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Beetle's Interior
The 21st Century Beetle's styling, ergonomics and quality interact to create a
new, friendly car with a highly individual nature. The shape and use of color
for the painted or carbon-look dashboards harkens back to the design of the
first Beetle.
Three round gauges are arranged in front of the driver (tachometer, speedometer,
fuel gauge), providing all key information at a glance. A multifunction display
is integrated in the speedometer, which is housed in the central position in the
binnacle. The steering wheel is specially designed with optional painted accents
in the spokes depending on the equipment line.
Framed by two air vents, the selected audio/navigation system is optimally
located in the driver's field of vision on the dashboard. Within easy reach, the
climate controls are situated just below.
Similar to the original Beetle, the new car has an extra glove box integrated
into the dashboard - the kaeferfach or "Beetle bin". The lid folds upward, while
the standard glove box opens downward. Another classic feature is the optional
auxiliary instrumentation package sited above the audio/navigation system that
consists of an oil temperature gauge, a clock with stopwatch function, and a
boost pressure gauge.
Even though the "cathedral ceiling" dome roof of the New Beetle has been
replaced with a sleek and sporty roofline, front and rear passenger headroom
remains plentiful. The longer roof section results in 0.4 inches more rear-seat
headroom. Front legroom is improved, too, by 1.9 inches, and front shoulder room
grows by 2.5 inches. Overall, the interior volume has increased from 81 to 85
cubic feet.
The trunk is significantly larger, offering 15.4 cubic feet of space, compared
with the New Beetle's 12.0 cubic feet: with the seats folded, the capacity
increases to 29.9 cubic feet. A split-folding rear seat - new on this Beetle -
and a wide opening trunk lid ease loading and unloading.
Engines and Transmissions
At launch, the 2012 Beetle will offer two engines and transmissions: the
2.5-liter five-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic and the 2.0-liter
TSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine with the acclaimed DSG six-speed
dual-clutch automatic. Five-and six-speed manual transmissions will be offered
at a later date on the 2.5L and Turbo models respectively.
The dual-overhead-cam, 20-valve, 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine makes 170
horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy values are improved by up to 10
percent over prior 2.5-liter models. When outfitted with the six-speed automatic
transmission, the EPA estimated fuel economy rating is 22 mpg city and 29 mpg
highway.
The Beetle Turbo uses Volkswagen's award-winning dual-overhead-cam, 16-valve,
2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine that produces 200 hp and 207
lb-ft of torque. With the DSG automatic transmission, it offers an EPA estimated
fuel economy rating of 30 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg city.
During 2012, the Beetle will become available with Volkswagen's highly efficient
2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder TDI Clean Diesel engine that
produces 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. With manufacturer fuel economy
estimates of 40 mpg highway, 29 mpg city, and 33 mpg combined, this will likely
be the most fuel-efficient Beetle ever sold. Like the Turbo, the TDI will be
offered with a six-speed manual transmission and the DSG dual-clutch automatic.
Suspension
All Beetle models are fitted with a strut-type front suspension with a lower
control arm and an anti-roll bar: on the Beetle, this is 22 mm in diameter and
is increased to 23 mm on the Turbo. The Beetle has a torsion beam rear
suspension with coil springs and telescopic dampers. Turbo models get a
multi-link independent rear suspension, with coil springs, telescopic dampers,
and an 18-mm-diameter anti-roll bar.
All Beetle models will have standard anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic
brake pressure distribution (EBD). The Beetle has 11.3-inch-diameter vented
front discs and 10.7-inch-diameter rear disc brakes. The Turbo has larger
12.3-inch-diameter vented front discs, with red calipers.
To help ensure that power is applied properly in challenging conditions, the
2.0L TSI model features the XDS cross differential (limited-slip) system that
electronically monitors input from various wheel sensors and, in the event of
slippage, transfers extra torque to the wheel or wheels with the most traction.
Model Line-Up
The Beetle, which has a starting MSRP of $18,995, comes standard with a split
folding rear seat, aux-in for portable audio players, a leather steering wheel,
unique and customizable 17-inch alloy wheels, and an eight-speaker audio system.
Desirable options include a kaeferfach additional glovebox that is similar to
that of the original Beetle, Bluetooth technology, iPod connectivity, heated
front seats, three-color interior ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, 18-inch
alloy wheels, the Fender Premium Audio System, and leatherette seating surfaces.
The Turbo with the six-speed manual transmission will have a starting MSRP of
$23,395, with the option of Volkswagen's DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission.
It takes the standard equipment found on the Beetle and adds: Bluetooth
technology; iPod connectivity; three-color ambient lighting; larger brakes with
red calipers; the kaeferfach additional glovebox; sport seating surfaces;
18-inch alloy wheels; a rear spoiler; foglights; three additional gauges on the
dashboard; and alloy pedals.
The Beetle comes standard with the RCD 310 sound system with eight speakers; an
optional Premium VIII audio system features a CD changer, interface for SD
cards, a touchscreen, and a navigation system. For the first time ever,
navigation will be offered in the Beetle, with the RNS 315 featuring a five-inch
touchscreen, CD player, and SD card slot. The Beetle will also offer
concert-quality sound with an available Fender Premium Audio System, designed
exclusively for Volkswagen.
There are four trim levels of the 2.5-liter model: Beetle; 2.5 Beetle; 2.5
Beetle with sunroof; and 2.5 Beetle with sunroof, sound, and Navi. The Turbo is
available as: Turbo; Turbo with sunroof; and Turbo with sunroof, sound, and Navi.
Key optional features include:
- Panoramic roof: The transparent, panoramic tilt/slide glass
sunroof is 80 percent larger than on the previous model. The insulating
glass blocks 99 percent of UV radiation and 92 percent of heat energy.
- Fender Premium Audio System: The 2012 Beetle will offer concert
quality sound with an optional Fender Premium Audio System equipped with an
additional subwoofer and 400 watts of output power. Embedded in the vehicle
design is proprietary Panasonic speaker technology. The system covers the
cabin with directional sound from front door speakers that generate imaging
beyond the capabilities of traditional speaker designs. It cuts through the
noise and other distractions with front dual voice coil speakers, with
extended range for all musical genres. Those choosing this sound system also
receive adjustable interior ambiance lighting.
- Keyless Access with push-button start: Volkswagen's automatic
keyless entry and starting system, which allows the driver to operate
without a door or ignition key, is appearing for the first time in the
Beetle. When one of the front door handles is touched, the system detects
access authorization from a transmitter, then unlocks the Beetle and starts
the engine with the push of a button.
- Bi-Xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights: For the first
time, the Beetle will be offered with Bi-xenon headlights. These will be
available on future Beetle models, framing the xenon module on the outer
perimeters of the headlights and serving as the daytime running lights and
parking lights.
Safety and Security
The starting point in the Beetle's safety armory is a very rigid body structure
that uses ultra-high-strength, hot-formed steels in the crash-load paths and
seamless laser welds. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is standard, as are
driver and front passenger airbags and Side Curtain Protection airbags in front
and rear. The Beetle includes Volkswagen's advanced Intelligent Crash Response
System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the
hazard lights if the car is involved in certain types of collision.
The 21st Century Beetle is also covered under the no-charge Carefree Maintenance
Program. All scheduled maintenance is covered for the length of the New Vehicle
Warranty - three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Additionally,
all current Volkswagen vehicles use synthetic oil, which, when combined with
state-of-the-art German engineering, eliminates the need for a 5000-mile oil
change, and allows owners to go farther between scheduled oil changes.
Volkswagen Beetle Turbo: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications