Beetle Volkswagen: specifications, photos, reviews

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

The history of the Volkswagen Beetle started back in 1938. And then this car opened not just the first page of its own life. Then the front page of the history of the world-famous concern began! After all, this compact "Beetle" was the first machine produced by the company. Therefore, it is simply necessary to talk about this model.

Start

Beetle Volkswagen was discontinued when World War II broke out. Production was decided to be suspended. And the concern began to fulfill military orders. Only in 1946, thanks to the efforts of Porsche, was it possible to restore production and re-release the Beetle on the conveyor. What was the company policy at the time? Very simple. They were determined to assemble and produce only one model. And this was not due to a lack of imagination and technical ideas. A carefully thought out strategic plan! It was thanks to him that the specialists managed to constantly modernize and improve the Beetle Volkswagen. The company's specialists managed to expand production and establish a service network.

The company really chose the right way. In 1951, in October, there wereabout 250 thousand cars were produced, and in 1953, in July - 500,000. The million indicator was reached by December 1957.

Indicators of the first models

The first Volkswagen Beetles were good cars for the time. Their “maximum” was 90 kilometers per hour. The engine, of course, was weak - only 25 horsepower. Volume - 1.1 liters. But he had other advantages. For example, a spacious comfortable interior, a 2-spoke steering wheel, as well as chrome wheel covers and the same bumpers.

The car was a success. Not without reason, after all, the model began to be exported to 29 different countries of the world. The technical equipment has also improved significantly. Specialists increased the volume of the power unit to 1.2 liters. Plus, it was decided to add a steering damper. And every transmission gear was synchronized. Semaphores were removed from the central pillars.

In 1954, the engine was upgraded again. And the result was excellent - the power was increased to 36 “horses”. And now the maximum was as much as 108 kilometers per hour.

Fifties facelift

From 1956 to 1959, extensive work was done on the Volkswagen Beetle, the photo of which is presented below. The specialists decided to change the appearance of the model and its interior. Improvements in the design of the driver's seat have become noticeable - now it has acquired three degrees of fixation, due to which it turned out to be much more comfortable. The level of noise isolation has also been increased. The volume of the gas tank was also made larger. And the rear window was givenrectangular shape. And we decided to make fixed door handles.

In the 60s there were also changes. Every Volkswagen Beetle pictured below now had a 34-horsepower engine and a fully synchronized gearbox. In addition, low and high beam appeared.

A year later, in 1961, the building was reconstructed again. Volkswagen Beetle performance has become much better. The maximum from now on was 116 kilometers per hour, and the engine capacity was equal to one and a half liters. What about power? It was also increased - brought to 45 "horses". In 1961, the Beetle got new taillights and a fuel gauge.

Further developments

In 1965, production produced the ten millionth Beetle model. And, finally, it happened - the specialists developed and began to produce a new car. It became known as the VW 1300. A 34-horsepower 1.3-liter engine will be installed under the hood of this car. The matter did not end there. In 1966, the VW 1300 A version was released. And behind it - the Volkswagen Beetle convertible! Under the hood of this model was a 1.2-liter engine of the same power. But the VW 1500 was rightfully considered the best version. Also, by the way, a convertible. Its volume was one and a half liters, and its power was 44 hp

In 1967, potential buyers began to offer the installation of semi-automatic transmissions. There was also a safety steering column. Another obvious update is a 2-circuit braking system, as well as a powerful (for those times) 12-volt electricequipment.

And by the 70s, manufacturers developed another model - the VW 1302. It could be aggregated with two engines - either a 50-horsepower 1.6-liter unit, or a 44-liter unit. With. and with a volume of 1.3 liters. The wheelbase has increased, the front suspension has improved, the trunk has become larger.

Before the nineties and after

Of course, time passed, and technology developed by leaps and bounds. Volkswagen Beetle received positive feedback, and this was the best incentive for manufacturers to improve their models.

So in 1972, the VW 1303 appeared. It had an improved dashboard and panoramic glass. Two years later, fuel-injected engines began to be installed on this car. And in 1978, the last "Beetle" was assembled in Germany. Now it was produced only in Uruguay, Peru, Mexico, Brazil and Nigeria. And then they stopped there. Only in Mexico there was a functioning plant. But on the other hand, new models appeared there and perfect motors were developed. So, for example, in 1992, in the town of Pueblo, the Volkswagen plant assembled … the 21 millionth Beetle! This is an undoubted record, and it is unlikely that anyone will ever be able to beat it.

In 1995, the Mexican "Beetles" were … exported to Germany. German car enthusiasts liked the 1600i Volkswagen Beetle. The technical characteristics of this car were really good. Heated rear window, airbag steering wheel, fuel-injected engine, adjusted catalytic converter - in general, a fairly modern model.

New Generation

Since 1998, an updated and modern Volkswagen has been produced in Mexico. They named it the New Beetle. And this series included several modifications. They were all different. For example, the Turbo S variant was the most powerful. It had a 1.8-liter turbocharged engine under the hood, producing 180 horsepower. It works in tandem with a 6-speed gearbox. The car also had stylish wheels with 17-inch wheels, as well as sporty “character” bumpers.

These models were popular in many countries. Even in Asia. Only the Volkswagen Beetle from Japan was naturally right hand drive.

In 2003, it was decided to end production. And in honor of this important event, the concern released a series called Ultima Ediction. It was produced in a limited edition - only three thousand models. And it was sold exclusively in Mexico. So in 2003, on July 30, the last legendary "Beetle" rolled off the assembly line. Thus ended its long and rich production history.

Return

Yes, production stopped, but not for long. "Beetle" from "Volkswagen" is a legendary car! And she wasn't allowed to just leave. In 2011, the production of the modern generation started, the name of which is the Volkswagen Beetle a5. As a basis for the creation of this model, a platform was taken, which a long time ago was the basis of the Volkswagen Jetta. The novelty differs from its two predecessors in design and dimensions. She's longerthan the New Beetle (almost 15 centimeters) and wider by 8.5 cm. The trunk volume was increased to 310 liters. And, finally, "Zhuk" got to Russia. Since 2013, it can also be bought on the territory of our country.

New Features

Under the hood of a “fresh” car, a 1.2-liter engine is installed, which can operate both “mechanics” and “automatic”. Even the basic equipment of the car can please. There is an alarm, immobilizer, central locking, heated mirrors and a light sensor, as well as fog lights with power steering. Plus cruise control. In general, everything is for comfort.

By the way, there are also options with other motors. 105-horsepower 1.2-liter, 160-horsepower unit and 1.4 liters (TSI), even a 2-liter engine (produces 200 hp!). For the USA, options with more powerful units are still available - 2.5 liters and 170 liters. With. Diesel models are also available - 1.6 (105 HP) and 2.0 (140 HP).

Salon in German is good. In the center of the dashboard is a 5-inch display (MP3 and CD + 8 speakers), which in more expensive trim levels has a diagonal of 6.5. The chairs are pleasing - comfortable, comfortable, adjustable, however, lateral support would not hurt.

And the design is very nice. Volkswagen Beetle a5 is a typical Beetle. Compact and cute. With fashionable LED lights, a stylish bumper with an air intake slot and frameless side windows.

Owners comments

Finally, I would like toto say what its owners think about this car. There are many of them in Russia. First of all, they all note very pleasant sensations during the trip. The car holds the road perfectly and is easily controlled - very obedient, which is good news. Ergonomics and comfort are top notch. Many more are happy to notice that, even if the “Beetle” is small, there is plenty of space inside. The interior is original - lovers of bright details will definitely appreciate it. The control buttons for the multimedia system are also conveniently located. Also at height and acoustic comfort - no noise, perfect insulation. And the consumption is nowhere more economical, seven liters per 100 kilometers. The tank is more than enough for a week of daily driving around the city.

By the way, the cost. The price of the "Beatle" is very reasonable. You can take the “Beetle” in excellent condition for 300 thousand rubles. This is an early 2000 issue. New, 2016, from the salon, will cost more. Approximately 1.2-1.4 million rubles. Many people think that the price is frankly overpriced - but no, it is not. A new Volkswagen, even a Beetle, cannot be cheaper. Moreover, in this case there is something to pay for.

Stylish, positive, pleasant to drive car for lovers of comfort and attractive cars will become a true friend on the road!