When Volkswagen->ke94 debuted the new Beetle with its retro-inspired design and strong, muscular stance, the world perked up and took notice. Now that the car has a two years under its belt, Volkswagen is looking to spruce it up with a new option for the 2014 model year. Dubbed the Premium Package, it adds a host of new equipment that was previously only offered on the R-Line trim and it even brings a few all-new items to the mix.

The new option package is available on both Coupe->ke141 and Convertible->ke144 models and is offered for cars with either the 1.8-liter turbo or 2.0-liter TDI engines. Some of the more noticeable changes include new wheels and bumpers, but a close eye will notice some lighting changes as well. The interior gets the most love with a new audio head unit, special seat covers and more.

As a top-of-the-line trim level, it isn’t exactly cheap though. The cheapest Premium Package Beetle->ke318 you can get is the Coupe with the 1.8T, and it runs $27,355.

Click past the jump to read more about the Volkswagen Beetle Premium Package.

2014 Volkswagen Beetle Premium Package

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  • Model: 2014 Volkswagen Beetle Premium Package
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Volkswagen Beetle Premium Package in detail

The new Premium Package is available starting this month, and it adds a rather large list of new features to the Beetle. Starting with the exterior, the car gets the aggressive R-Line bumpers and fog light kit, gray door sills and mirror caps, and a new set of wheels. Cars with the 1.8T engine get a set of white, 19-inch alloys, while TDI models get a set of 18-inch wheels in Galvano Grey.

The Premium Package also adds in Bi-Xenon automatic headlamps -- a first for the Beetle. Despite the hot, red color in our photos here, the official Volkswagen press release says there are “Three exterior color options: Oryx White, Platinum Gray, Deep Black.” Make of that what you will.

The interior of the car sees the most action when you check the Premium Package box. The seats are given bespoke covers that feature leather inserts, and they are treated to contrast stitching. Rain-sensing wipers, the RNS 510 Navigation system and Climatronic climate control system are all in this package, and all three are firsts for the current-gen Beetle. To get the most of that new stereo/navigation head unit, this Beetle also gets the Fender Sound system upgrade. If you are an Apple fan, the Beetle Premium also has a new iPhone 5 cradle.

Pricing for this new package ranges from $27,355 for the 1.8T to $29,355 for the TDI; both of these are Coupes. If you prefer your Beetle with a little less roof, you are going to need to fork out $30,755 for the 1.8 and $32,755 for the diesel.

Volkswagen Beetle

The current-generation Volkswagen Beetle bowed in 2011 as a 2012 model. It represented a massive change from the New Beetle that stormed dealer lots in 1998. Gone was the cute and bubbly exterior design to be replaced by a sharper and lower machine that better fits the classic Beetle silhouette of the 1970s.

The new car also has a redesigned suspension setup that is closer to what you might expect out of a GTI for better handling and performance.

Starting with the 2014 model, the Beetle is powered by a selection of powerful engines. There is a 1.8-liter turbo with 170 horsepower powering the base-level cars, replacing the old 2.5-liter mill, and there is the newest version of Volkswagen’s award-winning, 2.0-liter TDI. For the most in power and performance there is the 2.0-liter, turbo engine borrowed from the Golf GTI.