It might have sold to 20 million homes, but even the iconic Volkswagen Beetle needs a makeover from time to time. Now, the design penned in 2011 gets a refresh and will cost from £16,820, with a sporty new R-Line version starting from £23,540.
According to VW, the Beetle now has “a more sculptured body”, with sharpened front bumpers and larger openings around the fog light enclosures and indicators for both the coupe and cabriolet versions.
Sculpted body
The R-Line trim is more distinctive still, with deeper bumpers and air intake slots beneath the Volkswagen badge, but it’s only available with the 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine, with 148bhp. It also features twin exhausts, sports suspension, a rear spoiler, a choice of two sets of 18-inch alloy wheels, and gloss black door mirror surrounds and door protectors.
There are tweaks inside too, with brighter instrument lighting, or ‘Sports’ dials in the R-Line, which also gets aluminium pedals and scuff plates, three-spoke leather steering wheel and R-Line badges. And it’s not all style over substance, the kit count is also increased with climate control, ambient lighting, front and rear parking sensors and cruise control.
Improved kit count
Choose the Beetle in Design trim, available with a 1.2-litre or 1.4-litre petrol or 2.0-litre diesel with 108bhp from £19,215 and there’s a new ‘Black Style Pack’ available, with 17-inch alloys, black painted roof, intake grille, side mouldings, door mirrors and trim stripes for £625.
Other options include a £545 Fender premium stereo with eight-speakers and a subwoofer and red 17-inch ‘Orbit’ alloy wheels for £100.
For a more rugged look, there’s also the Beetle Dune, with an increased ride height and tough body cladding, available in both coupe and convertible from £21,280 and £24,565 respectively.