VW Beetle Turbo and Jetta GLI Get New 2.0-liter TSI Unit, Gain 10 HP and Light Updates

VW has introduced its new, Mexico-made EA888 Gen 4 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI engine to the Beetle Turbo, Beetle Turbo Convertible and Jetta GLI. The new unit is slightly more powerful while also posting improved fuel efficiency of up to eight percent on the combined cycle.

Produced in a new plant in Silao, Mexico, the new VW engine develops 210 horsepower, an increase of 10 horsepower over the previous Gen 2 TSI unit. Peak power is generated 200 rpm higher in the engine range, at 5,300 rpm, with torque remaining the same at 207 lb-ft (280 Nm).

The boosted gasoline unit improves the 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) sprint time of the Beetle Turbo coupe by 0.2 seconds, at 6.6 seconds. The Jetta GLI is also a tenth of a second faster at 6.7 seconds (with the manual transmission) and two tenths quicker with the DSG automatic.

Fuel efficiency is boosted between 4 and 8 percent for the Beetle models on the combined cycle and by up to 9 percent on the city cycle. Weighing 290 pounds (131.5 kg), the new engine is 8 pounds (3.6 kg) lighter than the unit it replaces.

Besides the new engine, the Beetle Turbo and Beetle Turbo Convertible receive new R-Line bumpers featuring grained black surfaces and chrome-framed turn signals at the front and a diffuser at the rear. The Jetta GLI is upgraded with LED taillights on all three trims.

The new 210-hp engine is also offered on the Beetle Turbo R-Line model that replaces the Beetle Turbo with Sunroof, Sound, and Navigation. The R-Line model gets more aggressive front and rear bumpers, 19-inch "Tornado" aluminum-alloy wheels, R-Line badging, and Bi-Xenon headlights with LED DRLs.

Inside, the R-Line model features custom stainless-steel kickplates, a steering wheel badge, and "chrome vanadium" dashboard panel. The base Beetle Turbo R- Line model with six-speed manual gearbox starts from $30,135 (€22,970).

PHOTO GALLERY