2014 Volkswagen Beetle priced at $21,115

 The 2014 VW Beetle gets better fuel economy with the 1.8-liter turbocharged engine than the outgoing 2.5-liter. Photo by VW

The 2014 Volkswagen Beetles are scurrying into dealerships as we speak. The base 1.8-liter turbo model will start at $21,115, including an $820 destination charge, while the convertible will start at $25,990. The hardtop comes with manual transmission; the cabrio gets a six-speed auto.

Fuel-economy improvements were on the docket for the next Beetle. The coupe gains 4 mpg on the outgoing 2.5-liter-equipped model, while the convertible gains 5 mpg.

The standard 1.8-liter turbo four makes 170 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, peaking from 1,500-4,750 rpm. All Beetles now have electric power steering, in place of the hydraulic setup on outgoing models.

VW says that the vast majority of its model range is powered by turbocharged and direct-injected engines, and expects that by the end of 2014, close to 90 percent of its cars will be sold with these engines.

Jake Lingeman - Jake Lingeman is Associate Editor at Autoweek, reporting on cars, car tech and the world at large. See more by this author»

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