Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Beetle-mania is well and truly back in vogue if the new Volkswagen Beetle Sport is any indication.
The new generation of one of the world’s most famous cars manages to combine the classic and instantly recognisable ‘bubble’ design with a revamped personality.
The exterior has had a major overhaul. While undoubtedly a Beetle in essence, the Sport now packs a much more masculine and dynamic punch than its predecessor thanks to its increased proportions (84mm wider, 12mm lower and 152mm longer), making it a perfect fit for both genders.
The rear features sharp curves and a spoiler to give it that sleek, sporty appearance, which is enhanced by the twin exhaust pipes on either side. The famous ‘smiling’ front has been toned down in favour of air intake openings in the bumper and bi-xenon headlights which each have 15 LEDs framed around them.
The Beetle is an absolute pleasure to drive and definitely one of the most responsive cars I’ve driven. Perfect for zipping around tight streets and nipping through gaps between double-parked cars (one of the staple features of Bahrain’s roads), the Beetle reacts very sensitively to the slightest turns of its leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Thankfully, it holds its own on the highway too. The powerful new engine delivers 210bhp and this 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder beauty reaches a top speed of 227kmph. The Beetle can apparently do the 0-100 dash in 7.5 seconds, but it personally felt much quicker than that to me; as soon as I pressed the pedal the car roared into life with incredibly smooth gear changes.
The real fun came when I flicked the gearstick into semi-manual mode and took advantage of the 6-speed dual-clutch tiptronic gearbox. No matter how convenient an automatic is, there’s nothing quite as exhilarating as using the paddle shifters to go up and down the gears for a proper driving experience, and in this area the Beetle gets two big thumbs up!
Safety is a paramount feature and this model has all the essentials such as driver and passenger airbags, but boasts some impressive added features including parking distance control, with acoustic warning signals at both the front and rear of the vehicle.
There is also a ‘keyless access’ locking and ignition system (available as an optional extra or as standard on the top line SEL model) and a sunroof that insulates 99 per cent of UV radiation and 92 per cent of heat energy. Truly a feature to savour during the summer months!
The tech-savvy infotainment system includes a smart, easy-to-navigate 6.5-inch touchscreen that dominates the centre stack, DVD drive, 30GB hard disk, Bluetooth, SD card slot, AM/FM radio and an iPod/iPhone adapter cable. Volume, mobile phone and navigation controls can all be accessed from the steering wheel without having to take your hands off.
Plenty of care and attention has gone into the interior. Dual Zone climate control allows driver and passengers to select their own air conditioning settings without having to argue, while the sports seats with lumbar support and cloth upholstery are optimised for comfort.
Chrome elements on the centre stack and dashboard bring a touch of class, as does the ambient lighting in the footwell which you can toggle between blue, white or red by flicking a switch. There is an extra storage compartment above the traditional glovebox, set into customisable panelling (11 different colours are available) that extends from both doors, across the instrument panel and the steering wheel trim.
Undoubtedly my favourite feature of the car is the Fender Audio System with eight speakers dotted around the interior. The famous brand’s partnership with Volkswagen makes a huge difference as sound pulsates through the car with crystal clear quality. Never has driving around with the volume at anti-social levels been so pleasurable!
The Beetle Sport is a wonderfully refreshing and seamless car; blending a classic design with modern convenience.
The Volkswagen Beetle Sport is available to test drive at the Behbehani Brothers Volkswagen Showroom in Sitra. Prices start from BD11,900. Call 17459977 for more information.
