The Volkswagen Beetle 60th Merdeka Edition is commemorates the upcoming
Malaysia independence day. Only 16 units are available, all featuring a special graphics package.
Retailing at RM 136,888 excluding on-the-road fees
and insurance, the Merdeka Edition carries the same price as the 1.2 TSI Design
variant on which it is based. Included is a five-year, unlimited-mileage
manufacturer warranty, five years’ free road tax and a limited-edition Beetle
luggage bag, and the car is available in Pure White and White Silver colours.
Clearly inspired by Herbie from The Love Bug, the
Merdeka Edition features blue and red stripes and large racing numbers (60
instead of the Herbie’s 53), but is otherwise identical to the Design variant,
with standard kit including halogen headlights and 16-inch Whirl alloy wheels.
Inside, there’s a leather-wrapped multifunction
steering wheel, Pepita fabric upholstery, manual air-conditioning, a
Composition Colour infotainment system with a 5.8-inch touchscreen and eight
speakers. Safety-wise, there are four airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist
and stability control.
Under the bonnet sits a 1.2 litre TSI turbocharged four-cylinder
engine making 105 PS and 175 Nm of torque, matched to a seven-speed dry
dual-clutch transmission.
