Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Volkswagen Beetle NEW Beetle (9C) 2.3 VR5 20V (170 Hp)
Overall Rating
Volkswagen Beetle:
The Volkswagen Beetle, officially the Volkswagen Type 1, is a small family car produced by the German company Volkswagen from 1938 to 2003. A global cultural icon known for its bug-like design, the Beetle is widely regarded as one of the most influential cars of the 20th century. Its production period of 65 years is the longest for any single generation of automobile, and its total production of 21. 5 million units makes it the most produced car of a single platform in history and the second-highest of all nameplates manufactured in the 20th century....(Read more on Wikipedia)
NEW Beetle (9C) Overview:
Volkswagen Beetle (NEW Beetle (9C)). With 220 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1340 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.7 s). The top speed reaches 211 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
2.3 VR5 20V (170 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A characterful and strong VR5 engine, offering brisk acceleration and a unique sound, making it one of the more engaging petrol options.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is on the higher side, typical for a larger naturally aspirated petrol engine, especially with spirited driving.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic and distinctive retro styling
- • Comfortable and smooth ride quality
- • Well-built interior with good material quality
- • Practical hatchback design with decent cargo space
- • Wide range of engine options, including economical diesels and powerful petrols
Cons:
- • Limited rear passenger space, especially headroom
- • Some engines are underpowered for highway driving
- • Quirky ergonomics (e.g., dashboard layout, long dashboard)
- • Potential for electrical issues and common VW reliability concerns
- • Higher fuel consumption on some petrol variants
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(NEW Beetle (9C): October, 1997 - 2005).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Beetle |
| Generation: | NEW Beetle (9C) |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.3 VR5 20V (170 Hp) |
| Start of production: | October, 2000 |
| End of production: | July, 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 170 Hp @ 6200 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 73.1 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 220 Nm @ 3300 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | AQN More details about the engine AQN |
| Engine displacement: | 2324 |
| Number of cylinders: | 5 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.6 l |
| Coolant: | 8.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 81 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90.2 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 12.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 211 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.9 kg/Hp, 126.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.1 kg/Nm, 164.2 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.3 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1340 |
| Max. weight: | 1770 |
| Max load: | 430 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 769 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 209 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4081 mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1724 mm [1mm less] |
| Height: | 1498 mm [2mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2508 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1508 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1494 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.9 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Behind the wheel of the Volkswagen Beetle. How does it handle on the road?