It’s been 13 years since the first-edition New Beetle was launched and 73 years since the original. Now Volkswagen has unveiled the longer (+152 mm), wider (+84 mm) and lower (-12 mm) second-generation New Beetle.
Interior
While the exterior is recognisably Beetle, the inside has a clear, modern design. It’s pretty much as you’d expect from a modern VW, except for the three circular instruments on top of the centre console and the second glovebox that hints strongly at the one in the original. Unfortunately, Wolfsburg has decided not to retain the cute flower holder…
Practicality has taken a big leap forward: luggage capacity is up from 209 to 310 dm3, while the automaker promises more room for four passengers.
Volkswagen will offer three trim levels, called Beetle, Design and Sport. Whether all three will be made available in South African has not yet been confirmed.
As with current VWs, the options list will be vast and will include niceties such as satellite navigation, panoramic sunroof, LED daytime running lights and bi-xenon headlights.
Engines
In Europe, up to four engines will be available, starting with a 1,2-litre TSI (75 kW), followed by a 1,4-litre TSI (118 kW) and the powerful 2,0-litre TSI (147 kW). A turbodiesel engine in the form of a 1,6-litre (75 kW) will also join the line-up. The latter will include BlueMotion technology as well as a stop/start system to offer combined carbon emissions of only 112 g of CO2/km. The 147 kW version gets the Golf 6 GTI’s XDS electronic differential lock that limits wheelspin.
Expect the new Beetle in South Africa during the first quarter of 2012.
