I didn't know until now that VW produces the Beetle GSR model that actually sounds like it would at least wanna be able to come out and play with the likes of the FiST.
It carries a cast-iron block 2.0L 4 cyl TSI providing 210 hp at 5300 rpm and 207 lb-ft at 1700 rpm. FWD, of course, and 6-spd MT or 6-spd DSG, multi-link rear susp. and 19 inch wheels with high-performance all-season rubber standard, all with a curb weight VW claims as 3056 lb. Car & Driver reports that it will be a limited-edition run of only 3500 vehicles, and its MSRP of $30K is of course a tad bit more than a loaded FiST. C&D also reports a 0-60 time of 6.3-6.5 sec (!!). They also describe it as having "plenty of punch to run with other adventurously styled hot hatches, including the Mini Cooper S, Hyundai Veloster Turbo, and Fiat 500 Abarth." (Are they missing something from that list? Hmmmm.)
Motortrend took a brief look in December '13, and reports all the above and a quarter-mile time of 14.8 seconds. However, they note that at "the track, the 2014 Beetle GSR might not live up to the performance promised", and "Though not anywhere near as sharp as a GTI, the Beetle GSR performs well enough in the canyons. That said, the Beetle would be more rewarding with a bit less body roll and more aggressive brakes."
All in all, I suspect that the GSR is a great little car for what it is, but what it isn't is a real direct competitor to the FiST once handling and overall performance characteristics are taken into consideration. A little faster than a stock FiST, but it's not all about straight-line speed.