Volkswagen reveals the New Generation Beetle at the Shanghai Motorshow

Volkswagen has unveiled the latest generation Beetle in Shanghai on the eve of the city’s motor show, marking a new era in this iconic car’s history.  The latest generation moves away from design of the New Beetle of 1998 and instead draws on cues from the original and Beetle Ragster concept shown in Detroit in 2005.  As such it’s longer, wider and lower, giving a more masculine and dynamic appearance. 

Three trim levels will be available – Beetle, Design and Sport – and each will be endowed with its own individual character and features.  A wide range of innovative 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.

In the UK, a choice of 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.The new car will be available to order in the UK in the summer, with first cars arriving in showrooms early in 2012.