Redesigned 2012 Volkswagen Beetle priced from $19,765

The redesigned 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will launch with a base price of $19,765, including shipping charges, a minimal increase over the base price of the current version.

The base VW Beetle, known as the 2.5L, is powered by a 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine rated at 170 hp. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automatic is an option.

Buyers seeking more performance will look at the Beetle 2.0L TSI model, which wears a sticker price of $24,165, including the $770 in shipping charges. Under the hood is a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine rated at 200 hp. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with a DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission optional.

Volkswagen says a diesel-powered version of the redesigned Beetle goes on sale in 2012. It will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel rated at 140 hp. VW did not release a price for this version.

The 2012 Beetle, which is reaching dealer showrooms now, is six inches longer and 3.3 inches wider than the car it replaces.

Read the full 2012 VW Beetle pricing press release below:

PRESS RELEASE: THE ICONIC VOLKWAGEN BEETLE HITS THE MARKET WITH A BASE PRICE OF JUST $18,995

The highly customizable Beetle offers German craftsmanship and sophistication and a sporty new attitude

" Powerful, Efficient 2.5L and 2.0 TSI

By Dale Jewett