Volkswagen reveals 2012 Beetle

Volkswagen is giving the latest version of its ‘world car’, the Beetle, a global launch, with simultaneous reveals at the Shanghai and New York shows, plus an event in Berlin.

The latest car builds 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. So while VW states that every part has been remade, its lines still stick closely to those of the original Volkswagen, which has sold over 20 million units.

The new car is 1.808m wide, 1.486m tall and 4.278m long; that’s 84mm wider, 12mm lower and 152mm longer than the outgoing version, and considerably wider and longer than a Golf. Designed under the direction of VW Group design chief Walter de’Silva and VW brand design boss Klaus Bischoff, the Beetle gets sharper, squarer bumpers, and a more rakish roofline.

New features for the Beetle include LED daytime running lights, bi-xenon headlights, an integrated rear spoiler, and larger wheels (up to 19in will be available).

The engine options globally will be three turbocharged petrol units, with 103bhp (1.2), 158bhp (1.4) and 197bhp (2.0), and a pair of turbodiesels with 103bhp (1.6) and 138bhp (2.0). VW’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission will be offered as an option;

The most potent petrol variant can reach 207kph It and the 1.6 TSI get VW’s electronic differential lock, which brakes to stop the unloaded inside wheel from spinning during cornering. Cabin-oriented features include navigation system (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 per cent larger than the item offered on the previous model.

However, 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. The new Beetle will be built at VW’s Puebla plant in Mexico, alongside the Jetta, with which it shares a platform.A convertible version is already under development; it’ll go on sale later in 2012.