Quicker Beetles arrive in the UK

Volkswagen has expanded the Beetle range with a 140PS 2.0-litre TDI and a 200PS 2.0-litre TSI added to the line-up. 

The 2.0 TSI gets from 0-62 mph in 7.2 seconds and on to 139 mph, while the TDI does 62mph in 9.5 seconds and touches 123mph. The TDI is also EC rated at 57.6 mpg combined and 129 g/km of CO2. Both new Beetles are available with a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed DSG gearboxes.  

Trim levels are Design or Sport trim for the 2.0 TDI and Sport or special-edition Turbo Black or Turbo Silver for the TSI, with 19-inch ‘Tornado' alloys. 

Design trim included 17-inch alloy wheels in a choice of two styles, Bluetooth telephone pre-prep, 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 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.

Uniquely, the 2.0-litre TSI 200 PS Sport comes with highlights over and above 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 noise is the Fender sound pack.  Developed in conjunction with the  electric guitar maker, this offers an earsplitting 400W output and a subwoofer, along with switchable three-colour illumination surrounding the front loudspeakers, all for just £500.

The Beetle remains 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 in restricted 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.