The Beetle is back!

In 1998, Volkswagen re-created their original Beetle with a modern, bubble-shape version that had a flower in the dashboard. It was querky and appealing to some, but to others it was trying too hard to be the fun and lovable 'bug' that the ledgendary original became back in the 50s and 60s. VW have now revived the Beetle with a different look, a change in shape and a stylish, sporty interior - very different from the last New Beetle (as it was known) and certainly no sign of a fake flower poking out the dash!

Similar shape, but a totally different car (automotiveaddicts.com)

Firstly, it can take a second look to notice it, but the whole shape of the body has been tweaked since the last model to allow it to drive better on the road. With a change to the interior as well (in particular the driving position), some critics have said the driver will feel more in control rather than feeling they're driving from the back seat. The cabin has been moved back behind a longer bonnet this time and the car itself is lower and slightly wider than the old New Beetle.



An iconic car... an original 1955 Beetle (inetgiant.co.uk)



The styling takes on a similar corporate look as other VWs but still retain's its individuality with round headlights and the fact that the front-end looks like a face, thanks to the position of the numberplate and bonnet. Comparing it to its predecessor, this beefed-up, more masculine-looking car highlights the big changes made for the new model. The New Beetle before had a feminine feel about it and was therefore mostly seen being driven by girls. The new one looks sportier, tougher and more planted giving it a whole new look. The shape is very similar to the original Beetle and the 1998 New Beetle; but this new one has a cool new party trick which puts it in a class of its own. It has a self-raising spoiler that is used to help improve handling at high speeds. It sits just under the rear window and does not stick out too far that it looks out of place; in fact, it completes the sporty look of the new model very well, so does a good job aesthetically and mechanically (although onlookers would never know).

Slight change in shape is more noticeable here (nonstopcars.com)

When it is launched, the Beetle will be availble with two petrol engines, a 105 and 160bhp TSi unit with a 200bhp diesel coming later next year. Similar to the old previous Beetle, this one will be built in Mexico, alongside the Jetta, as both share the same platform.

The interior is kitted out with the latest technology and maintains a modern and sleek style, similar to that of the Golf GTI. The interior of the old New Beetle was rather plain and was almost remeniscent of the simple style of the original; back-to-basics driving, the sunglasses-on and wind-in-your-hair style. In the new one, however, you'll want the windows done right up to get the benefit of the Panasonic/Fender sound system blasting your tunes... an optional extra, sadly. The dashboard is finished in a black and silver carbon effect with a large, central-mounted instrument panel to control the radio, sat-nav and telephone (when paired with a mobile via Bluetooth). On top of the dashboard sits a small unit housing three dials, one of them being a stopwatch; how necessary this will be depends on the driver, and although VW are making this new Beetle a lot sportier, it's unlikely owners will be queueing up at their local race track for a spin. Also, there are silver metal pedals, to add to the race car-type feel, and an upward opening glovebox that some may remember was a querky feature of the 1938 original. As an option, a striking red leather can cover the four seats inside, too.

A generic, modern interior; not so gender-specific (autocarpictures.com)

VW is revealing the new car at simultaneous MTV music events in New York, Berlin and Shanghai. The nights will include many bands and DJ sets and it will be playing out across MTV - quite a way to aim at the younger market but it should prove hugely successful. Looking chic in it's white shell, and with huge alloy wheels, it is clear the new Beetle is much more of a 'hip' and 'trendy' young person's car, different to the older people who are familiar with the original... and who still use the words 'hip' and 'trendy' together.

Prices are expected at around £14,000 for the smaller-engined models and to range up to £22,000 for the top-end sportier versions. We'll see the new Beetle on our roads from January next year.