Volkswagen prices 2012 Beetle from $18,995*

Volkswagen has officially announced pricing for the 2012 Beetle. Buyers will be able to hop behind the wheel of the base car equipped with a 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine for $18,995 (*$19,765 including $770 in destination charges). When equipped with the standard five-speed manual transmission, the EPA estimates that the engine should be good for 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.

Models equipped with the optional 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder can look forward to a price tag closer to $23,395 and 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway when equipped with the optional DSG gearbox. That extra coin will also buy consumers a host of kit, including Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, larger brakes with red calipers, a spoiler and metal pedals among other niceties.

Curiously, Volkswagen hasn't yet announced pricing on models equipped with the 40 mpg highway 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine. With 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, VW says the engine will make the 2012 Beetle the most efficient car in the nameplate's history.

Buyers will be able to choose from just three trim levels, and we're happy to report that the excellent Fender audio system we sampled on the 2012 Passat will also be available on the 2012 Beetle. Hit the jump for the full press release.

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[Images: Copyright 2011 Drew Phillips / AOL]