New 1.4 TSI variant for the Volkswagen Beetle
The RM80k gap between the 1.2 TSI and 2.0 TSI variants of the Volkswagen Beetle has just been plugged by the introduction of a new 1.4 TSI variant, powered by Volkswagen’s award-winning twincharged 1.4 TSI engine that previously powered the Golf Mk VI and now still in use in the Jetta and Scirocco.
The 1,390cc cast iron EA111 engine is a highly sophisticated piece of hardware, churning out 158hp and 240Nm, sent to the front wheels by Volkswagen’s 7-speed dry clutch DSG transmission. Its quoted century sprint time of 10 seconds flat is marginally better than the 1.2 TSI’s 10.9 seconds, but it does have a lot more speed in reserve – maxing out at 207kph, compared 180kph by the 1.2. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.2 l/100km and carbon dioxide emission at 143 g/km.
The Beetle is underpinned by the Golf Mk VI’s PQ35 platform, but independent rear suspension that was standard in the Golf VI is only available for the Beetle 2.0 TSI, leaving the 1.4 TSI here with a simpler a torsion beam rear axle. Front end is supported by MacPherson struts, and disc brakes all round are standard. The front axle also gets the XDS electronic differential lock to further refine handling.
In appearance, the Beetle 1.4 TSI is finished to look a touch more upmarket than the 1.2 TSI but of course less so than the range-topping 2.0 TSI model. It gets 17″ alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, and its side mirrors are painted black. The interior, meanwhile, gets the Piano black dash finish like the 2.0 TSI model, Vienna leather seats, aluminium pedals, ambient lighting, and leather-wrapped gear lever.
Other notable equipment in the manifest are the RCD510 coloured touchscreen audio head unit, 6-CD changer, SD card slot, eight speakers, iPod connectivity, cruise control, four airbags, stability control, and Climatronic air-con. Six colours are available for selection, namely Tornado Red, Saturn Yellow, Reflex Silver, Deep Black, Reef Blue, and Candy White.
The Beetle 1.4 TSI is priced at RM180,608 on-the-road without insurance, midway between RM140,593 of the 1.2 TSI and RM221,060 of the 2.0 TSI.
Pictures: Official Volkswagen release.
