Volkswagen Beetle R-Line 2014 Review

If you care to nit-pick, the new, new (new?) Beetle is really only the third new Beetle in over 75 years. But it's not called the 'New Beetle' anymore, and I'm not sure I can get the word new into this paragraph again without being slapped upside the head by my Editor.

'The Beetle', as it's now officially known, is also said by its manufacturer to be "truly an automotive icon". Though I'm sure they're referring to the original Beetle, and not the retro-styled Golf-based 'hatch' sampled here.

Cynicism aside, the The Beetle (okay, I'll stop now) is actually the best resolved new Beetle of all the new Beetles I've driven (alright, now). It feels less compromised behind the wheel, is better packaged for both cargo and people alike and, to my mind, has styling cues more representative of the most-loved original – right down to the body-coloured panels on the dash.

To celebrate the launch of Volkswagen's new additions to the R-Line portfolio recently, I had my first chance to sample the latest Beetle in conjunction with, you guessed it, the R-Line package.

And you know what? It's not half bad.

OK, so the R-Line adornments (sportier bumpers, rear spoiler, alloy wheels and sexier steering wheel) make you think the Beetle is sportier than it really is. But I like the way it drives, and considering how compromised prior 'new' Beetles have been, this one is something of a revelation.

Alright, it's not that good. But it is a reasonably tidy thing to drive. The steering is well weighted, if a little slow, and the engine provides enough get-up-and-go for the target buyer.

We sampled the six-speed manual (priced from $30,290 plus on-road costs) fitted with the aforementioned R-Line package ($2000) and Pure White paint (no cost). The gearbox throw is accurate and the clutch well-metered, with just the right level of assistance.

The gearbox cooperates with the 118kW/240Nm 1.4-litre twin-charged (supercharged and turbocharged) engine too. However in more spirited driving, we found the gap between second and third a little too wide, especially when downshifting.

The other issue is that the engine makes most of its power around mid-tach. That's not unusual for a twin-charged arrangement, and with the optional dual-clutch transmission we'd wager you wouldn't notice. But when changing gears for yourself, the constant need to swap ratios is a little tiring, especially on winding roads that demand peak power for the sake of enjoyment.

And perhaps that's one of the most surprisingly elements the latest Beetle presents: it's really enjoyable. It's not super fast and it's not a Golf GTI – by any stretch. But it’s involving, and handles all but the tightest of switchbacks with a level of confidence (perhaps) unexpected from a 'retro' car.

Sure, it could be tauter and the brakes could offer a little more muscle, but considering its target audience, this could be construed as overkill. After all, the R-Line package is, and must be thought of as, an aesthetic enhancement only.

I also like the supportive seats, surprisingly good outward vision and the R-Line-only, binnacle-style gauges. Not so much is the way the steering wheel rim blocks the top of the speedo when set just right... a good thing the car offers a digital speedo repeater lower in the centre dial.

If you weigh it all up, the 118 TSI R-Line Beetle is simply a more interesting take on the traditional hatch. Yes, it's more expensive and not nearly as practical, but it does come pretty close. And with an on-road character that finally amounts to something like what it deserves, the (new, new, new) Beetle is a worthwhile alternative to the all-pervading five-door hatch.