Volkswagen: Test Drive of the New Volkswagen The Beetle R-Line

Volkswagen The Beetle R-Line | Volkswagen The Beetle R-Line

A Charm Distinct from MINI

The Volkswagen "The Beetle," which debuted in 2015, has received a minor facelift, and a new model with a sporty ambiance has been added. We promptly test-drove the car, released on November 9th.

Text by OGAWA FumioPhotographs by ARAKAWA Masayuki

A 1.4-Liter Engine, New to the Catalog Model

Perhaps the Nissan "Pike car" series, starting with the "Be-1Be-1" was the catalyst for the cute design being recognized as a car's character. However, the "Original Beetle," from much earlier, was a car with a solid character. Introduced in 1938, the Beetle (though perhaps not intended by its designer) seemed like a "friend" to us. That's likely why Disney made two "Love Bug" movies.

Time passed, and the "New Beetle" was announced in 1998. The "The Beetle" was released in 2011, improving upon it and achieving a higher level of perfection as a car. In September 2016, a minor change version was announced in Japan,minor change version announcedand the design of the front and rear bumpers, incorporating larger air dams, has been refined to emphasize a "sporty and sharp ambiance" (Volkswagen Group Japan).

Volkswagen The Beetle R-Line | Volkswagen The Beetle R-Line

The key aspects of this minor change are the adoption of sporty styling, the enhancement of advanced safety features, and improvements in connectivity. The grade structure has also been partially revised to include the "The Beetle Base" and "The Beetle Design" (both with 1.2-liter engines), and the former Turbo model renamed "The Beetle 2.0 R-Line" (with a 2-liter engine).

On November 9, 2016, another completely new The Beetle was added: the "The Beetle R-Line" (R-Line). The R-Line boasts a sporty ambiance, characterized by large-diameter wheels and a sporty interior with dedicated seats.

This 1.4-liter engine marks its first appearance in a catalog model in Japan. It had previously been installed in the "The Beetle Dune" released as a limited edition in the spring of 2016. The engine in this new model is the same as the one in the Dune, including the 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch) transmission.

This The Beetle R-Line drives exceptionally well.

Volkswagen The Beetle R-Line | Volkswagen The Beetle R-Line

A Charm Distinct from MINI (2)

The Surprisingly Significant 200cc Displacement Difference

The 1.4-liter unit in the The Beetle R-Line produces a maximum output of 110 kW (150 ps) at 5,000-6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 250 Nm at 1,500-3,500 rpm. This is considerably higher than the 1.2-liter's 77 kW (105 ps) and 175 Nm.

The 1.2-liter model is by no means a bad car. Once it reaches speed, it has the power to cruise at a good pace. The ride is also soft and comfortable. Its comfort aligns well with its exterior, and you can truly feel why it has been loved.

Driving the The Beetle R-Line, you realize the 200cc displacement difference is surprisingly significant. There's no hesitation at startup, and the acceleration afterward is much more powerful. There's a brief moment between 2,000 and 3,000 rpm where it feels like there's a slight turbo lag or a momentary lack of boost, but once past that, acceleration is rapid. It gains speed with gusto.

The 1.4-liter engine is also found in the "Golf" and "Passat", and it has been a cornerstone of Volkswagen's lineup in Japan. While it has a disadvantage compared to the 2-liter engine, with a price difference of only 266,000 yen compared to the 1.2-liter The Beetle Design (2,699,000 yen), it's certainly worth considering.

Moreover, the styling from the front (almost resembling a Porsche) is sporty and appealing. The rounded, modified headlights with LED lamps and the flared air dams effectively incorporate elements of a sports car.MINIIt possesses a charm that is distinct from that of MINI.

The The Beetle 2.0 R-Line offers yet another distinct charm.

Volkswagen The Beetle R-Line | Volkswagen The Beetle R-Line

A Charm Distinct from MINI (3)

The Effortless Drive: The Greatest Appeal of the 2.0 R-Line

As mentioned earlier, the "The Beetle 2.0 R-Line" is a renamed version of the previous "The Beetle Turbo". It is equipped with a 2-liter DOHC 4-valve engine producing a maximum output of 155 kW (211 ps) and a maximum torque of 280 Nm, making it quite powerful.

The tire size is 18 inches, a 2-inch upgrade from the 1.2-liter model and 1 inch larger than the 1.4-liter R-Line. The spoiler integrated into the tailgate is also substantial, creating a powerful presence from the front, side, and rear. This slight imbalance is perhaps part of The Beetle's charm, and I suspect it's intentional on the part of Volkswagen's stylists.

The engine power is perceptibly far superior to not only the 1.2-liter but also the 1.4-liter. This sense of effortless driving is its greatest appeal. While it lacks razor-sharp sportiness, the solid feel of the suspension and the ample torque from low RPMs allow for a relaxed drive, giving it a more mature impression.

As a personal aside, while the sporty R-Line certainly has its value as a fun car,—I believe a model that leverages the ample torque in a different direction, emphasizing elegance, would also be appealing. The 2-liter's potential is that high.

The interior features sportier seats with enhanced support. The flat-bottomed steering wheel with its smooth grip also leaves a good impression. The instruments are compactly arranged, and the way the monitor screen is sandwiched between the air vents, without overly emphasizing a high-tech feel, is also pleasing.

Perhaps due to its styling being close to the original Beetle, we tend to seek a more primitive charm in The Beetle. That is, it fulfills the basic functions of a car, and its styling is not flashy, with functionality taking precedence. I've had a favorable impression of this car since test-driving it in Berlin, feeling that Volkswagen's stylists have skillfully met the challenge.

As for safety equipment, the driver fatigue detection system is standard on all models. Blind spot detection, rear traffic alert, and collision mitigation braking functions are standard on the R-Line, and optional on the 1.2-liter models. In terms of connectivity, Volkswagen's genuine infotainment system is standard on all models. Connecting a smartphone allows access to communication protocols such as MirrorLink, CarPlay, and Android Auto.