Volkswagen Launches the new Beetle

Now the Volkswagen Beetle needs no real introduction. Originally launched in 1938 in Nazi Germany as the original “People’s Car”, this bare-bones rear-engined the same model of this car remained in production till 2003, making it the longest-running and most-manufactured automobile of a single design platform anywhere in the world. A modernized version of the original design made its debut under the name of New Beetle in 1998 and has remained in production till now, as the German Auto giant launched an all-new, or "new-new" if you like, Beetle.

Unveiled at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show, this latest generation of the Beetle moves away from design of the New Beetle of 1998 and instead draws on cues from the original and Beetle Ragster concept shown in Detroit in 2005. And this is not necessarily a good thing.  While there is nothing that can be called really offensive about this Beetle’s design, it certainly seems to have lost a lot of its definitive silhouette – the original shape that made the car such an icon through the ages. But what this new Beetle has lost in terms of its original charm it somewhat makes up for it in modern appeal. All the latest touches from modern Volkswagen design language are there, such as the straight grille and running lights. Overseen by Walter de Silva and Klaus Bischoff, with Marc Lichte the team leader for exterior design, the car’s new proportions mean the roof extends back further, the windscreen is shifted back and the rear section is now more akin to that of the original Beetle.

Three trim levels will be available – Beetle, Design and Sport, each endowed with its own individual character and features along with many new optional features such as keyless access, satellite navigation systems, panoramic sunroof, bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights. The choice of engine options includes a 1.2-litre TSI with 105 PS, a 1.4-litre with TSI 160 PS, a 2.0-litre TSI producing 200 PS and 1.6-litre diesel with BlueMotion Technology which makes 105 PS.  Thanks to the addition of Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems the diesel powered Beetle is estimated to have a combined fuel consumption of 28 kmpl and carbon dioxide emissions of 112 g/km. In addition the range-topping engine, the 2.0-litre 200 PS, will feature standard XDS electronic differential lock as fitted to the Golf GTI.

Deliveries for this latest Beetle will start in early 2012 in Europe and it’s safe to assume that we should be able to get it around the same time in India as a CBU, just like the current Beetle.

VIDEO: VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE THROUGH THE AGES