Volkswagen held the launch function of the New Beetle and the Touareg at the Taj Land’s End in Bandra (W) yesterday. Quraish was there to report on it.

The function started at 8.30pm kicked off by a performance of Shiamak Davar and his troops. Speaking at the launch, Mr Neeraj Garg, Member of Board and Director said, “We are excited to bring the iconic Beetle to India, after its success across the World for decades”.

The Beetle is one of the first Volkswagen Cars and is quite literally a legend in itself. The bug shaped car has fascinated people for a long time and is one of the most popular and lovable car from the Volkswagen Stable.

The Touareg is Volkswagen’s debut in the SUV Segment in India. The SUV market in India is growing and the Touareg, which has been selling successfully in many countries, will fit in well.

Both the cars are going to be imported from New Mexico as CBUs (Completely Built Units) hence attracting huge import duty and resulting in their considerably higher price tags.

The New Beetle

The new Beetle is German Engineering Personified. The Indian specification Beetle is powered by a 2.0 Litre, 4 Cylinder petrol motor producing 116 PS @ 5400 RPM and 172 NM of torque @ 3200 RPM. It is paired with a 6 speed automatic transmission. This makes it easily the most powerful hatchback in the Country. It is also BS IV compliant.
The Beetle is loaded with safety features including 4 Airbags, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with ESP (Electronic Stabilization Programme) and Engine Immobilizer to name a few.

Also provided is a 6 CD changer with 6 Speakers, Power Steering with reach and rake adjust, body coloured mirrors, tailgate handle, heat insulating tinted glass, lighted vanity mirror etc.

The interiors of the Volkswagen Beetle are All Black.

The New Beetle features new lights, refined lines, a fresh colour palette and new seat fabric colours. The large 15” wheels fill up the arches well and give the car a lot of substance.

Price of the Beetle will be Rs.20,45,000/- (Ex-Showroom Price, Delhi)

The Volkswagen Touareg

The Touareg is Volkswagen’s SUV offering which has the capability to overcome loads of obstacles on road and off it too. It offers permanent 4 x 4 All-wheel drive, 45 degrees hill climbing ability, 35 degrees side slope, hill descent and a 500mm wading depth ability.

The Touareg comes with a 3.0 Litre V6 Diesel Engine producing 240 PS @ 4000 RPM and a massive 550 NM of torque @ 2500 RPM mated to a 6 speed automatic DSG gearbox. VW claims it accelerates from 0-100 kmph in just 7.8 seconds – an impressive number considering its size and weight.

The Touareg comes equipped with 8 airbags (Including Head and Side Airbags), ABS with ESP, a 12 way electrically adjustable seat with 3 memory options, electrically tilting and sliding sunroof, Rain Sensing Wipers and electrically folding and adjustable outside rear view mirrors.

The Touareg also offers genuine leather upholstery, a large boot and a 230V socket near the rear luggage compartment. The Beige Interiors look nice and roomy and the engine starts and stops via a Start / Stop Button near the Gear Lever. The Steering Wheel is large and chunky and feels good to hold, though it is cluttered with multiple switches.

The Touareg is designed keeping in mind customers who enjoy travelling to hilly regions and weekend get-aways and it excels in areas of drivability, maneuverability and fuel efficiency.

All this comes at a price tag of Rs. 51,85,000/- (Ex-Showroom Price, Delhi)

Look out for more pictures and details about these cars when we get them for our First Drive.