What type of fuel does a standard Volkswagen Beetle use?

A standard Volkswagen Beetle uses gasoline as its fuel. Its classic engine is a compact, air-cooled, rear-mounted flat-four designed to run on petrol rather than diesel, LPG, or electricity.

The Beetle’s engine places the cylinders horizontally opposite one another, helping keep the car’s rear power unit low and relatively simple. Air cooling eliminated the need for a radiator and liquid-cooling system, which contributed to the model’s reputation for straightforward maintenance. Early engines used carburetors; later versions adopted fuel injection in some markets.

“Petrol” is the usual term in British English, while “gasoline” is standard American usage, but both mean the same fuel. The Beetle should not be confused with the later New Beetle, which also offered gasoline engines but, in some markets and years, was available with a diesel engine. The original Beetle was never an electric production car, although enthusiasts have converted some examples to electric power.