MOTORING NEWS - The New Beetle is one of the world's best known, most loved and most individual cars.
Volkswagen has refined the design, engineering and technology and for the South African market, Volkswagen is launching a limited edition Beetle R-Line model with only 50 units being made available to participating Volkswagen dealerships.
Identifying features of the new version of the Beetle include a redesigned front bumper. The central air inlet has been made larger and framing it now in the vehicle body colour are bars that strive outwards in an A-shape, making the Beetle appear wider and sturdier. On both the left and right outer edges of the bumper a black trim element emphasises the width.
The limited edition R-Line version additionally has a further narrow air inlet between number plate and bonnet. The car is furthermore equipped with a new trim element in elegant gloss black that runs all the way around the car.
It frames, among other features, the central air inlet and - acting as body-wideners - the wheel arches and side sills. Also black on these versions is the central and lower part of the rear bumper, diffuser included. The exterior modifications are rounded off by a new optional paint finish, White Silver Metallic, standard Park Distance Control, 18" Ravenna Adamantium silver alloy wheels and smoked LED tail lights.
Original Style
The Beetle's interior has a black painted dashboard and upper door panels and a glove compartment in original Beetle style. Standard additional instruments are the boost pressure, oil temperature and stop watch above the instrument panel and the ambient lighting. Volkswagen has changed the seat fabrics with the exclusive R-Line inspired seats.
Front sports seats are finished in contemporary 'Kyalami' cloth upholstery, with an embroidered R-Line logo on the head restraints.
Only 50 units of the new Volkswagen Beetle is bound for the South African market.
The Crystal Grey 'Microfibre' side bolsters provide excellent lateral support when cornering and the adjustment controls allow finding the perfect driving position.
The Beetle R-Line is equipped as standard with a radio system and eight loudspeakers. Its features include a 6,5" touch screen, Bluetooth connectivity, USB interface as well as App-Connect (only Apple CarPlay compatible). The optional 'Fender' premium sound pack delivers a unique audio experience thanks to the 400W output from the eight speakers and subwoofer.
The visual experience is created with ambient illumination around the speakers and door panels, a lighting strip under the door trim and the LEDs on the loudspeaker ring.
The Beetle R-Line has ten key standard-specification details, namely: 18" Ravenna alloy wheels, distinctive sporty exterior styling elements, Bi-Xenon headlights with LED tail lights, Composition Media with App-Connect, ambient lighting, black painted dashboard, exclusive R-line interior sports seats, pedals in brushed stainless steel, leather steering wheel with gloss black inserts and R-Line logo, and climatronic two zone air conditioning.
The limited edition Beetle comes with three paint finishes to choose from: Pure White, Tornado Red and the new White Silver Metallic, with the black varnished roof as an option. In addition to paint finishes an extra three options are available to personalise the R-Line: Panoramic sunroof, Fender sound system and Technology Package.
The 1,4 TSI with 110kW is fitted to the Beetle R-Line - a four-cylinder engine that features added power thanks to turbocharging. The TSI engine has an output rating of 110kW and offers a maximum torque of 250Nm between 1 500 and 3 500rpm. Fuel consumption on the new Beetle R-Line is 5,7 litres per 100km.
Details
The recommended retail price including VAT and emissions tax is R419 500. The new Beetle R-Line model comes standard with a five year or 90 000km service plan, a three year or 120 000km warranty and a 12 year anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals are at 15 000km.
ARTICLE: ANICA KRUGER, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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