Still a lovely love bug?
Yahoo! Autos Malaysia tests the Volkswagen Beetle 2.0 TSI to see if adding more performance makes it a better Beetle.
What is it?
The Beetle (not to be confused with the New Beetle, which was the old car) gets a detuned Volkswagen GTI engine, 6-speed DSG ‘box and retuned suspension to handle the extra power. There are also 18-inch wheels, DRLs and a rear wing to differentiate it from the 1.2-litre TSI entry-level model.
Herbie on steroids?
Not quite. Volkswagen has just released pictures of the Beetle GSR, which has more power and even meaner looks. There will probably also be a Beetle R in the near future so think of it as the first step of performance Beetles.
Having said that, it’s a very quick car with more than enough gusto to deliver a thrilling drive. 0-100km/h takes 7.5 seconds and top speed is rated at 223km/h, so you can spring quite a few surprises at traffic light drag races. The novelty of seeing a Beetle blow by loads of sportier cars never wears out.
Thanks to the turbo engine’s power delivery, mid-range acceleration is especially addictive as there is 280Nm of torque to call on from 1700-5000rpm. You can stir the DSG ‘box yourself if you want to via the paddle shifters, but leaving it in S mode is the fastest way to get around when your intensity dial is switched to ‘Grrr’.
Handle with care
If you expected Golf GTI handling to go with the Golf GTI performance, then you’re going to be sorely disappointed. Volkswagen have upped the suspension rates and retuned the steering but the Beetle is neither as stiff nor as wieldy as its more specialised brethren.
So, you can go fast in a straight line but the steering lacks feel (though there is a lot of weight to it) and the ride is surprisingly harsh to the point where you actively try to avoid road imperfections. Add in seats that require more side support and the best way to drive the Beetle 2.0 TSI is on the highway or fast flowing A-roads.
It’s called character
The Beetle does however have its charms. The interior is simple and not really up to more expensive Volkswagen standards but you have to love the painted metal surfaces and full-length glass roof. There is room for four in there but adults won’t appreciate being stuffed in the back.
Still, there are enough concessions to comfort to make this an able daily driver, plus there are those iconic Beetle looks to draw the attention of other road users. As a plus point, with the bigger wheels and rear spoiler, big boys don’t end up looking like girlie boys behind the wheel so major plus points there.
Should I?
At RM219,888 you’ll be paying RM10,000 more than you would for a Volkswagen Golf GTI, which is faster, better handling and just as iconic. But then, this is ‘The Beetle’ and like that other icon, ‘The Mini’, people who want them will accept nothing else.
From that point of view then, it’s a good option if you want a fast Beetle and a style statement that is likely to remain cool for at least the next decade. Everybody else would be better served looking somewhere else.
The Facts
Volkswagen Beetle 2.0TSI
Price: RM219,888
Engine: 1984cc turbocharged petrol
Power: 200PS @ 5100rpm
Torque: 280Nm @ 1700-5000rpm
0-100km/h: 7.5 secs
Top Speed: 223km/h
L x W x H: 4278mm x 1808mm x 1486mm
Wheelbase: 2537mm
Tyre Size: 235/45 R18
