Volkswagen has refreshed its Beetle for 2016 and added a sporty R-Line model to the range.
With a now more sculptured body and a fresh interior design, the styling enhancements and new options are available in coupe and cabriolet forms and, with the new Beetle Dune, as a crossover. With sharpened lines for the front bumpers and larger openings around the indicator and fog light surrounds, the new Beetle R-Line trim adds a more sporty bumper design with extra air intake openings.
The Beetle R-Line replaces the previous Sport trim level and will be available with Volkswagen’s 2.0-litre TDI 150 PS diesel engine and a choice of either six-speed manual or six-speed DSG transmission.
On the inside, the cabin has brighter instrument panel lighting with new dials and dash styling for the Design and R-Line models. The new R-Line bug also features sports suspension and 18-inch ‘Twister’ alloy wheels, while a new alloy wheel design - the 18-inch ‘Ashmie Adamantium’ - can also be specified at no extra cost.
Whichever wheels are chosen, the sporty finish of the R-Line is enhanced further with a body-coloured rear diffuser and chromed twin exhausts as well as gloss black door mirrors and door protectors and rear tailgate spoiler. On the inside, ‘Sports’ instrument dials have been added, while the pedals are trimmed in aluminium and the scuff plates feature the R-Line logo. A leather-trimmed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel features the R-Line badge as do the the seat headrests. The ‘2Zone’ climate control system, ambient lighting, front and rear parking sensors and cruise control are also standard on the Beetle R-Line.
A new optional Black Style Pack has also been added. Costing £625, it includes 17-inch ‘Rotor’ black alloy wheels and a black painted roof, black front grille and black external decorative trim stripes. The protective side moulding is painted black and has a chromed strip, while the wing mirror housing is painted black.
Two new pearlescent-effect colours are available: ‘Bottle Green’ and ‘White Silver’ while the interior lighting colour can be changed depending on customer preference, and, when the ‘Fender’ premium sound pack is selected, eight-speakers and a subwoofer are added.
Prices for the Volkswagen Beetle start at £16,820 OTR while the R-Line trim starts at £23,540 OTR (Coupe) and £26,390 OTR (Cabriolet).