Advertisement
BBC TopGear
BBC TopGear
Subscribe to Top Gear newsletter
Sign up now for more news, reviews and exclusives from Top Gear.
Subscribe
Hot Hatch

It’s the Volkswagen Beetle Turbo!

Published: 26 Jul 2012

An unattributed aviation quote goes something like this: "Lots is good, more is better, and too much is just enough." Seems VW has supped from this well of inspiration, because at long last comes the Beetle variant you'll probably want.

Volkswagen has announced two new engine variants for its third generation Bug, one of which is a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-pot - as seen in the Golf GTI - that ramps up the power to a heady 197bhp. That equates to a 0-62mph time of 7.5 seconds, around half a second off the pace of its Golf GTI sibling.

Advertisement - Page continues below

You'll only be able to spec this engine with the ‘Sport' or ‘Turbo' trim levels, but you do get some nice 18in alloys, sports seats, parking sensors, gloss black door mirrors and climate control. ‘Turbo' adds special decals and 19in ‘Tornado' alloys. Nice.

The other engine up for grabs is the standard 2.0-litre TDI, producing 136bhp, good for a 0-62mph time of 9.5 seconds and top speed of 123mph. If you're concerned by such trivialities, it will return 57.6mpg and emit just 129g/km of CO2. Both are available with either a six-speed manual or the DSG twin-clutch auto.

Should you purchase this diesel, you might want to invest in another new option for the Beetle: a £500 Fender sound pack. It's not agricultural by any means, but surely there's no sniffing at a 400W output with a subwoofer?

The range-topping 2.0-litre TSI ‘Turbo' with a DSG will set you back £24,505, while a ‘Sport' 2.0-litre TDI with DSG costs £23,445. Tempted? Don't forget, this new Beetle isn't too shabby...

Advertisement - Page continues below

Top Gear
Newsletter

Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox.

More from Top Gear

Loading
See more on Volkswagen

Subscribe to the Top Gear Newsletter

Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox.

By clicking subscribe, you agree to receive news, promotions and offers by email from Top Gear and BBC Studios. Your information will be used in accordance with our privacy policy.

BBC TopGear

Try BBC Top Gear Magazine

subscribe