THE flower vase that adorned the dashboard has gone. Volkswagen’s new Beetle is a more masculine machine that dips back in history to draw on styling cues from the original of 1938.
Technically it’s very 21st century, but it remains a reboot of the classic automotive icon.
It’s been 14 years since the-then all-new Beetle was launched, and this time around it has a a sportier edge.
Slightly longer and wider than its predecessor, it is lower and more streamlined due to the longer bonnet and steeper inclined windscreen, with passengers benefiting from more room.
The Beetle also gets – for the first time – optional LED running lights, keyless entry, bi-xenon headlights and a panoramic sun roof.
It also has a cracking engine lineup.
The choice for the moment is between a 1.2 TSI 105 horsepower unit linked to a seven-speed DSG gearbox or a 1.4-litre TSI, 160bhp version with six-speed manual gearbox.
It is this latter engine – a personal favourite – that will probably find most homes, and with good reason.
Employing turbocharging and supercharging, and linked to sixspeed transmission, it propels the Beetle to 62mph in 8.3 seconds, while fuel economy is a respectable 42.8mpg.
Later this summer there will be a 2.0-litre TDI diesel and a rangetopping 2.0-litre TSI petrol unit packing 200 horsepower.
To reinforce the Beetle’s sporty character, both the 2.0-litre car and the 1.4 variant feature Volkswagen’s trick XDS differential to boost grip and stability at speed.
This Beetle is being pitched higher this time, and satellite navigation, climate control, premium audio, leather and a panoramic glass roof all appear on the options list.
The list of standard kit is good too, with the likes of air-con, DAB radio, alloy wheels, Bluetooth and parking sensors spread across the three trim levels of Beetle, Design and Sport.
It also has some special touches, such as the Fender premium soundpack system (available as a £495 option on Design and Sport variants), developed in conjunction with the legendary electric guitar company.
It features a ten-channel amplifier with eight speakers delivering a 400- watt output. And with a nod to the past, there’s a glovebox in the style of the original air-cooled Beetle.
It’s not a small car, yet this never proves a handicap around town, and the slightly raised seating position helps boost forward visibility. Although a sport suspension option exists, in standard guise the car copes will with the usual array of urban surface imperfections.
Away from the city, the Beetle acquits itself well to the demands of faster roads and more challenging corners. You’re never going to be pushing this as hard as you would a Scirocco, but it’s good to know that a brisk pace can be an entertaining one.
This Beetle offers a more engaging and rewarding experience than before and – particularly when seen with the LED running lights – is a head-turner, while the various styling cues offer a more clearly defined link with the car that started it all off.
With a 2.0-litre TFSI engine on the way, the Beetle will even be a credible alternative to the Audi TT, with the added bonus of four-seat practicality.
fact file
Volkswagen Beetle 1.4 TSI Sport
PRICE: £21,225 (range from £19,420)
ENGINE: 1.4-litre petrol unit developing 160bhp
TRANSMISSION: xix-speed manual, driving the front wheels
PERFORMANCE: 0 to 62mph in 8.3 seconds; top speed 129mph
ECONOMY: 42.8mpg combined
CO2 RATING: 153g/km
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