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Volkswagen Beetle Gets 1.8 Turbo Engine

Just like the Jetta sedan and the upcoming Golf 7 hatch, the Beetle models previously sold with a 2.5-liter engine in the US are now fitted with the a 1.8-liter turbo engine. Belonging to the EA888 family, this TSI four-cylinder unit produces the same 170 hp and a little more torque than its predecessor, but does so while getting better mileage.
Beetle 1.8T 1 photo
Photo: Volkswagen
It's so good in fact that Audi also uses it for the entry-luxury A3 model which starts at $29,900. But don't worry, the Beetle 1.8T is not that expensive, retailing at $20,295 for the coupe or $25,170 for the convertible.

Peak power is available between 4800rpm, delivered at 700 fewer revs than the 2.5. Torque is up by 7 to 184 lb-ft, available rom just 1500 rpm, a whopping 2750 revs less than the outgoing model.

Fuel economy is much improved. The Beetle equipped with the 1.8T and a six-speed automatic transmission now gets 33 mpg on the highway, up from 29 mpg for the 2.5-liter engine. At the same time, the city mileage improves from 22 to 25 mpg, and the overall EPA estimated combined fuel economy is now 28 mpg compared with 25 for the outgoing five cylinder. On the manual transmission model, the EPA city/combined/highway fuel economy ratings have improved from 22/25/31 mpg to 24/27/33 mpg. In the case of the Beetle Convertible, the EPA ratings have gone from 21/23/27 mpg to 24/27/32 mpg—a 19 percent gain in the estimated highway fuel economy.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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