Volkswagen of America just announced a throwback edition of the classic "slug bug" or "punch buggy" mobile. The new, limited-edition Beetle Classic will go on sale this week with plenty of new technological features to offer.
Despite the Beetle Classic 1.8T Coupe's starting price of $20,195 ($1,500 less than the Beetle 1.8T automatic), it adds many features to the already impressive list of standard equipment. Among these new additions are a rear spoiler, a leather wrapped shifter knob and handbrake lever, Sirius XM Satellite radio, an RNS 315 navigation system, and a multifunction steering wheel.
You might be thinking that the additional equipment doesn't really embody the idea of a vehicle called the Beetle Classic. To some, the new additions may sound much too advanced for a throwback model. Fear not. The interior of the Beetle Classic will be upholstered with a two-tone brown "Sioux" leatherette and checked cloth seating surfaces to deliver that retro look that VW is aiming at. The exterior will be available in three colors, Pure White, Black Uni, and Reflex Silver, all three of which will complement the two tone interior for an all around retro, stylized aesthetic. Topping off the Beetle classic are 17-inch "Heritage" aluminum-alloy wheels.
The Beetle Classic Convertible will join the coupe early in 2015 with an MSRP of $25,995. It includes all the same interior and exterior features.
Fitted with the 1.8-liter turbocharged and direct injection TSI four-cylinder engine, the Beetle produces 170 horsepower and 177 foot-pounds of torque. The Coupe has an estimated EPA fuel rating of 33 MPG on the highway. The Convertible model isn't rated quite as high with its rating of 32 MPG on the highway.
The Beetle Classic 1.8T Coupe is now the least expensive Beetle model, even though it features a host of convenience and stylish additions.
