Photo: Volkswagen
Without so much as a small press release, Volkswagen has updated the entire engine range of the Beetle in a big way. Just like the Scirocco, this two-door belongs to the old guard of the Volkswagen family, being based on the PQ35 platform, and needed new weapons to keep up with rivals. Perhaps the biggest change is that the 1.4-liter TSI twin-charger engine has been completely removed. This interesting but over-complicated engine is said to have been riddle with changes and is no longer available.
In its place, the Beetle now offers a 150 PS version of the normal 1.4 TSI, which just uses a turbo. By losing the supercharger, output has dropped by 10 PS and 50 Nm. Performance isn't exactly amazing, as 0 to 100 km/h takes 8.7 seconds. However, the combined fuel consumption of 5.5 l/100km is spectacular for such an old and somewhat heavy car.
Diesel engines have also been updated to the latest EA288 mills. The base 1.6-liter TDI now makes 110 instead of 105 PS and falls within the German market Efficiency Class A.
This EA288 mill also delivers 340 Nm of torque, 20 more than before. Performance has also been improved upon. With a standard 6-speed manual, 0 to 100 km/h takes 8.9 seconds instead of 9.4 seconds, while the top sped has been increased by 4 km/h.
Officials tell us that this engine will be available on both the coupe and convertible in a couple of weeks. Both 6-speed manual and DSG gearboxes will continue to be offered.
Unfortunately, since the Beetle is not a high-volume car, the tricky 184 PS performance diesel engine or the 1.8 TSI that VW has aren't going to be offered.
Diesel engines have also been updated to the latest EA288 mills. The base 1.6-liter TDI now makes 110 instead of 105 PS and falls within the German market Efficiency Class A.
New 2.0 TDI with 150 PS
When launched in 2011, the Beetle came with a 140 PS 2-liter diesel engine that it also donated to the Beetle Cabrio. That's been removed and replaced by a 150 PS TDI of the same displacement.This EA288 mill also delivers 340 Nm of torque, 20 more than before. Performance has also been improved upon. With a standard 6-speed manual, 0 to 100 km/h takes 8.9 seconds instead of 9.4 seconds, while the top sped has been increased by 4 km/h.
New 2.0 TSI with Golf GTI power
As usual, the Beetle is always a little bit behind in tech when compared to the Golf. However, starting next year, this will change, as top-spec Beetle Sport models will feature the latest 220 PS version of the 2-liter turbo engine everybody wants.Officials tell us that this engine will be available on both the coupe and convertible in a couple of weeks. Both 6-speed manual and DSG gearboxes will continue to be offered.
Unfortunately, since the Beetle is not a high-volume car, the tricky 184 PS performance diesel engine or the 1.8 TSI that VW has aren't going to be offered.
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