Thursday 28th November 2013

VW Beetle RSI: Spotted

Rare and intriguing it may be, but can a Beetle really be worth nearly £20K?

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The 'new' VW Beetle was never intended as a performance car; it was all about cute styling, flower vases and pastel colours. To say the RSI therefore came as something of a shock is rather an understatement.

Damn, the vase has gone...

It was conceived as a test bed for the Mk4 Golf R32, running the same 3.2-litre V6 and Haldex 4WD. Like the Golf that followed, it was also rather chunkier than many expected; most kerbweight estimates put it around 1,500kg. So whilst that V6 growl and fairly swift 6.4-second 0-62mph time (thank the 4WD traction for that) may suggest decent performance, it probably won't feel that quick.

But even though it probably isn't the last word in performance in dynamics, you've got to admire VW for productionising what was essentially a development vehicle. That it was so out of kilter with the rest of the Beetle range only increases the oddity appeal. A bit like the Passat W8, in fact.

To these eyes, the Beetle RSI just looks fab. That's probably a controversial statement, but the swollen wings, unique bumpers and gorgeous OZ wheels lend it some real quasi-racer attitude. The rear is still a bit blobby and the spoiler sits rather awkwardly atop the boot, but there's just something intangibly appealing about it.

The definitive Marmite car?

The interior of this very low-mileage RSI has some brilliant details also. Oil temp and pressure gauges always get the PH thumbs-up, and have you ever seen a cooler window winder? The vase appears to have been deleted...

As for driving an RSI, Riggers described it as 'point-blank awesome' when he had a go in 2011. That's not a view that's too widely shared, but surely it can't be too different to the R32 it spawned?

You can't make a rational case for the VW Beetle RSI; you either love it (guilty as charged) or it'll be one of the most hideous things you've seen on four wheels. As mentioned, the RSI was a basis for the Golf R32 which, as you may expect, is a far more affordable way of getting your VW V6 Haldex fix. The cheapest Mk4 R32s are nearly 25 per cent of the Beetle's price, and even the most expensive Mk5s undercut this 2002 RSI. The same is true of Mk1 TT V6s.

But if you want an RSI, this looks superb. The brakes are upgraded with Porsche six-pot calipers, it's apparently been professionally detailed and seems properly well cared for. Get the original plate on and it'll be perfect.

 

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VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE RSI
Engine: 3,189cc V6
Transmission: 6-speed manual, 4WD
Power (hp): 224@6,200rpm
Torque (lb ft): 236@2,000rpm
MPG: 23.7
CO2: 286g/km
Recorded mileage: 32,000
First registered: 2002
Price new: c.£45,000
Yours for: £19,000

See the original ad here

[QuattroDave]

Somebody actually paid £45k or thereabouts for one of these new :S The mind boggles.

If I had £19k to spend on a car this wouldn't be on my list, because I didn't know existed. But now I do it's at the very bottom of the list!

[oilit]

Nah .......steering wheel is on wrong side

[Dazed & Confused]

Even though I wouldn't buy one, I'm glad that there are people out there who would spend £45k on one when new.

Life would be very boring if everyone was exactly the same.

[Martin_Hx]

Would i buy one ? No !

Would i slag anyone off who bought one ? No !

Thumbs up to VW imo! Interesting talking piece too

[Butter Face]

Tell me that doesn't look like a 911.




(Seriously, tell me)

[schmalex]

I quite like it.

[blearyeyedboy]

It is cool that a quicker Beetle exists.

However, even if you like the drivetrain, why would anyone spend £19k on this (admittedly well kept and low mileage) car when an equivalent Mk 4 Golf R32 is about a third of that price?

[Dapster]

45 grand and keep fit windows?

And another, "on another note", colours can't be bright and pastel.

[Gorbyrev]

Future classic. Can't be that many in blighty anyway and lhd means it can be sold over the channel. I share that same draw to this that the Golf can't hope to equal.

[marshall100]

No.

[Frimley111R]

Poor effort by VW all round on the beetle and this is just an expensively poor effort. I am amazed at how VW have failed so hugely with the Beetle when FIAT and MINI have done so well with their retro models.

[LaurasOtherHalf]

had a good look round one of these at the ring a good few years ago & the detailing is just superb & the seats are beautiful.

wouldn't buy one but it's cool that they exist-& that folk go after them! one for the VAG completists i think

[cianha]

Frimley111R said:

Poor effort by VW all round on the beetle and this is just an expensively poor effort. I am amazed at how VW have failed so hugely with the Beetle when FIAT and MINI have done so well with their retro models.

Depends on your definition of failure. I'd say they've sold quite a few, at least as many as the Bini, and in greater numbers p/a than the 500.

[tomellingham]

These were on 'Midtown Madness', that little know racer by Microsoft. That was a long time ago!

[Jman93]

Love these, always liked the body kit and the general styling of the RSI, I would love to see one in the flesh.

[AudiWurst]

cianha said:

Depends on your definition of failure. I'd say they've sold quite a few, at least as many as the Bini, and in greater numbers p/a than the 500.

The Yanks lap them up.

[fastgerman]

Schrick cams, Milltek full system with sports cats and a remap will put this at 300 bhp and give a fantastic engine note. That would be a 5.5 second to 60 Beetle ;-)

[Garlick]

Butter Face said:

Tell me that doesn't look like a 911.




(Seriously, tell me)

It doesn't. Far too upright for starters...

But I suspect I've just bitten a big hook.

[kambites]

I always liked the RSI. I'm not quite sure why though, possibly just because it's such an unlikely car to do this to.

In a funny sort of way, it reminds me of the Clio V6.

[JMF894]

I'd have a Clio MK2 V6 over this any day of the week.

But I'm glad it exists.

Jimbo