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Volkswagen Beetle Diesel

Volkswagen Beetle Diesel
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Full 2014 Volkswagen Beetle Review

What's New for 2014

For 2014, the Volkswagen Beetle sees a handful of small but notable changes. A limited-edition GSR coupe model debuts with a yellow-and-black paint scheme that recalls a '70s-era racing Beetle. The Beetle Turbo picks up 10 horsepower and a name change: It's now called the Beetle R-Line to avoid confusion later in the year when VW replaces the base Beetle's 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine with a new 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Lastly, the Fender edition is no longer available; the base Beetle picks up a few more standard features; and Volkswagen's telematics system (dubbed "Car-Net") debuts, along with a rearview camera (late availability).

 

Introduction

Producing a retro-themed version of an iconic car can present automakers with quite a challenge. On one hand, they'll want it to pay proper homage to the original, but on the other, they don't want exaggerated styling cues to overshadow sound design. The 2014 Volkswagen Beetle, unlike the previous "New Beetle" retro-bug, manages to cruise deftly between the two, appealing both to nostalgic hippies and modern hipsters, not to mention plenty of people in between.
The reasons for this V-dub's broad appeal are many. Within the classic yet tastefully updated shape, there is ample passenger space, sensible ergonomics, a decently sized cargo hold and a suspension that provides an agreeable balance between sporty handling and a comfortable ride. Variety helps, too, as you can choose a coupe or convertible, select from a number of color and trim options and pick a gas or diesel engine.
Speaking of power plants, the base and rather humdrum 2.5-liter five-cylinder gas engine will be replaced later in the model year by a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that boasts a slightly higher power output and notably better fuel economy. Furthermore, because there will be two turbocharged gas engines (the new 1.8 and the carryover 2.0), the Beetle Turbo is renamed the Beetle R-Line.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2014 Volkswagen Beetle is a four-passenger, two-door hatchback available in four main trim levels. The first three denote the engine: Beetle 2.5L (2.5-liter gasoline), Beetle R-Line (turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline) and Beetle TDI (turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel). Note that later in the model year the 2.5L will be replaced by the 1.8T (turbocharged 1.8-liter four). The fourth trim is the new GSR, which is essentially a loaded R-Line with a unique color scheme. (The Beetle Convertible is reviewed separately.)






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