Volkswagen Beetle Turbo, Jetta GLI get midyear engine upgrades
Volkswagen says the revised engine on its Beetle Turbo and Jetta GLI models is quicker and more efficient thanks to reduced weight and other mechanical updates. Credit: Volkswagen
Volkswagen has a midyear upgrade planned for its Jetta GLI and Turbo models of its Beetle coupe and convertible. The cars' 200-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is now rated at 210-hp; Volkswagen says the revised engine is quicker and more efficient thanks to reduced weight and other mechanical updates.
As equipped, the 2013 Beetle Turbo coupe goes from zero to 60 in 6.6 seconds, a hair faster than the previous model. The GLI boasts similar performance figures. Volkswagen expects fuel economy to go up too; it estimates that Beetle Turbo models should see a 4% to 9% increase in efficiency.
There's also a few exterior changes to both cars. All Beetle Turbos will now get grained black R-Line-model bumpers and more exterior chrome trim. Model-year 2013 GLIs with the more powerful engine get LED taillights on all three trims.
The Turbo model isn't to be confused with the R-Line version, however (have we lost you yet?). The R-Line model (pictured above), which will also use the 210-hp engine, is a late-2013 addition to the lineup and replaces the Beetle Turbo with Sunroof, Sound, and Navigation. Exterior styling cues that differentiate it from the lineup include more aggressive looking bumpers, specific 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, R-Line badges and bi-xenon headlights with LED running lights.
The 2013 Beetle Turbo R-Line coupe with the six-speed manual transmission starts at $30,930, including a $795 destination fee, and goes on sale later this month. As for price changes for the more powerful Turbo models, Volkswagen representative Leigh Anne Sessions told Cars.com that "the Beetles will see a slight increase in price, but the GLI will remain the same." These models also go on sale later this month.
