Volkswagen Beetle – updated Bug in M’sia, fr RM137k

Back in January, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) promised the new Tiguan, a facelifted Beetle by the second quarter of the year and limited editions of its core CKD models. The SUV’s debut is done and dusted, and today we have special editions of the Vento and an updated Beetle to show you.

Joining the Vento Allstar and GT editions at its roadshow in Midvalley is the updated Beetle. The iconic model is once again available here with a 1.2 litre TSI engine pushing out 105 PS and 175 Nm of torque from 1,400 to 4,000 rpm. The turbocharged four-pot is mated to a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox.

The Beetle can be had in a wide range of colours, which includes Blue Silk, Habanero Orange, White Silver, Tornado Red, Dark Bronze and Pure White. Blue is a new colour for the Bug in Malaysia, and that hue is on display at the roadshow. Two line variants are on offer – the RM137,620 Design and the RM148,620 Sport that you see here. Prices are on-the-road excluding insurance.

Volkswagen Beetle – updated Bug in M’sia, fr RM137k

This round of minor updates to the Beetle was first announced last year. It includes redesigned bumpers that are flatter/sportier in Basic (which we don’t get) and Design lines. The R-Line equipment line gets its own new bumpers as well, with an additional vent opening above it. We’re not getting the R-Line, yet.

New colours announced then included the very nice Bottle Green Metallic and White Silver Metallic – we get the latter. There are tinted LED rear lights, too. Inside, brighter instrument panel lighting, a new dial and dashpad styling for the Design Line are the subtle improvements.

We come to kit for the local Bug. Standard across the board are things such as electronic folding heated wing mirrors, fog lamps with (static) cornering lamps, “Whirl” 16-inch alloys, body-coloured interior trim, leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel and a “Composition Colour” 5.8-inch touchscreen head unit with USB, Bluetooth and eight speakers.

The costlier Sport adds on App Connect (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, MirrorLink) to a “Composition Media” 6.5-inch touchscreen head unit, “Vienna” combination leather seats, bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights, cruise control, paddle shifters, “Climatronic” dual-zone auto air con, front sports seats with height adjustment and lumbar support.

As is the norm with VPCM, the CBU imported Beetle comes with a five-year manufacturer’s warranty (as opposed to the old 3+2 extended warranty programme) with five years of free roadside assistance. The service interval is 15,000 km, which means less visits to the dealership.

GALLERY: Volkswagen Beetle Sport in Blue Silk

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