The new Beetle went on limited sale in January but was only available with 1.2-litre 103bhp TSI and a 1.4 158 bhp turbo and supercharged engines. With the introduction of a top-powered petrol and a popular diesel, the range line-up is now complete.

The 2.0-litre 198bhp TSI turbocharged petrol engine does 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds with a top speed of 196mph while the 2.0-litre 138bhp TDI takes 9.5 seconds and can reach 123mph. The latter is expected to be the biggest seller, with 57.6mpg combined economy and 129g/km CO2 which makes it the most road tax friendly in the range. Both new versions are available with six-speed manual or six-speed DSG gearboxes.

Three trims are available on the Beetle – standard, Design and Sport. The TDI comes in either Design or Sport while the top TSI is available in Sport or special-edition Turbo Black and Turbo Silver specification.

The mid-range trim Design will be the most popular, said VW, and includes 17-inch alloy wheels, DAB CD/radio, front fog lights, air con and body-coloured door and dashboard panels.

The range-topping Sport adds 18-inch alloys, tinted glass, cruise control, sports seats, parking sensors, gloss black door mirrors, gloss black dashboard and door panel and two zone electronic climate control.

The range starts at £16,600 while the TDI costs from £20,085 and the 2.0-litre TSI from £23,805.

Options available include keyless access, satellite navigation systems, bi-xenon headlights and a selection of different alloy wheel designs.