2013 VW Passenger Line-up Detailed For Australia: Beetle, Golf, Touareg R-Line

This month's return of the iconic Beetle will lead Volkswagen’s 2013 Australian launches, followed by the Touareg R-Line V8 SUV and the seventh-generation Golf hatch.

Speaking at a media briefing this week, Volkswagen marketing boss Jutta Friese confirmed the new Beetle's local debut, which will commemorate 60 years since the original model arrived here, will begin with the coupe model only.

Ms Friese told TMR that while the convertible is not off the table for Australia, "we will see how the market responds to the coupe model first".

Engine options for the Beetle will be limited to Volkswagen's familiar 118kW/240Nm 118TSI, with a choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG auto transmissions.

March will see the arrival of the new Touareg R-Line V8 flagship model, and Volkswagen has already announced all details aside from pricing for the 250kW spiritual successor to the previous Touareg R50 model.