New Beetle [Official] Volkswagen Beetle

[Deutsch]

I think it's pretty clear what VW brass meant when they said they're going after the "MINI" with just until this year the only other MINI that existed was the Cooper (not Cooper Countryman). Of course it's easy to make light of that because MINI also happens to the name brand.

I'm very curious to know how the Beetle is perceived in it's Home country as well as other places throughout Europe. With the right marketing strategy this car could prove to be a hit across all the boards, especially with the dudes should we get more beyond the 2.0 TSI model.

 

[K-A]

Honestly the mini is considered a little girlish as well to "some". It really all comes down to personal perspective. Either way the Beetle is ready to pounce.

Exactly. Mini is very much a girls car out here as well, although of course you will see more male drivers than a Beetle, and it can also be considered an enthusiasts car as well.

Difference between Mini and Beetle: Mini girls can be hotties with maybe some taste, while Beetle girls are ones you want to avoid a conversation with at all costs.

 

[EnI]

Not sure how many girls drive the JCW versions. And with the coupe coming ... Especially in JCW variant ... It's gonna be daddy's pocket rocket toy. OK, enough about MINI.

Regarding Beetle's Euro destiny: I'm not sure it's gloomy. As said: VW already has quite some in-brand competition: 3dr Polo, 3dr Golf, Scirocco. So, beside funky factor & retro design - I can't imagine why would anybody buy Beetle over other VW models. It's not that the motoring is special in any way. It's sure it will fare much better in US market ... and perhaps eg. Chinese etc.

Will it sell better than the Mk1 Beetle? Sure, since it's a better car already. Much more refined & sophisticated. More upscale.

But still ... associating Beetle with great motoring & agile sporty driving? Khm!

Regarding girlish cars ... Small cars are more girlish in general. Exception: sporty variants (R, RS, M, GS, GTC, JCW etc).

Sure all these retro cars are very peculiar: they fit well to owner's peculiar lifestyle.

Bottom line: I'm still sure MINI will be able to attract more male buyers than Beetle will ever do.

Can some of US members enlighten me about Beetle image among males in US market, please.

 

[mini_cooper4]

Make Beetle R with AWD and that will suit all chicks that are street racers.. A huge market ofcourse The R(if produced) will be a looker IMO

 

[Mr Robert]

I'm very curious to know how the Beetle is perceived in it's Home country as well as other places throughout Europe. With the right marketing strategy this car could prove to be a hit across all the boards, especially with the dudes should we get more beyond the 2.0 TSI model.

It's hard to tell what will happen to the Newest Beetle, but the popularity of the New Beetle was always more of an impopularity with everyone and it carried an image which, without a doubt, could be summarised with this picture:

 

[martinbo]

^ That you even had the forethought to go looking for a picture of a Barbie Beetle disturbs me deeply.

 

[Imhotep Evil]

Just an observation and nothing more, but it does seem to me that this new Beetle is garnering more favour with our North American members than most folks this side of the 'lantic.

Interesting and probably a key indicator as to the intended primary markets (USA, China).

Primary world car market these days is China.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Hmm...

Small coupe market???'

There is more than a half of meter difference in length between these two cars, for G's sake!

And?

Do you really think every customer goes to the dealership with measuring tape with concern for the difference in length?

I know the Mini is precious to some folks, but the Beetle is coming. Get ready!

 

[Imhotep Evil]

Looks like a late Porsche 356 on steroids, judging by the profile.

 

[Deutsch]

The last generation Beetle was viewed as a chick car. And that's it. However, I personally have a hard time viewing this generation as an exclusive chick car or a car popular with the gay male crowd (though it still may be- but who cares).

I think it comes down to brand perception and VWoA has been doing a lot to change that, turning the brand into "the peoples" car company as it seen in many other places throughout the world. Instead of the car company associated with the hippies of yesteryear. With the Chattanooga plant and the new Jetta and think this strategy is gaining momentum here. Time will truly tell.

 

[Sunny]

My take, it will sell decently for a year or two, probably to the same crowd that brought the last one and then sink like a stone like the PT.

 

[Mr Robert]

^ That you even had the forethought to go looking for a picture of a Barbie Beetle disturbs me deeply.

Thanks, I think...

Hmm...

The first thing most people think of when hearing of the MINI Cooper? Then I guess the images are quite, to say the least, different

 

[donkeykong]

From Autobild,not sure if it's the deal

VW Beetle Cabrio kommt erst 2012 - autobild.de

 

[donkeykong]

2012 Volkswagen Beetle pricing announced (US)

Starts at $18,995
Volkswagen has announced the 2012 Beetle will be priced from $18,995 in the United States.

The entry-level model features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 170 hp (127 kW / 172 PS) and 177 lb-ft (240 Nm) of torque. It comes nicely equipped with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an eight-speaker audio system and 17-inch alloy wheels.

On the other hand, the Beetle 2.0 TSI costs $23,395 and has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 200 hp (149 kW / 203 PS) and 207 lb-ft (280 Nm) of torque. It is distinguished by beefier brakes (with red calipers), a rear spoiler and 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin boasts alloy pedals, ambient lighting and Bluetooth/iPod connectivity.

In 2012, Volkswagen will offer a 2.0-liter TDI, with 140 hp (104 kW / 142 PS) and 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) of torque, but pricing information hasn't been released.

Check out the press release for additional information



Read more: 2012 Volkswagen Beetle pricing announced (US)

 

[MarcinM]

Edit

 

[Merc1]

VW is getting ready to soar in the U.S. market again. Wait until this new bug and the Passat are at full production, they will be selling 40K units a month in the U.S. by the end of this year.


M

 

[HighestOfHigh]

I should get one and put some 22 inch diamond rims on it. Drive down the road doing 90mph listening to Rick Ross "Blowin' Money Fast".

Oh yes that would be the life!

 

[K-A]

It's actually a good looking car for what it is, I gotta say. A proper evolution of the original, finally. A poor kids Porsche.

Bringing up the Passat, however, man what a painfully boring and soulless design there. I think VW forgot that "Conservative/Understated" and "Boring As Hell" can be mutually exclusive from each other.

 

[Soup]

 

[Rainer271]

2014 Volkswagen Beetle gains Premium Package

Starts at 27,355 USD
Volkswagen has announced the availability of a Premium Package for the 2014 Beetle Coupe and Convertible.

The optional kit will be available next month and will be offered for both the coupe and cabrio Beetle equipped with the 1.8T or the TDI Clean Diesel engine. It comes with goodies previously offered only on the R-Line trim along with new ones like bi-xenon automatic headlights, climatronic automatic climate control, RNS 510 with navigation and satellite radio, iPhone 5 cradle and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The 1.8T model rides on white 19-inch Tornado alloy wheels while the TDI model is equipped with 18-inch Disc rims that have a Galvano Grey finish. The 1.8T also has a sports suspension and all of them are equipped with R-Line bumpers with fog lights, grey door sills and mirror caps, Fender audio system, auto-dimming rearview mirror, contrast stitching and unique seating surfaces with leather inserts.

Customers have the possibility of selecting from Deep Black, Platinum Gray and Oryx White exterior colors for both models, with pricing kicking off at 27,355 USD for the 1.8T Coupe. Up next is the TDI Coupe at 29,355 USD, followed by the 1.8T Convertible at 30,755 USD and the TDI Convertible at 32,755 USD. All these prices exclude the extra 820 USD destination and handling charges.

Source: Volkswagen