First seen in this form in 2011, the Volkswagen Beetle and Beetle Cabriolet have been freshened up. The Bug gets new options for individualisation, new Denim and Beetle Exclusive variants and equipment lines. No changes to the engines – three petrols and two diesels, 105 PS to 220 PS – and prices.
New exterior paint options include “Bottle Green Metallic” and “White Silver Metallic”. The bumpers in the Basic and Design lines have been redesigned and are now flatter/sportier. The R-Line equipment line (formerly called Beetle Sport) gets its own new bumpers as well, with an additional vent opening above it.
Other highlights include tinted LED rear lights, 17-inch “Philadelphia” wheels and the 18-inch “Ravenna Adamantium” wheels, which are optional for the Design Line and R-Line.
Inside, brighter instrument panel lighting, a new dial and dashpad styling for the Design Line and R-Line are the improvements. VW has new three new upholstery materials and contemporary style packages for personalisation. Also available is the “Black Style Package” which gives one a black finish on the wheels, mirror caps and roof.
The optional R-Line interior package sports R-Line logos on the sill panel mouldings and on the head restraints, as well as an R-Line sport steering wheel. It can be ordered with “Kyalami” fabric seats or with “Vienna” leather.
Special models announced include the Beetle Denim that was previously a limited edition for the US market. An interior clad in jeans, “Stonewashed Blue Metallic” paint and 17-inch “Circle” wheels in “Dark Graphite” with chrome cap set this Bug apart. An “Allstar” special model will surface by the end of this year.
The Beetle Exclusive is the posh one in the family. Based on the Design and R-Line equipment lines, it adds on alloys in “Twister” style in black with bright machined surface (including wheel locks), a black dashpad and aluminium sill panel mouldings with “Volkswagen Exclusive” lettering, seats part finished in “Nappa” leather and Cool Leather, which remains cool and supple in sunlight, VW says.
The updated Beetle is now available in Europe. The R-Line with the top 220 PS engine can be ordered from the middle of June. One last ride?
GALLERY: Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Denim
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I’m not sure about other countries but I think this joke is over in Malaysia. It can’t be long before they retire the Beatle.
I believe it’s the last swan song of the Beetle, sad to see how such an iconic car ends…..