2012 VW Beetle: UK prices and models revealed

2012 VW Beetle: UK prices and models revealed

Perhaps the title of VW’s press release for the 2012 Beetle details for the UK best illustrates exactly what VW hope to achieve with the new Beetle:

“Less Flower, More Power”.

Which is probably the only way VW are going to get anyone in Europe – certainly any male in Europe – to take a serious look at a car which is perceived as a pointless rehash of a once iconic car in to a fashion accessory for those who don’t love cars.

So now you know the flower vase has lost its pride of place, and the 2012 Beetle is a bit more of a car and a bit less of a fashion accessory, you may want to know what’s on offer. Although we’d take a Golf every day of the week instead.

At launch VW is offering two engines in the new Beetle – a 1.2 litre petrol with 104bhp and a 1.6 litre petrol with 158bhp.

Which doesn’t seem much of a choice, but you will be able to get a 1.6 litre TDI BlueMotion with 104bhp, a 2.0 litre TDI 138bhp and 2.0-litre TSI with 158bhp, although these won’t arrive until late 2012.

Three trim levels are on offer – Beetle, Design and Sport – with the bog-standard ‘Beetle’ trim getting AirCon, remote locking and CD player.

Jump up to the Design trim and you can add 17″ alloys, Bluetooth, iPod connectivity, Fogs, a DAB radio and body-coloured dash and door panels.

The range-topping Beetle Sport adds in 18″ alloys, tinted glass, Cruise, sports seats, parking sensors, Climate and gloss black door mirrors.

VW are hoping Beetle buyers will be big in to options to style their new Beetle to their own taste, so the option list is extensive and includes stuff like SatNav, Panoramic Roof, Keyless and a 400W Fender sound system.

VW has opened the order book for the 2012 Beetle in the UK with first deliveries expected in Spring 2012.

(18 photos – click any thumbnail for full gallery)

By Cars UK