Volkswagen has unveiled the latest generation Beetle in Shanghai, marking a new era in this iconic car’s history.
Due in Ireland early next year, the latest generation moves away from design of the Beetle of 1998 and instead draws on cues from the original and Beetle Ragster concept shown in Detroit in 2005. As such it is longer, wider and lower, giving a more masculine and dynamic appearance.
The track width front and rear, as well as the wheelbase at 2,537mm, are also increased. 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. The boot capacity is a practical 310 litres, up from 209 litres in the 1998 model. The Beetle has four seats, with a split-fold rear seat for added versatility.
Inside the cabin the Beetle’s designers created a modern, practical and distinctive appearance with easy to identify and ergonomic controls. Certain features, such as the glovebox and colour accent panels, hark back to the original.
Internationally three trim levels will be available – Beetle, Design and Sport – and Volkswagen says each will be endowed with its own individual character and features. A wide range of innovative optional equipment will also be available, including keyless access satellite navigation systems, a panoramic sunroof, bi-xenon headlights, and LED daytime running lights – all of which are available for the first time on a Beetle.
In Ireland we could see a choice of as many as four engines offered, but the line-up has not yet been decided. The choice will include some or all of the following: three petrol units – a 1.2-litre TSI 105bhp, a 1.4-litre TSI 160bhp and a 2.0-litre TSI 200bhp; as well as one diesel – a 1.6-litre 105bhp with BlueMotion technology.
Thanks to the addition of stop/start and battery regeneration systems, the Beetle 1.6-litre 105bhp is estimated to have a combined fuel consumption of 65.7mpg and carbon dioxide emissions of 112g/km.
Volkswagen says as well as being economical and environmentally sound, the Beetle is also built to be one of the safest cars on the road, thanks not only to features such as standard ESP and six airbags, but also a laser-welded and galvanised body structure which has one of the highest torsional rigidity values in the segment.
In addition the range-topping engine, the 2.0-litre 200bhp, will feature standard XDS electronic differential lock as fitted to the Golf GTI.
When the original was launched in 1938, it was known simply as ‘the Volkswagen’, quickly acquiring a raft of nicknames from across the world. Whatever the name, its popularity is not in question with 21.5 million sold in the past 73 years.
