VW Beetle A5 (2012–2014)
Flatter, wider and more modern — the A5 redesign
Years
2012–2019 (UK focus 2012–2014)
Body
3-door hatchback (Cabriolet from 2013)
Platform
VW Group A5 (PQ35) — shared with Golf Mk6 / Jetta A6
Boot
310 L (11.0 cu ft)
The VW Beetle A5 arrived for the 2012 model year, dropping the "New" name and the cute curves for a lower, wider, flatter-roofed shape inspired by the original Type 1. Built on the newer PQ35 platform shared with the Golf Mk6, it is bigger in every dimension and far more practical, with a 310-litre boot.
The A5 range brought modern TSI petrol and TDI diesel engines, DSG gearboxes and, from 2013, a Cabriolet. It is the most refined modern Beetle to drive and the best base for a modern-looking styling build — especially with LED rear lights and concave 18-inch alloys.
Production of the Beetle ended on 10 July 2019 in Puebla, making these cars genuinely collectible. Use this guide to pick the right engine, check the known TSI/DSG issues, and spec your own A5 build in the free configurator.
Best Engines
2.0 TSI (200–210 PS)
The performance pick — 0–62 mph in ~7.5s and very tuneable.
1.4 TSI twin-charger (160 PS)
Great all-rounder with strong economy; check timing-chain history.
1.6 TDI (105 PS)
Economy hero at 65+ mpg — the high-mileage diesel choice.
What to Check Before You Buy
- !On the 1.4 TSI twin-charger (EA111), check the timing chain and supercharger above ~60k miles.
- !On the 2.0 TSI (EA888 gen 2), ask about oil consumption and confirm the timing-chain tensioner was inspected.
- !Verify DSG gearbox oil was changed every 40k miles — neglected mechatronic units are expensive.
- !Check the Dieselgate emissions recall was applied cleanly on any 1.6/2.0 TDI.
Common Issues
- 1.4 TSI (EA111 twin-charger): timing chain and supercharger issues above ~60k miles.
- 2.0 TSI (EA888 gen 2): oil consumption & timing chain tensioner — confirm chain history.
- DSG mechatronic / clutch packs — ensure gearbox service (oil every 40k miles) was done.
- Dieselgate emissions recall on 1.6/2.0 TDI — verify the fix was applied cleanly.
- DRL / LED rear-light condensation on early cars.
Beetle A5 — Frequently Asked Questions
Related Guides
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Beetle A5 (2012–2014) Buyer's Guide
What to know before buying a Beetle A5, from engine choices to the spec worth paying for.
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Beetle A5 Styling & Wheel Fitment Guide
The best wheel sizes, aero and styling upgrades to modernise a Beetle A5.
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VW Beetle Lighting Upgrade Guide: Headlights, DRLs & Rear Lights
How to modernise your Beetle's lighting with projector headlights, LED rear lights and DRL strips.
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VW Beetle Wheel Fitment Guide (5x100)
Everything you need to know about wheel fitment on the 2000–2014 VW Beetle — PCD, offset and recommended sizes.
Community Beetle A5 (2012–2014) Builds
Beetle A5 (2012-2014)
Full Show Build
Beetle A5 (2012-2014)
Full Show Build
by Anonymous builder
Base
Deep Black
Accent
Vibrant Purple
🔧 18" Concave Alloys
Beetle A5 (2012-2014)
Sport Kit
Beetle A5 (2012-2014)
Sport Kit
by Anonymous builder
Base
Racing Blue
Accent
Candy White
🔧 17" Sport Alloys
Build Options for Beetle A5 (2012–2014)
Body Kits
standard factory body
front lip splitter and side skirts for a clean street look
front lip splitter, rear diffuser and side skirts
roof spoiler with subtle street styling
flared wide-arch body conversion with aggressive stance
full show-spec body kit with splitter, diffuser, skirts and spoiler
Wheels
factory OEM alloys
17-inch retro-style alloys with classic Beetle look
17-inch sport alloy wheels, 5x100 Beetle fitment
18-inch concave alloy wheels, 5x100 Beetle fitment
gold classic-style alloys
satin gunmetal anthracite split-rim alloys
Compatible Parts
0 parts fit this modelNo compatible parts listed yet for this model.
Build Your Beetle A5
Spec your dream Beetle A5 in the free configurator — body kits, wheels, colours and lighting, visualised before you buy.
Start Building