Volkswagen have used the eve of Shanghai’s motor show to reveal its new Beetle to a watching world.
Volkswagen claim the car unveiled in China moves away from the design of its 1998 New Beetle, and takes its styling cues from the orignal Beetle launched 73 years ago. However, the new design has clearly been heavily influenced by the Beetle Ragster concept car exhibited by Volkswagen at the Detroit Motor Show in 2005.
The latest generation of the Beetle has grown in size, and as a result the windscreen sits further back, with an extended roofline creating a rear section more akin to the original Beetle design. Boot space in the 4-seater has also increased as a result, to a capacity of 310 litres.
The ergonomically-designed interior has other features which Volkswagen point to as being inspired by the original Beetle, including the colour accent panels and glove box.
The three trim levels are Beetle, Design, and Sport, and in addition Volkswagen are offering a range of new optional extras including keyless access, satellite navigation, panoramic sunroof, bi-xenon headlights, and LED daytime running lights.
UK models will have four engine options. Three Volkswagen TSI petrol engines will be available - the 104bhp 1.2-litre, 158bhp 1.4-litre, and the 197bhp 2.0-litre. A 104bhp 1.6-litre diesel engine with BlueMotion Technology is also available.
Safety features include electronic stability programme and six airbags, and the car benefits from manufacturing processes designed to maximise structural rigidity. The 197bhp 2.0-litre petrol engined model also gets the XDS electronic differential lock found on the Volkswagen Golf GTi.
The latest incarnation of the Beetle goes on North American sale in the autumn, and will be available to order in the UK from this summer with showrooms expected to see their first cars early next year. Volkswagen will confirm full details, including prices, closer to launch.
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