Volkswagen Beetle NEW Beetle (9C) RSI 3.2 (224 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.3 / 10
Safety 4.0 / 5
Engine 3.8 / 5
Value 3.8 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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 320 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1515 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.7 s). The top speed reaches 225 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.

RSI 3.2 (224 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 5 stars

Performance Verdict

Exceptional performance, transforming the Beetle into a true hot hatch with its powerful VR6 engine and AWD system.

Fuel Economy

Very high fuel consumption, reflecting its performance orientation and larger engine, not for the budget-conscious.

Best Use Case: Enthusiast driving and performance-focused use, a rare and collectible variant.

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):RSI 3.2 (224 Hp)
Start of production:October, 2000
End of production:May, 2001
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Hatchback
Seats:4
Doors:3
Engine:
Power:224 Hp @ 6200 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:70.2 Hp/l [19mm more]
Torque:320 Nm @ 3000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:AXJ More details about the engine AXJ
Engine displacement:3189
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:5.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:84 mm
Piston Stroke:95.9 mm
Compression ratio:10.8:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:16.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:9.2 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:12 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:6.7 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:6.7 sec
Maximum speed:225 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:6.8 kg/Hp, 147.9 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:4.7 kg/Nm, 211.2 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:6.4 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1515
Max. weight:1815
Max load:300
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:135 l
Fuel tank capacity:63 l
Size:
Length:4100 mm [19mm more]
Width:1810 mm [85mm more]
Height:1470 mm [30mm less]
Wheelbase:2515 mm [7mm more]
Front track:1555 mm
Rear (Back) track:1555 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):10.9 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears6
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size235/40 R18
Wheel rims size8J x 18
Front suspensionCoil spring
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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