VW has given the Beetle Turbo, Beetle Turbo Convertible, and the Jetta GLI models a few updates, with the most notable upgrade being the addition of the new version of VW’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.
VW has given the Beetle Turbo, Beetle Turbo Convertible, and the Jetta GLI models a few updates, with the most notable upgrade being the addition of the new version of VW’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The new engine makes 210 horsepower, an increase of 10 hp over the previous Gen 2 TSI engine. Peak power is generated 200 revs higher in the engine range, at 5300 rpm, and torque remains unchanged at 207 pound-feet. The Beetle Turbo coupe takes 6.6 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph, 0.2 seconds less than the previous version: At 6.7 seconds, the Jetta GLI is a tenth faster with the manual transmission and two tenths quicker with the DSG dual-clutch automatic than the cars equipped with the Gen 2 engine.
As well as providing more performance, VW estimates that the new engine also gives an improvement in fuel efficiency for the Beetle models of between four and eight percent on the combined cycle and by up to nine percent on the city cycle. The EA888 Gen 3 engine is designed to be lighter and more fuel efficient than the unit it replaces. Engine weight has been reduced by eight pounds, to 290 pounds overall. Among the improvements on this engine are: a thinwall crankcase casting; exhaust headers that are integrated into the cylinder head; smaller diameter main bearings; roller bearings for the twin balancer shafts; and a crankshaft that has four counterweights instead of eight.
As well as getting the new engine, the Beetle Turbo and Beetle Turbo Convertible both receive new R-Line bumpers; these feature grained black surfaces and chrome-framed turn signals at the front and a diffuser at the rear. The Jetta GLI is also upgraded with LED taillights on all three trims.
The Beetle Turbo R-Line model, which is also fitted with the new 210-hp engine, appears in dealerships at the same time, replacing the Beetle Turbo with Sunroof, Sound, and Navigation. Externally, the R-Line model is differentiated by the more aggressive front and rear bumpers, 19-inch “Tornado” aluminum-alloy wheels, R-Line badging, and Bi-Xenon headlights with LED DRLs. Inside, the R-Line model features custom stainless-steel kickplates, a steering wheel badge, and a unique “chrome vanadium” dashboard panel. The base price for the Beetle Turbo R-Line will be $30,135 when equipped with the six-speed manual transmission.
