Designs don’t tend to last long in the world of cars, so models with staying power deserve credit. People think of the Mustang and 911 as timeless designs, but the original people’s car predates both. Sure, it took a little hiatus, but the car-buying public has responded well to the new Beetle in general.
The 2018 model brings a new version of the classic bubble-top design that is still recognizably a bug, but with modern accouterments and even some sporting flair. So how is the VW community responding to these changes? Let’s take a look at some reactions and find out.
Cons
Even though the updated Beetle receives a new powerplant in the form of the 2.0-liter TSI four-cylinder currently offered in the Tiguan, the new engine doesn’t come with a partner transmission. Volkswagen has chosen to continue using the 9G automatic transmission from the previous generation, instead of the available updated automatic or DSG.
In the words of Ripdubski “The 09G transmission needs to go to pasture. Its fine for farting around town, but that’s [it].”
User Yogibearal added “I totally agree. Although in the Passat it actually shifts pretty decent. Some not so initiated folks thought it was a DSG. If anything they need to make it handle more torque to match the Turbo engines. Its pretty lame to have to detune the engine to get a little more life out of the transmission. Even the Alltrack uses DSG with the 1.8T.”
As you probably ascertained, the 9G cannot handle all of the torque that the new 2.0 is capable of producing, so Beetle drivers will have to make do with reduced output. Volkswagen has a transmission available that could unlock the engine’s full potential, so what gives?
VW’s approach to the interior of the Beetle is typical to keep things simple and functional. However, user cites issues with the electronic seats in his new car saying, “I love most everything on my new 2017 Dune but hate the seat controls. What a pain every time the old lady climbs out of the car I have almost climb in the car to get the seat pushed back to get in. What’s even worse is trying to recline the seat, what happened to a simple lever to lean the seat back, it takes 5 minutes of painful twisting on that know to move the seat to a napping position. “
Pros
A 2018 Beetle is better than no Beetle at all, though.
Road and Track reported that Volkswagen is planning to do away with the model after this year, and user plug_it started a thread to discover whether this is fake news. In it, fiftysomething writes, “A similar rumor surfaced about a year ago and it turned out to be false. However, that was before we were aware of “Dieselgate,” and with the inevitable fines/lawsuits VW will have to pay for, it’s very possible this time around. Sales of the Beetle are horrid and have been since the Golf VII came into the picture.”
Volkswagen is actually fairing quite well considering how much money the company lost after Dieselgate, but company execs could still seek to kill off the bug.
Many VWV users are eagerly awaiting a higher-performance variant of the bug due to the decrease in power compared to 2017. They should be pleased with the new R-Line car, which features an uprated 210 hp turbo four and a six-speed dual clutch.
New cars also get updated infotainment that features Apple Carplay and Android Auto, routed through a 6.3-inch touchscreen. There’s an available Fender audio system if you really like to get your groove on.
The popular Dune trim level sticks around for 2018, so the question is: Will this car become a collector’s item as the last-ever rendition of a classic? Order now if you think so.
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