VW unveils all-new Beetle 18 | 04 | 2011
THIS IS OUR first look at the all-new VW Beetle which will be available to order at Scottish dealers this summer, with first deliveries expected early in 2012. The world car is being given a global launch this week with simultaneous unveilings at the Shanghai and New York shows, plus an event in Berlin.
Building on the semi-retro ‘New Beetle’, which was introduced in 1998 and accounted for more than a million sales before it was finally discontinued last year, the lines of the latest car still stick closely to those of the original Volkswagen, which has sold over 20 million units.
The new Beetle is 1808mm wide, 1486mm tall and 4278mm long; that’s 84mm wider, 12mm lower and 152mm longer than the outgoing version, and considerably wider and longer than a Golf.
The Beetle gets sharper, squarer bumpers, and a more rakish roofline — which VW likens to the roof of the Ragster, a hot-rot-esque concept first shown in 2005 — all from the pen of VW Group design chief Walter de’Silva and VW brand design boss Klaus Bischoff.
VW's latest Beetle will include LED daytime running lights, bi-xenon headlights, an integrated rear spoiler, and larger wheels (up to 19in will be available).
There will be a choice of five powerplants — three turbocharged petrol units, a 1.2-litre 103bhp, 1.4 158bhp and 2.0 197bhp, plus a pair of turbodiesels with the 103bhp 1.6 and 2.0 138bhp. VW will offer its seven-speed dual-clutch transmission as an option.
Fuel figures and emission levels are attractive. The mid-spec petrol returns 47.9mpg and emits 139g/km of CO2, though the greenest petrol model will be the 1.2; equipped with stop-start and battery regeneration, it will return 51.4mpg and emit 129g/km CO2.
The diesels manage 65.7mpg and 112g/km (1.6), and 57.6mpg and 129g/km (2.0).
The most potent petrol variant can reach 129mph. It and the 1.6 TSI get VW’s electronic differential lock, which brakes to stop the unloaded inside wheel from spinning during cornering.
VW has significantly redesigned the cabin and there will be a number of new features, including a choice of sat-navs (the first time navigation has been available on a Beetle), a premium sound system developed with guitar and amplifier manufacturer Fender, keyless access, and a panoramic glass roof that’s 80% larger than the item offered on the previous model.
Sadly though, the dashboard-mounted flower vase — one of the 1998 model’s most distinguishing features — has been dropped, giving the Beetle’s fascia a more conventional look.
There will, however, be a convertible added to the range. Already under development, it will go on sale later next year.
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Jim McGill