New Beetle gets engine boost 26 | 07 | 2012

VW HAS ADDED two new engines — a 2.0 turbocharged TSI petrol engine and a 2.0TDI diesel — to its updated Beetle range. The new powerplants supplement the existing smaller units, the 1.2 and 1.4TSI petrols.

Available only in Sport spec, plus a new range-topping ‘Turbo’ special-edition, the 197bhp 2.0TSI delivers 38.2mpg when mated to VW's six-speed manual gearbox.

It'll hit 62mph from standstill in 7.5secs and carry on to a max of 139mph, making it the most potent model in the current range.

The 2.0TDI, meanwhile, achieves 57.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 129g/km. And it's no slouch, coverage the 0-62mph sprint in 9.5secs and managing a top speed of 123mph.

Roadtest: VW Beetle 2.0TSI DSG

The 2.0TDI comes in either mid-range ‘Design’ trim, starting at £20,085, or ‘Sport’, which ups the price to £21,850. 

Tinted glass, 18 alloys, cruise control, sports seats, parking sensors and two zone electronic climate control are standard across the range.

The Turbo spec – who sadly is not available on the 2.0TDI — adds Turbo decals in either black or silver, as well as black or silver door mirrors and 19 alloys. 

Meanwhile the £22,295 2.0TSI Sport gets even more standard equipment than the diesel, including four-link rear suspension, twin chromed exhaust pipes, red brake callipers and a body-coloured rear diffuser. 

Roadtest: VW Golf GTI Cabriolet

Keep up-to-date with all the latest news by following us on twitter.com/scotcars

Jim McGill