Auto Trader NZ
Published 3 September 2020
Volkswagen says the new Beetle draws on design cues from the original, and the Beetle Ragster concept shown in Detroit in 2005. It is longer, wider and lower than the New Beetle of 1998, giving a more masculine and dynamic appearance.
The Beetle now measures 4278mm in length (+152mm), 1808mm in width (+84mm) and 1486mm in height (-12mm). The track width front and rear, as well as the wheelbase at 2537mm, 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 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, certain features hark back to the original, such as the glovebox and colour accent panels.
Three trim levels will be available – Beetle, Design and Sport. A wide range of optional equipment will also be available, ranging from Keyless Access through satellite navigation systems and a panoramic sunroof to bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights – all of which are available for the first time on a Beetle.
Four engines will be offered: three petrol – a 1.2-litre TSI 105 PS, a 1.4-litre TSI 160 PS and a 2.0-litre TSI 200 PS; and one diesel – a 1.6-litre 105 PS with BlueMotion Technology. Thanks to the addition of Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems the Beetle 1.6-litre 105 PS is estimated to have a combined fuel consumption of 65.7 mpg and carbon dioxide emissions of 112 g/km.
The 2012 Beetle will start becoming available early next year. More details will be available closer to launch.
