Volkswagen has débuted the new Beetle with simultaneous launches in Shanghai (which is having its motor show), New York and Berlin.
The launch reflects the most important markets for the car: the growing Chinese market, where Volkswagen has a leadership position with ventures in both Beijing and Shanghai; the US, which has always had an affection for the Käfer and New Beetle; and the home market.
The new design is more modern. The car appears sleeker and the roofline is no longer characterized by a single arc. The front end blends both traditional (the separate wings) and the new (the emphasis on horizontal elements, in this case the radiator grille). Down the back, the modern Volkswagen theme continues, with squarer and more purposeful rear lights mixing with a familiar Beetle silhouette. The interior also takes inspiration from the early Käfers.
The shape is, according to Volkswagen, more ‘masculine’.
The new design is the work of Walter de’Silva, Klaus Bischoff and Marc Lichte.
Length goes up 152 mm (to 4,278 mm) and width 84 mm (to 1,808 mm) though the new Beetle is 12 mm lower (1,486 mm).
Three trim levels are available: Beetle, Design and Sport. Engines include 1·2-, 1·4- and 2·0-litre TSI units and a 1·6-litre diesel. The diesel will have stop–start and an estimated combined fuel consumption of 65·7 mpg with 112 g/km of carbon dioxide emissions. ESP and six airbags are standard.
The new-generation Beetle goes on sale in North America in the autumn, followed by mainland Europe. It will go on sale in the UK in early 2012.
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i do like the new generation beetle a require one to own and drive