Volkswagen Beetle 1.2 TSI Test Drive Review
We reviewed the Volkswagen Beetle 2.0 TSI last month, and at its asking price of RM220k before insurance, we’re looking at a car that operates Golf GTI running gear but costs more and neither rides nor handles as well. Certainly, not the smartest way to spend your money even if you take the Beetle’s unique cult status appeal into account.
With this in mind, the case certainly starts on a less than promising footing for the Beetle 1.2 TSI test car that we are reviewing here today. Powered by the Polo‘s single-cam 8-valve, but nevertheless turbocharged engine, the ‘entry level’ Beetle here makes do with about half the outputs of its 2.0-litre sibling and also offers a significantly shortened equipment list. VW even took out the rear multi-links and substituted them with a torsion beam to complete the cost-cutting measures.
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| Smaller rims and absence of spoiler makes the 1.2 look less attractive than the 2.0. |
From the 197hp and 280Nm which we enjoyed in the Beetle 2.0, our 1.2 test car here settles for 103hp and 175Nm, but with the latter spread from 1,550 to 4,100rpm, we are still looking at decently brisk performance facilitated by the efficient 7-speed dry clutch DSG transmission. VW claims 10.9 seconds to the century mark and 180kph tops – decently quick, if unspectacular.
Much of the 1.2’s equipment deficit against the 2.0-litre model can be justified – beyond reasons of vanity, nobody really needs a sun roof, aluminium pedals, or twin tail pipes. Removal of the 2.0’s sports suspension and 18-inch alloys are even welcomed, considering how ridiculously stiff the bigger-engined model rides. Folks accustomed to carrying their portable music devices, however, around might not appreciate the removal of USB audio connectivity.
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| Dual storage compartment. |
Omissions from the kit count to really take note of would be rear fog lights, adjustable bi-xenons, and the XDS electronic differential lock, which might not be strictly necessary considering the 1.2’s much-reduced outputs. As a personal note, I also much prefer the 2.0’s carbon-look dashboard trim compared to the 1.2’s colour-coded finish. But enough of focusing on what we don’t have.
Looking at the glass half full, we see that safety kit, as per VW’s modus operandi, is appropriately generous, with stability control, six airbags, ABS, EBD, ISOFIX, and hill hold control all standard items. In terms of creature comforts, we still get dual-zone auto climate control, cruise control, parking sensors, and electric side mirrors to boast. Most importantly however, by choosing the 1.2 TSI model over the 2.0, you get savings to the tune of about RM80k, a sizable amount regardless how deep your pockets are.
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Also, your benefits do not end with reduced purchasing and operating costs – the 1.2 is also more comfortable than the 2.0, a characteristic which we can attribute to the absence of sports suspension and ridiculously large 18-inch rims found in the latter. Although the ride retains a distinctly firm quality, it never feels brittle, and it is consequently a better day-to-day tool compared to the 2.0. Bear in mind however, that the rear has a tendency to hop when disturbed during a corner. It’s not severe, but it is nevertheless a typical characteristic of most vehicles at a torsion beam at the back.
Straight line performance is most certainly not in the 2.0’s league, but be assured that it is not half bad. Though the figures are modest, the generous spreading of maximum torque over a wide range of revs ensure that the Beetle 1.2 never feels inadequate as far as grunt is concerned. Once on song, the engine feels appropriately muscular and quite capable of propelling the Beetle well beyond the national speed limits. It does lack the 2.0’s outright punch, but makes up for that with an endearing willingness to rev. This engine comfortably punches far above its weight.
In its 1.2 TSI guise, the Beetle is priced at a more affordable RM140,593 without insurance. Compared to its 2.0-litre sibling, the Beetle 1.2 is a significantly more sensible purchase, although sensible in this case is a rather relative term. Your money would actually be better spent on the Golf Mk VI (try haggling dealers for a good discount, since the Mk VII is on its way in), but if you’re really smitten by the Beetle’s cult status styling, take our word for it and settle for the 1.2 TSI.
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