3:51 pm, April 19, 2011
THE latest chapter in VW’s most iconic model has been opened this week with the launch of a brand new Beetle.
Unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show, the all-new car steps away from the current generation Beetle’s looks – which date from 1998.
Instead the new Beetle takes the look of the 2005 Beetle Ragster concept – it’s lower, wider and longer like the concept – and the car’s roofline harps back to its 1938 predecessor.
Inside the cabin has a more modern dash, but still with a nod to the original car, while three trim levels will be available – Beetle, Design and Sport – ‘and each will be endowed with its own individual character and features,’ says Volkswagen.
VW dealers in the UK can expect a range complete with four engines: three petrol – a 1.2-litre TSI 104bhp, a 1.4-litre TSI 158bhp and a 2.0-litre TSI 197bhp; and one diesel – a 1.6-litre 104bhp with BlueMotion Technology.
The 2.0-litre TSI 197bhp version will have will an the Golf GTI’s XDS electronic differential lock fitted as standard, while at launch at least, the most environmentally-friendly version will be the 1.6-litre 105 PS model. This comes with Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems, fuel economy is estimated at 65.7 mpg, and has carbon dioxide emissions of 112 g/km.
The new car will be available to order in the UK in the summer, with first cars arriving in showrooms early in 2012.
