Bug gets new engines

Volkswagen has announced two new engines for the Beetle range, one of which brings special equipment and chassis technology with it.

A 2.0-litre 138bhp TDI, available with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed DSG automatic, gives the Bug potential for mid-50s miles per gallon, while achieving the 0-62mph dash in a conservative claim of 9.5 seconds.

The second engine is a 197bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged TSI petrol, which is yours with the same choice of gearboxes, but not the same choice of trims.

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While the new TDI will be offered in Design and Sport specification, the TSI version will be built only for the UK in Sport and then two special editions, called Turbo Black and Turbo Silver.

The two special trim levels feature ‘turbo’ decals on the side of the car, door mirrors in silver or black, body-coloured door rubbing strips and 19-inch ‘Tornado’ alloy wheels.

Chassis changes for the most rapid Beetle in the range, the 2.0-litre TSI, which hits 62mph in 7.5 seconds, include four-link rear suspension to aid handling through faster or bumpier corners. It also gets twin chromed exhaust pipes, red brake callipers and, no doubt to ‘old Beetle’ enthusiasts’ horror, a mock rear diffuser.

As standard, 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 MP3 player), front fog lights, rear Isofix mounts, an alarm, air conditioning, a multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel and body-coloured door and dashboard panels.

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The Sport adds 18-inch alloys, again in a choice of styles, tinted glass, cruise control, ‘sports’ seats, parking sensors, gloss black door mirrors, a gloss black dashboard and dual-zone electronic climate control.

Prices range from £16,600 for the most basic Beetle to £24,505 for the Turbo Black or Turbo Silver 2.0 TSI 200 DSG.

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