Sign in

(1)

---

The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is now available to order in the UK, ahead of first deliveries in Spring.

Prices for the retro-modern hatchback will start from £16,490, which is several hundred pounds less than the equivalent Volkswagen Golf.

The entry level version is a 1.2-litre TSI petrol with 104bhp and comes fitted with a seven-speed DSG automatic 'box. Design trim pushes the price to £18,895 but adds 17-inch alloys, body-coloured dashboard panels and Bluetooth connectivity to the air conditioning and DAB radio already offered in standard Beetle guise.

For those customers wanting a bit more performance, there's also a 158bhp 1.4-litre TSI petrol we have already tested, available with a six-speed manual gearbox. Design trim here is standard at £19,470 but Sport trim includes tinted windows, gloss black door mirrors, sports seats and parking sensors for £21,220.

Volkswagen says more engines are in the pipeline for 2012, including 138bhp and 197bhp versions of a 2.0-litre diesel, though it's remaining tight lipped over delivery.

Optional extras available from launch include a panoramic sunroof, bi-xenon headlamps, sat nav and a Fender sound pack. Yes, the same Fender that makes legendary guitars. Only the branding here will be adorning speakers with a 400W output and a subwoofer.

(1)