Volkswagen Beetle returns

Sixty years after it first arrived here in 1953, the third generation Volkswagen Beetle has been launched in Australia priced at $29,990. The new model leverages the iconic vehicle's significant history and goodwill, which began life in 1938 and has since seen more than 22 million vehicles find homes.

Though the new Beetle is a far cry from the budget-car-for-the-masses that was the original (nor is it rear-engined or air-cooled anymore), Volkswagen is pitching the car at buyers who like the idea of a Golf, but want something with character, more of a fashion statement than just a mode of transport.

Anke Koeckler, Volkswagen Group Australia's Managing Director, said the redesigned 2013 Beetle is for drivers "who want to be a little bit different," and who want a car that "makes you laugh and is fun". 

Just one model grade of the 2013 Beetle is available in Australia which replaces the previous generation model that was canned in 2011 and polarised the VW Bug faithful, by both its style and performance. It was motivated by an asthmatic 75kW/148Nm 1.6-litre engine and sold just 8800 units in Australia.

Volkswagen Australia has also confirmed a limited edition Beetle Fender, which will be limited to just 200 units.

The new three-door, four-seat vehicle unveiled at last year's LA motor show, is powered by a modern 1.4-litre TSI 'twincharged' engine, making use of turbo and supercharging, to produce 118kW/240Nm. Two gearboxes are offered, a six-speed manual ($29,990) and a seven-speed automatic DSG ($32,490) and acceleration times are respectable at 8.3 seconds for the 0-100km/h dash. However the manual model is thirstier, consuming an average 6.8L/100km compared to auto's 6.4L/100km.

Despite having only four airbags, the Beetle was awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating just this week. It gets driver tech such as electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes and brake assist.

Joining the Volkswagen up!, capped price servicing is offered with the Beetle. It lasts for six years of 90,000 kilometres, whichever comes first and the initial two services are capped at $375. 

Volkswagen's 21st century Beetle is fitted as standard with an abundance of mod cons, namely front and rear parking sensors, rain sensing windscreen wipers, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, 6.5-inch colour touch screen infotainment system with SD card and USB ports, dual-zone climate control, self-dimming rear-view mirror, cloth seats, a multi-function steering wheel festooned with buttons and three cup holders – two up front, one in the back.

Several options are available, including satellite navigation ($2500) and leather upholstery ($3300), but xenon headlights and LED driving lights are only available as part of the Technology Package, which costs $2700.

Standard exterior equipment comprises 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome accents and a rear spoiler integrated into the car's 'modern retro' design.

The Mexican-built Volkswagen Beetle sports a new style that Volkswagen says is contemporary while paying homage to the classic car. "The exterior is like a modern classic," said Frank Breuse, exterior designer for the VW Beetle. 

"I think we did a pretty good job," said Mr Breuse of the 2013 Beetle. 

"You see the direct connection [with the classic Beetle] but it's a different character. It's much more sporty," he said, likening the car's proportions to those of a hot rod.

Volkswagen's stylists also paid attention to interior design, binning the hippie-inspired flower vase of its predecessor and adding things like a second upward folding glovebox that pays homage to the 'beetle box' of the classic air-cooled Beetles of the '60s. 

Australian-model Beetles also feature dashboards matched to the exterior colours, of which there are eight in total.

Based on the previous Golf VI's platform (and not the new VW Group's MQB that underpins the all-new Golf VII due in April), the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor, measuring 4278mm long (+149mm), 1808mm wide (+87mm), and 1477mm tall (-21mm).

Boot space has grown significantly from a paltry 209 litres to a practical 310 litres, expanding to 905 litres with the split/fold rear bench seats lowered.

Volkswagen's Beetle is claimed to be a more nimble and enjoyable car to drive thanks to a new front suspension setup, and we'll have a full drive report soon to see if the new model lives up to expectation.

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