• Power: 155 kW / 210HP
• Max. Torque: 280Nm
• Gearboxes: 6-speed DSG
• Top speed: 227km/h
• Acceleration 0-100:7.3 sec
• Fuel consumption combined: 7.6l/100km
• CO2 emissions: 176 g/km