Car Buyer's Guide

Volkswagen Beetle: A5 vs A5 GP

Volkswagen Beetle A5

Volkswagen Beetle A5

Volkswagen Beetle A5 GP

Volkswagen Beetle A5 GP

Verdict

The Volkswagen Beetle A5 costs RM136,492, while the Volkswagen Beetle A5 GP is RM137,620. For the RM1,128 gap, the GP adds a 5.8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, eight speakers, LED daytime running lights, Bridgestone Turanza ER300 tyres and a space-saver spare. Its rated fuel use is also 5.5 L/100 km against 5.9 L/100 km. Performance is unchanged: both use a 103 hp, 175 Nm 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine and seven-speed dry DSG, reaching 100 km/h in 10.9 seconds. The GP is the sensible pick if its added kit is present and working; otherwise the cheaper A5 drives the same bargain.

A5

Pick the Volkswagen Beetle A5 if you want the same 103 hp turbo-DSG mechanical package for RM1,128 less.

A5 GP

Pick the Volkswagen Beetle A5 GP if you want the touchscreen, Bluetooth, eight speakers, LED daytime running lights and better rated fuel economy.

Key differences

  • Price: Volkswagen Beetle A5 RM136,492; Volkswagen Beetle A5 GP RM137,620.
  • Rated fuel economy: Volkswagen Beetle A5 5.9 L/100 km; Volkswagen Beetle A5 GP 5.5 L/100 km.
  • Audio: Volkswagen Beetle A5 RCD 310 CD/MP3/WMA radio with AUX and iPhone/iPod connectivity; Volkswagen Beetle A5 GP 5.
  • Bluetooth: Volkswagen Beetle A5 has none; Volkswagen Beetle A5 GP has Bluetooth.
  • Daytime running lights: Volkswagen Beetle A5 has none; Volkswagen Beetle A5 GP has LED DRLs.
  • Tyres and spare: Volkswagen Beetle A5 has no listed factory tyre or spare; Volkswagen Beetle A5 GP has Bridgestone Turanza ER300 tyres and a space-saver spare.

A5

  • RM1,128 cheaper to buy.
  • Same 103 hp, 175 Nm 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine and seven-speed DSG.
  • Two-year unlimited-mileage manufacturer warranty plus three-year unlimited-mileage extension.
  • Lacks the GP's 5.8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth and eight-speaker audio.
  • Uses 5.9 L/100 km rated fuel economy versus the GP's 5.5 L/100 km.
  • No LED daytime running lights, listed factory tyres or space-saver spare.

A5 GP

  • 5.8-inch Composition Colour touchscreen, Bluetooth and eight speakers.
  • Lower 5.5 L/100 km rated fuel consumption.
  • LED daytime running lights, Bridgestone Turanza ER300 tyres and a space-saver spare.
  • Costs RM1,128 more despite identical 103 hp, 175 Nm output and 10.9-second 0-100 km/h time.
Price & overview
PriceRM136,492RM137,620
Body typeHatchbackHatchback
SegmentC-SegmentC-Segment
AssemblyCBUCBU
Powertrain
Engine Tech8-valve SOHC with direct fuel injection and turbocharger8-valve SOHC with direct fuel injection and turbocharger
Capacity1,197 cc1,197 cc
Horsepower103 hp103 hp
Torque175 Nm175 Nm
FuelPetrolPetrol
Bore71 mm71 mm
Compression Ratio10.510.5
Drivetrain
TransmissionDual-clutch Automatic (Dry)Dual-clutch Automatic (Dry)
Transmission Name7-Speed DSG7-Speed DSG
Gears77
Transmission ManufacturerBorgWarnerBorgWarner
DrivelineFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Performance & Efficiency
0-100 km/h10.9 seconds10.9 seconds
Rated Economy5.9 L/100 km5.5 L/100 km
Top Speed180 km/h180 km/h
Co2137 g/km137 g/km
Dimensions
Length4,278 mm4,278 mm
Width1,808 mm1,808 mm
Height1,486 mm1,486 mm
Wheelbase2,537 mm2,537 mm
Weight1,297 kg1,297 kg
Fuel Tank55 litres55 litres
Doors33
Seats44
Boot Space310 litres310 litres
Front Tyre215/60R16215/60R16
Rear Tyre215/60R16215/60R16
Spare TyreSpace Saver
Factory TyresBridgestone Turanza ER300
Chassis
AssemblyMexico (CBU)Mexico (CBU)
Front SuspensionMacPherson StrutMacPherson Strut
Rear SuspensionTorsion BeamTorsion Beam
Front Wheels16" Alloy16" Alloy
Rear Wheels16" Alloy16" Alloy
SteeringRack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)
Crash Safety Ratings
EuroNCAP5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control
ANCAP5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control
Safety
AirbagsDriver and Passenger, Front SideDriver and Passenger, Front Side
ABS/EBD
Stability Control
Alarm
Immobilizer
Airbag Disable Function
Seat Belts4 three-point4 three-point
ISOFIXAvailable on rear passenger seatsAvailable on rear passenger seats
Lane-keeping AssistNo
Seatbelt ReminderFront Seats Only
Lighting
HeadlampsHalogen ReflectorHalogen Reflector
TaillampsNormal BulbNormal Bulb
LED Daytime Running Lights
Front Foglamps
Rear Foglamps
Wing Mirror Turn Indicators
Cabin
Front SeatsManual AdjustmentManual Adjustment
Rear Seats50:50 Split-Folding50:50 Split-Folding
Front Air-conManual air-conManual Air-con
Power Sockets1 front1 Front
Interior LightingMap Lights and Ambient LightsMap Lights and Ambient Lights
Cup Holders2 front, 1 rear2 Front, 1 Rear
AudioRCD 310 radio with CD/MP3/WMA playback, AUX-in, iPhone/iPod connectivity5.8" Composition Colour touchscreen radio with CD/MP3/WMA playback and 8 speakers
Convenience
Power WindowsTwo Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-PinchTwo Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch
Engine StartManual keyManual key
LocksRemote Control ActivationRemote Control Activation
Auto Wipers
Tiptronic
Steering Audio Control
Steering Tilt
Steering Telescopic
Boot OperationRemote Control ActivationRemote Control Activation
Parking Sensor Front4 sensors4 sensors
Parking Sensor Rear4 sensors4 sensors
Folding Wing Mirrors
Bluetooth
Hill Start Assist
Instrument ClusterBacklit Analogue
Parking BrakeHandbrake
Warranty
Warranty Mileage ManufacturerUnlimitedUnlimited
Warranty Mileage ExtendedUnlimited
Warranty Manufacturer2 years5 years
Warranty Extended3 years
Ownership
Road tax / yearRM55RM55

Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.

A5 vs A5 GP FAQ

Is the Volkswagen Beetle A5 or Volkswagen Beetle A5 GP better?

The Volkswagen Beetle A5 GP is better equipped and has the lower 5.5 L/100 km fuel rating. The Volkswagen Beetle A5 is the better choice only if saving RM1,128 matters more than a touchscreen, Bluetooth, eight speakers, LED DRLs and a spare wheel.

What is the price difference?

The Volkswagen Beetle A5 GP costs RM1,128 more than the Volkswagen Beetle A5.

Is the Volkswagen Beetle A5 GP faster than the Volkswagen Beetle A5?

No. Both have a 1,197 cc turbo petrol engine producing 103 hp and 175 Nm, a seven-speed dry DSG and front-wheel drive. Each reaches 100 km/h in 10.9 seconds and has a 180 km/h top speed.

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