2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE REVIEW

Looking back at the beginning: the beginning of Volkswagen built one of the most successful cars of all time and not even give it a name. Why should it? After all, it was the Volkswagen! People loved it, and on all continents of the little car earned the nickname, according to exactly what he looked like: Beetle, Käfer, Vocho, Beetle, Fusca, or Maggiolino 甲壳虫! It embodies the concept of the automobile and the symbol of the democratization of mobility. 21.5 million cars were sold. So, the New Beetle arrived in 1998. He brought a sense of new cars that the world and brought with him Beetle Mania. In 2010, completed the final version of the series New Beetle that had sold over a million cars. And now? Looking to the future. Future of the most famous car in the world begins now. In a whole new generation.

This is the Beetle! And because the Volkswagen Beetle and call their home planet, the new car to celebrate a world first transcontinental - while in Shanghai, Berlin and New York.

Technological goal: high-tech harmony with the environment

Volkswagen Beetle is an icon. This car has a story. Only someone who knows his story could make a new generation of Volkswagen's reality. The task ahead for engineers has been very clear. They had to develop a high-tech car affordable yet leaves no stone unturned, integrated communication technologies of our time and, of course, achieve the lowest environmental impact. It should also be a car that areas of driving pleasure at the forefront. The new generation of the VW Beetle to be very flexible, dynamic performer, and the people who developed the Golf GTI would also be able to achieve this goal.

No previous Beetle was fuel efficient. High performance is no longer sufficient to itself: A 4.3 l/100 km (1.6 TDI European) and 33 mpg (2.0 TDI American), the new Volkswagen Beetle is the most fuel efficient Beetle story.

Design Goal: Design of a new and original! "

The automotive world's most recognizable design. bottle of Coca Cola, iPhone, Ray Ban Aviator Beetle - how do you reinvent a design that is so recognizable and independent? There is a clear answer on this: It is necessary to understand the product and brand, so it works! Volkswagen Design chief Walter de Silva (Group) and Klaus Bischoff (Brand Volkswagen) "understand" the two and therefore they set the goal to Beetle: "Designing a new and original!

Challenge with excitement. The team began its mission to guide Bischoff. Challenge of designing a new Volkswagen Beetle has been inspiring. The designers knew they wanted to develop a profile of the original Beetle than the New Beetle 1998. I am also a very dynamic priority of proportion. An interesting fact is that more than a few members of the team is owned by air-cooled beetles. It has also become a vehicle of worship for young designers, Volkswagen. And so the final draft was to be 2011 Wolfsburg Beetle - a car and now planning a tribute to the automobile industry, seed of the whole group. And in fact clear: if someone takes the first Beetle and New Beetle and put them in a room - a bit 'light shines on the roof and watch a half - could see that the lines of the back are almost identical.

Remains: "We renovated every game."

Bolder, more dynamic, more masculine. A comparison with the New Beetle 1998 shows: Only left was the old car. "The beetle is now characterized by a sports car cleaner, safer and its not only has a lower profile, it is also considerably wider, the cover is longer, the windshield is moved back and has a much steeper slope. All this creates a new dynamism, "says Klaus Bischoff. While the New Beetle has been defined by three semicircles (front fender, rear fender, roof dome above), the new. model was released for this geometry the roofline really works much lower and can be regarded as a continuation of the concept car shown in Detroit in 2005 -. Ragster a type of race car based on the New Beetle The New Beetle is bolder, more aggressive, more masculine.

The figures confirm it: The new car is 1,808 mm wide (84 mm wider), height 1,486 mm (12 mm lower) and 4,278 mm in length (152 mm longer). This resulted in all-new proportions. The gain in length means that the roof could be extended further, the windshield can be reduced, and the back could follow the contour of the original Beetle. The new focal point is the C-pillar. At the same time, the development team has increased the car's track width and wheelbase. All this gives the appearance of VW Beetle powerful with muscle tension.

Volkswagen Beetle typical typical new DNA

2011 style. Despite all its individuality, resulting DNA Volkswagen design style created by Walter de Silva, Klaus Bischoff. expressed clearly in the horizontal image of the front bumper, front air intake, straight lines of the bonnet leading edge, just pulled from the line of demarcation between a pillar and C pillar and the rear style.

Beetle, Microbus, the original Golf. And yet, it was possible to retain all the characteristics typical Volkswagen style. This is not surprising, after all, vehicles like the Beetle, Microbus and the original golf has had a decisive influence on the DNA of Volkswagen design. "Of course, certain features of the old beetle remains: what are the round headlamps (optional bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights are available for the first time in this series of models), flared fenders, the shape of the cups, sides and doorways and - more than ever - the big wheels (up to 19 inches) that can be integrated.

A new feature is the rear spoiler which is integrated into the uniform design (default for the TSI engine with 118 kW / 160 PS and 147 kW / 200 hp) and vigorously maintains contact with the road that Volkswagen, which has a speed peak up to 225 km / h, depending on the engine and is available in three equipment lines "Beetlejuice," "Design" and "Sport". In addition, the upper part of the rear wing is always black, while the underside is painted body color. These colors - 12 different colors - to make driving more alive every day with names like "Saturn Yellow" and "Blue Denim".

An original interior like no other

The cockpit makes a visual impression. Is it possible for a cockpit to make an impression? Are you kidding? By its nature! Motorists sit in the cockpit. Sometimes for hours at a time. And yet there are cars with cockpit leaves no lasting impression. They have a "look alike" appearance, which say marketing - an easily confused with another, lack of charisma. VW Beetle cockpit, on the other hand is unique, unique, cool, classic design with a passion for details. This cockpit is perceived as something special.

All hand and eyesight. Form and use of colors in the front carbon-look painted or dashboard refers to the design of the first VW Beetle, but the new car has a retro look. In Europe, for example, the dashboard saying "united Schwarz (black) on the base model (" Beetle ") in the line" Design "equipment, it is always painted in the color of exterior concrete. Customers who choose the "sport" look at the carbon ("carbon fibers"). No matter what colors are used, the Volkswagen driver would find all the functions inside, eyes closed.

And yet, everything has been redesigned. Three round instruments arranged in front of the driver (tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge) provide important information embedded in the speedometer (position) is a multifunction display. From level "Design" equipment, it has adjustable air vents and instruments, chrome edges. This also applies to audio / navigation system optimally positioned in the driver on the dashboard, surrounded by two air holes. This includes controls on the climate control system. Everything is within reach and sight.

Return of the glove. Like the original Beetle, the new car has a glove box integrated into the dashboard extra front cover folds up (the glove box also integrates standard opens down). Another classic feature: Optional auxiliary instruments on the selected audio / navigation system, oil temperature, clock with timer and turbo pressure indicator. Also new: the steering wheel specially designed for the Volkswagen Beetle painted accents rays optional depending on the equipment line. These data clearly indicate that the occupants are in a beetle - not to be confused.

Air-cooled Beetle. New Beetle. The Beetle. A distinctive feature of the beetle - the third generation if you will - is that its interior ergonomics and packaging are based on entirely new configuration. While pilots flew air-cooled beetle in a very low seat height, and New Beetle drivers feel as if they were driver and the cover was so far away, the last Beetle Volkswagen now offers a streamlined, driver-focused coupe experience. Each device is within reach. In addition, Volkswagen has succeeded once again to implement a quality material that goes beyond all boundaries of class. The car's appearance, usability, functionality and quality interact to create a new car a friendship with a very special character.

New Beetle was a cathedral inside. Front, Beetle is now a little lower profile because of the curved roof of his predecessor have been deleted. We offer a 1044 mm Height 1082 mm instead of the previous. However, 38 mm is unlikely to intervene, even in a very long driver, as the interior New Beetle was a "cathedral" among compact cars. Meanwhile, behind the seating area, are no longer part of the roof clearly results in a larger space. And there are much higher, now has 310 and 209 liters. As usual, the car is split, folding rear seat, and the grand opening bootlid so it's easy to load and unload.

Add optional features: individualized VW Beetle

"Bubble," "Design" and "Sport". New Volkswagen will be globally available in three equipment lines "Bubble," "Design" and "Sport". Each of these versions is a very special character. In addition to individual markets themselves to emphasize certain points. Volkswagen has announced the presentation of individual parameters customization guide for journalists worldwide. In addition, three equipment lines, the Beetle can be customized with a wide range of optional characteristics. Overview of key features:

Bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights. Volkswagen Beetle offers bi-xenon headlights for the first time. 15 LED module xenon headlights frame and outer perimeters, put daytime running lights and parking lights.

Sunroof. It is transparent and can be tilted or opened. Therefore, the correct name is: panoramic tilt / slide glass sunroof. Much more important: It is 80 percent higher (surface of glass) than the previous model. In addition, insulating glass blocks 99 percent of UV radiation and 92 percent of thermal energy.

Radio CD and radio navigation systems. The New Beetle is available exclusively with the radio-CD, which is specially designed for this model. No navigation was offered. Now, Volkswagen has a completely different approach, offering all those found in other ranges such as Golf, Jetta or Passat on the new VW Beetle so. Standard for the Beetle RCD 310 with 8 speakers, which is a very good sound system (including dual tuner). The summit is the RCD 510 audio system with CD changer, integrated interface to the screen SD card and touch. A great entry level radio-navigation system, the RNS 315 with 5-inch touchscreen (400 x 240 pixels), CD player, SD card reader and a dual tuner. The system model is superior radio-navigation NESS 510th It offers improvements such as a 6.5-inch touch screen, DVD player, voice control, SD card reader and 30 gigabytes.

Fender Premium Sound System. Does anyone know the world of rock music is familiar, such as the great Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton. The first player to Fender guitars, but it still does not. Now, the legendary U.S. producer of musical instruments and amplifiers - a joint venture with Panasonic - just to share their knowledge and the Volkswagen brand. The result is a voluntary system that Fender sound was offered a Volkswagen Beetle in multiple woofer and 400 watts of output power. Those opting for this audio system also get the interior lighting set the mood. In addition, indirect lighting, but also includes two rings of light around the boxes of the speakers on the doors. Europe, the Volkswagen Beetle is the first car audio system offers a Fender.

Keyless. Closure of access and keyless engine starting system appear in the first Volkswagen Beetle, it works without a door or ignition key. When a door handle is touched, the system detects a transmitter to obtain authorization with the person's jacket, pants or purse, then open the Beetle, and allows the engine starts with the button to start the engine. Volkswagen lock from the outside, is also activated second door handles touch, in this case, however, particularly marked in the surface is used.

All round safety. Let us focus. In Beetle, Volkswagen is building a car that is one of the safest in both active and passive safety. Naturally, the ESP electronic stability program are standard, which is an efficient network of six airbags that protect the cockpit. Naturally, the bodywork of the car - much of the laser-welded galvanized - an exhibition of the best values ​​of torsional rigidity in the segment of 26,000 Nm / °. Naturally, because security is a fundamental quality in a Volkswagen.

Superior fuel economy of 40 mpg and 4.3 l/100 km: Engines

U.S. diesel with 140 hp. When it comes to engines, all signs point toward sustainability. United States, the VW Beetle is available as a turbo diesel for the first time. The Beetle 2.0 TDI (103 kW / 140 hp) complying with all emission limits of the United States and achieves 40 mpg fuel economy in the cycle of the highway is 29 mpg city and 33 mpg combined . Consequently, the Volkswagen Beetle is a good choice as one of the cars most fuel efficient in its class. In addition, Volkswagen has not only excellent fuel economy values ​​in the version with a manual gearbox 6 speed, but also - and this is a start and technical Beetle - with transmission option clutch 6-speed double.

gasoline engines in the United States with 170 hp and 200 hp. fuel economy values ​​are also improved 2.5-liter five-cylinder petrol, which was already a success of its predecessor. Moved manually VW Beetle is 22 mpg (city) 31 mpg (highway) and 25 mpg (combined). His counterpart is the 6-speed automatic transmission comes to 22 mpg (city) 29 mpg (highway) and 25 mpg (combined) - this means that up to 10 percent on fuel economy. Pioneer: up Beetle 2.0 TSI 147 kW / 200 hp to get the fuel economy of 25 mpg. High TSI is also available in optional 6-speed DSG.

motor of the world with 105 hp, 140 hp, 160 hp and 200 hp. In markets such as Asia, Australia, Europe and New Zealand, the new Volkswagen Beetle is offered exclusively with charged engines. All engine versions - all with four-cylinder - is used for the first time in this model series. Car shows significantly reduced levels of fuel consumption and emissions compared to the previous model, thanks to switch to turbo gasoline (TSI) and common rail direct injection turbodiesel (TDI). The three petrol engines Beetle loaded outputs 77 kW / 105 PS, 118 kW / 160 PS and 147 kW / 200 hp. The two diesel engine developing 77 kW / 105 PS and 103 kW / 140 PS (TDI engine is not offered in China). The five motors can be combined with a dual-clutch transmission as an option.

Engine with 160 hp and 200 hp in detail. Even fast-moving 225 kmh VW Beetle 2.0 TSI 200 hp consumes just 7.4 l/100 km (equivalent to 173 g / km of CO2) with a manual transmission. It is also very economical 160 hp 1.4 TSI offset by a 7-speed DSG, the beetle that consumes just 5.9 l/100 km (139 g / km of CO2). The data on the fuel economy of this type is the Beetle 1.4 TSI DSG (top speed: 207 km / h) a pleasant surprise in the motor program. In comparison, the previous model with 110 kW / 150 hp has a value of 8.9 l/100 km in the automatic version. Despite 10 hp more power, fuel consumption was reduced by 3.0 l/100 km, or 34 percent.

Differential lock on petrol. To ensure that the power of two stronger versions of the Volkswagen Beetle correct road very quickly approaching the curves, the models 160 hp (European version) and 200 hp (worldwide) will be factory installed XDS electronic differential lock . This system extends the functionality of a family EDS. XDS to improve the management and driving fast curve to calibrate the machine to a more "neutral", makes this an active braking to prevent wheel spin at the wheel landed inside the curve, and this improves the grip.