Contents of the review:
- Appearance
- Salon
- Specifications Volkswagen iBeetle 2015
- Security systems
- 2015 Volkswagen iBeetle cost and configuration
Perhaps there is no such person in the world who would not be familiar with the Volkswagen Beetle, a car whose production started back in 1938. At that time, the car was an affordable, reliable and easy-to-maintain vehicle - all this allowed the model to hold out on the conveyor for as long as 40 years, after which, in 1978, the company's management decided to curtail the production of the VW Beetle. However, the Mexican VW car plant continued to produce the first generation of the "Beetle" until 2003.
In 1998 Volkswagen made a strong-willed decision to revive the legend, but under the name "New Beetle". The second generation of the car retained the main features of its progenitor, but the car did not receive much popularity, the reason for which was the frankly "girly" appearance.
The production of the second generation "Beetle" was discontinued in 2005, and in the spring of 2011, the management of the German auto concern, taking into account the mistakes of its predecessor, presented the third generation of the model to the world community, which lost the "New" prefix in its name and received a more strict appearance, which made it possible to attract attention of not only female but also male audience.
And two years later, the company introduced a special version of the model, developed in collaboration with Apple engineers, called iBeetle, the main feature of which was the integration with iPhone smartphones.
It is worth paying tribute to the German designers who managed to preserve all the brand features of the model, while making it more sporty and fashionable, as evidenced not only by the original exterior and interior, but also by a very impressive price tag. Looking ahead, however, it is worth noting that the car is worth every penny invested in it. Why? - let's try to figure it out.
Exterior VW iBeetle
It should be noted right away that the appearance and technical characteristics of the new iBeetle fully correspond to the standard modification, and the main changes relate to the entertainment and multimedia capabilities of the car. Compared to its predecessor, the new Volkswagen iBeetle has become more strict and impetuous. The car body has become clearer, has acquired sharp edges and a number of stylistic solutions that have allowed the "Beetle" to become more muscular and athletic.
The front of the car has retained large round headlights, the optics of which have acquired stylish "eyelids", LED elements and xenon. In place were the sculpted fenders of the front wheel arches, a neat front bumper and a small slot in the air intake, along the edges of which were located direction indicators and foglights.
The profile of the car is distinguished by inflated wheel arches, in which are located large light-alloy wheels, a domed roof, tapered side windows and lean stern. The stern received a monumental rear bumper, a neat tailgate and original parking lights with LED elements.
Special attention should be paid to the sporty design of the diffuser, which emphasizes the difficult character of the little car.
The third generation VW Beetle (aka iBeetle) is ready to boast the following dimensions:
- Length - 4.278 m;
- Width - 1.808 m;
- Height - 1.486 m;
- Wheelbase is 2.537 m.
The vehicle's ground clearance, depending on the version, can vary within 136-145 mm, which is more than enough for comfortable movement around the city and rare forays on country roads. Like its predecessor, the car is offered in a wide range of colors to emphasize the style and taste of its owner.
Interior Volkswagen iBeetle 2015
Once in the salon of the updated "Beetle", you immediately realize that you are in a Volkswagen car. The interior is made in the classic "Volkswagen" style, which is highly ergonomic and laconic. The front part of the dashboard, door cards and the steering wheel are distinguished by the presence of glossy inserts that can be painted in the color of the car body. In the Sport configuration, instead of the gloss, carbon inserts are located, thanks to which the interior is perceived as more expensive and sporty.
In front of the driver there is a multifunction steering wheel slightly truncated to the bottom and a stylish instrument panel, where the main role is assigned to a large speedometer. In the central part of the dashboard, there is a multimedia system unit, represented by a touchscreen display, several mechanical buttons and a pair of twists. Below is an unobtrusive climate control unit with simple and intuitive controls.
The driver's workplace is distinguished by excellent ergonomics, all buttons and levers are at hand and do not require getting used to at all. The interior is dominated by harsh plastic, while the fit of the parts is impeccable.
The main difference between the "i-version" and the base Beetle is the presence of a special docking station located in the upper part of the front panel, designed for installing an Apple iPhone smartphone. As noted by the manufacturer, Apple has specially developed a number of applications that allow you to determine the location of the car, display information about fuel consumption, oil temperature, measure travel time and distance traveled, set geotags, and play specially designed games.
But in fairness, it should be noted that most of this information is displayed in the car's on-board computer, so there is simply no special sense in using a smartphone. In the basic version, the front seats are moderately stiff and provide a comfortable fit for a person of any size, while lateral support is clearly not enough. However, this is offset by the addition of more sporty seats.
The second row is represented by two seats, which allows to accommodate two passengers, while, it is worth noting that the latter will be a little cramped, which is a price to pay for the stylish body shape. Trunk volume is small and amounts to 310 liters, however, you should not expect anything else from a fairly compact three-door hatchback. If necessary, the volume of the luggage compartment can be increased to 905 liters, for which it is enough to lower the backrests of the rear row of seats. In the trunk underground, instead of a full-fledged spare wheel, there is a stowaway and a small branded repair kit.
The manufacturer has made sure that the buyer has ample opportunity to personalize the interior. Thus, if you choose the Denim package, the seats will be covered with denim, and if you choose the Allstar or Exclusive package, the interior will be covered with high-quality leather.
Specifications Volkswagen iBeetle 2015
In the European market, the third generation Volkswagen Beetle and the iBeetle version, respectively, are offered with three gasoline and two diesel engines, while for Russian users only gasoline modifications are offered, which can be aggregated with a 5 or 6-speed manual transmission or a modern 6-level DSG-box with a dual clutch:
- The base engine is represented by a 1.2-liter turbocharged "four" with a capacity of 105 hp. With such a motor, acceleration from 0 to 100 takes 10.9 seconds, and the "maximum speed" is at around 180 km / h. The fuel consumption of such an engine in mixed mode is about 6 l / 100 km.
- Intermediate - 1.4-liter 160-horsepower engine, exchanging the first hundred in 8.3 seconds. and allowing the car to accelerate to 207 km / h. The fuel consumption in this case varies within 6.2-6.7 l / 100 km.
- The top engine is a 2-liter 210-horsepower engine equipped with a proprietary turbocharging system.With such a power unit, the Beetle is capable of accelerating to 227 km / h, and acceleration from 0 to 100 takes only 7.3 seconds. Despite the high dynamic characteristics, the car's appetite does not exceed 7.6 l / 100 km in mixed driving mode.
The 2015 Beetle is based on the front-wheel-drive A5 bogie, which features a transverse motor and independent suspensions featuring multi-link and classic MacPherson struts, rear and front, respectively. The steering wheel is equipped with an electric booster, and there are disc brakes on all wheels.
Safety Volkswagen iBeetle 2015
The new VW iBeetle is offered with a wide variety of electronic assistants designed to provide a high level of active and passive safety. The standard and optional equipment of the model includes:
- ABS, EBD, ESP and HBA systems;
- Blind Spot sensors, allowing you to monitor the "blind" areas of the car;
- Electronic ESC system, responsible for emergency braking and vehicle control;
- Rear View Camera;
- Parking autopilot;
- Three pairs of airbags;
- ISOFIX mounts;
- 3-point seat belts;
- Traction control system;
- EDL system;
- Cruise control and more.
Considering the form factor and the presence of only three doors, the Beetle should not be perceived as a family car. Nevertheless, it is able to provide the proper level of protection for both front and second row passengers, which is facilitated not only by electronics, but also by the use of high-quality steel and the presence of specially designed deforming zones.
Options and price Volkswagen iBeetle 2015
Both in Europe and on the domestic market, the car is presented in three configuration options: Beetle, Desing and Sport. The basic VW Beetle will cost the buyer 17.8 thousand dollars, or about 1.12 million rubles. For this money, the car will be able to offer:
- Air conditioning;
- Audio recorder with 8 speakers;
- Keyless entry and engine start function;
- 6 airbag;
- Factory alarm;
- ABS, ESP and EDL systems;
- Parktronic;
- Alloy wheels;
- Disc brakes on all wheels;
- Immobilizer;
- Cloth salon;
- Heating and ventilation system;
- Fog lights.
In the maximum performance, the price of the car easily exceeds the mark of 30 thousand dollars (1.86 million rubles), while the Zhuk additionally receives:
- Light alloy wheels R17;
- DSG dual clutch gearbox;
- 2-liter engine;
- Fender audio system;
- 2-zone climate control;
- Adaptive cruise control;
- Panoramic transparent roof;
- Leather interior upholstery;
- Carbon look inserts;
- A complete package of security systems and much more.
The configurations of iBeetle almost completely repeat those for the standard "Beetle", but they have a more impressive price tag, which is the user's payment for the presence of a special docking station and original body colors that echo the Apple iPhone cases.
Traditionally for Volkswagen cars, the updated Beetle offers a wide range of optional equipment that allows you to personalize the interior as much as possible and make the stay in the car as comfortable as possible.
Conclusion
VW Beetle 2015 is a modern, dynamic and stylish car that can emphasize the refined style of its owner and give him a lot of driving pleasure. This is a car driving which both a man and a woman will look equally appropriate.
The iBeetle version, in fact, is a fashionable and stylish accessory that will appeal to a young audience of users keeping up with the times.
Volkswagen
