| Starting price: | 119,000 AED |
| Engine volume: | 2.0 litre turbocharged |
| Cylinders: | Inline 4 |
| Torque: | 280 Nm |
| Horsepower: | 210 hp |
| 0 to 100 km/h: | 6.7 seconds |
| Maximum speed: | 227 km/h |
Performance divisions in the auto industry seem to be the “cool” thing to do these days. They usually consist of one letter: M for BMW, Q for Aston Martin, N for Hyundai, R for Volkswagen and so the list goes on for a while. We love what they do this to standard versions to give them some extra juice. One of the most synonymous Volkswagen’s is the latest vehicle to join in, their VW Beetle R-Line is ready to roll out of showrooms in the GCC right now!
Joining a long list of other Volkswagen’s to bear the R-Line badge including the CC, Tiguan, Golf, Scirocco and Touareg, all available in the Region as well.
It sets itself apart from other Beetle’s in the family as the air-intakes on the front bumper have been widened to allow more airflow into the turbocharged engine. Lower diffuser and larger spoiler have been added to the icon’s rear end. Specially placed R-Line entry sills adorn the doors. Underneath the new muscular fenders you’ll find 20-inch “Monterey” alloy rims coated in performance rubber.
As mentioned above, the front mounted 2.0 litre inline 4-cylinder petrol engine is turbocharged and produces a respectable 210 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque, which gives a top speed of just under 230 km/h. All this power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox. This nippy little bug is ready to hit not just the asphalt but it’s ready for any track day at Yas Marina or Dubai Autodrome.
Inside, occupants can enjoy some high-quality sounds from a premium Fender sound system, devices can either be paired via Bluetooth or plugged in via USB. Applications are displayed on a touchscreen interface, which comes as standard.
Other standard features include a panoramic roof with a split sunroof to tilt upwards for some fresh air, daytime running LED bars with adaptive xenon headlights, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel and parking sensors. The steering wheel looks really sporty and not too thick. We really like!
Out on the road it’s going toe to toe with another iconic car, the Mini Cooper S and a relatively new player in the hatchback market, Hyundai’s Veloster Turbo.
| Cars | Volkswagen Beetle R-Line | Mini Cooper S | Hyundai Veloster Turbo |
| Engine volume: | 2.0 litre/inline 4/turbo | 2.0 litre/inline 4/turbo | 1.6 litre/inline 4/turbo |
| Horsepower: | 210 hp | 192 hp | 204 hp |
| Torque: | 280 Nm | 300 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Maximum speed: | 227 km/h | 230 km/h | 210 km/h |
| 0 to 100 km/h: | 6.7 Seconds | 6.7 seconds | 8.1 seconds |
| Starting price | 119,000 AED | 165,000 AED | 89,000 AED |
Unquestionably, Volkswagen’s Beetle is not only their most iconic cars but one of the most recognisable vehicles around the world. Originally created in the 1930’s, designed and built by Ferdinand Porsche for one German dictator of the time. Dubbed the People’s Car, the original type 1 was still in production until 2003! Over 21 million units were sold over that course of time.
Volkswagen Beetle R-Line’s are readily available to purchase now all across the Middle East. Keep checking dubicars.com regularly as a GCC spec on is bound to appear soon. In the meantime check new Volkswagen Beetle and used Volkswagen Beetle for sale in Dubai listings online on dubicars.com.
