2013 Volkswagen Beetle

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2013 Volkswagen Beetle

Entomologists in the UK are set for an exciting day, and not just because the ants are flying.  There’s another kind of flying bug about: the Volkswagen Beetle with either a 2.0-litre 140 PS TDI turbodiesel engine, or a 2.0-litre 200 PS TSI turbocharged petrol engine. 

The latter is enough to propel this bug from zero to 62 mph in just 7.5 seconds and on to 139 mph, while the TDI takes a far from sluggish 9.5 seconds and can reach 123 mph.  Of equal interest, however, will be its 57.6 mpg combined economy, and 129 g/km of CO2 rating.

Both new versions are available with a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed DSG gearboxes. The TDI comes in either mid-level Design or top-line Sport trim.  The 2.0-litre TSI 200 PS model is available in Sport or special-edition Turbo Black and Turbo Silver specification, complete with ‘Turbo’ decals in either silver or black along the side, door mirrors in silver or black, the door rubbing strip in body colour (rather than black, as it is on standard Sport models), and 19-inch ‘Tornado’ alloys. 

Specification levels are high.  Design trim comes with 17-inch alloy wheels in a choice of two styles, Bluetooth telephone preparation, an RCD 510 DAB CD/radio with MDI multi-device interface (for connecting an iPod or similar), front fog lights, rear Isofix preparation, an alarm, manual air conditioning, multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel and body-coloured door and dashboard panels.

The range-topping Sport specification adds 18-inch alloys in a choice of styles, tinted glass, cruise control, sports seats, parking sensors, gloss black door mirrors (silver or black on ‘Turbo’ special editions), gloss black dashboard and door panel and 2Zone electronic climate control.

The 2.0-litre TSI 200 PS Sport model uniquely comes with certain specification highlights over and above all other models.  These include: four-link rear suspension, twin chromed exhaust pipes, red brake calipers and a body-coloured rear diffuser. 

A wide range of optional equipment is also available on all Beetle models, including Keyless Access, satellite navigation systems, bi-xenon headlights and a selection of different alloy wheel designs.

The option that will make the biggest impact, however, is the Fender sound pack.  Developed in conjunction with the eponymous electric guitar firm, this audiophile’s delight offers a 400W output and a subwoofer, along with switchable three-colour illumination surrounding the front loudspeakers, all for just £500.

The Beetle is also available with a 1.2-litre TSI 105 PS engine with seven-speed DSG gearbox and a 1.4-litre 160 PS TSI with a six-speed manual gearbox.  These models were restricted by supply at launch but are all now available, many with attractive low-rate finance offers.  The new 2.0-litre models are also available to order now, with some models in stock ready for delivery.  For prices, see overleaf.

Beetle model line-up and pricing (for full details see price list):