One of the most recognizable cars on the road, the VW Beetle has progressed gracefully into the modern era. It's still charming of course, but there's plenty of engineering and technology underneath all the retro style. The Beetle also offers an impressive array of configurations so you can tailor its personality to yours.
The available diesel engine gains 10 horsepower, and the Classic and Premium trim levels debut.
Part of the Beetle's appeal is the choice of efficient powerplants. First up is a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 170 horsepower, match to a five-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic with manual shift and sport modes. The available 2-liter turbo four-cylinder provides a snappy 210 horsepower and comes standard with a six-speed manual. A turbo-diesel version of the 2-liter puts out 150 horsepower and achieves 41 mpg on the highway.
The various trim levels are largely determined by which engine is under the hood:
Carries the 1.8-liter and a leatherette interior, plus some unexpected features in a base compact like heated front seats, Bluetooth phone and audio, heated washer nozzles, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an eight-speaker sound system. The Sunroof package adds a panoramic sunroof, keyless ignition, satellite radio and an audio touchscreen. The Sunroof, Sound & Navigation package includes all that, plus 18-inch wheels, navigation, a rearview camera and a Fender audio system with a subwoofer.
Equipped like the 1.8T, minus some of its more exotic features. In their place, the Classic gets the automatic transmission, navigation system and satellite radio as standard. The Classic earns its name with its 1960s-style 17-inch alloy wheels and checkered cloth interior. Also, like VWs of old, there are no option packages. Note that the Classic actually costs a few hundred dollars less than the "base" 1.8T.
Builds on the 1.8T with the 2-liter turbo and a slew of performance upgrades, including a sport-tuned suspension, additional gauges, standard 18-inch wheels and sportier interior trim. Option packages are similar to those available on the 1.8T, except the R-Line is eligible for a new more features, namely leather upholstery, 19-inch wheels and upgraded exterior lighting.
Gets the turbo-diesel engine, plus extras like keyless ignition, satellite radio, an audio touchscreen and performance gauges. The Sunroof, Sound & Navigation package continues as an option.
Includes all of the 1.8T's equipment and options, plus automatic climate control, leather seating, specific 19-inch wheels and an upgraded navigation system.
Adds the above content to the TDI version of the Beetle. Note the all Premium models carry the automatic transmission.
It's hard not to love the Classic, which does a fine job of emulating the original Beetle in character and value. That said, buyers with any interest in performance will be more at home with the R-Line. The Premium models are nice, but push the boundaries of reasonable pricing for a car in this class.
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