New Beetle [Official] Volkswagen Beetle

[Rainer271]

VW Feels Nostalgic with 2015 Beetle Classic Edition, Priced from $20,195*

While the modern day VW Beetle is in itself, a homage to the original Bug, VW has figured it wouldn’t hurt if it made it even more retro-looking.

That’s the story behind the limited-edition VW Beetle Classic offered on the US market, which goes on sale this week with a starting price of $20,195 (€15,705) for the 1.8T Coupe model - excluding a $820 destination and handling fee.

Despite adding new features compared to the standard Beetle, the Classic is the lowest priced model in the Beetle lineup, starting nearly $1,500 lower than the Beetle 1.8T automatic.

Available in three colors (Pure White, Black Uni and Reflex Silver), the Beetle Classic features an understated retro look inside and out, with additional exterior features including the striking 17-inch Heritage aluminum-alloy wheels and a rear spoiler.

Inside, the limited-edition model gets leather-wrapped shifter knob and handbrake lever, Sirius XM Satellite Radio, an RNS 315 navigation system, a multifunction steering wheel, two-tone brown “Sioux” leatherette and checked cloth seating surfaces, comfort front seats with driver’s side lumbar support and a six-speed automatic transmission.

VW will also offer a Beetle Convertible Classic, from early 2015, which will be priced from $25,995. The drop top model will include the same interior and exterior features as the Coupe.

Both Beetle Classic models are powered by the 1.8-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI four-cylinder engine that produces 170hp and 177lb-ft (240Nm) of torque. The Beetle 1.8T Coupe delivers a highway mileage of 33 mpg (7.1 l/100km) with the six-speed automatic transmission, while the 1.8T Convertible returns 32 mpg (7.3 l/100km).

 

[Giannis]

Cute!

 

[SCOTT27]

They are trying to be overtly retro what with the houndstooth seats and steel wheel covers but for me a Beetle is not a Beetle unless it has an engine in its bum or having its hooked bumpers pull off another cars bumper.

 

[Giannis]

but for me a Beetle is not a Beetle unless it has an engine in its bum

It sounds like "a BMW is not a BMW unless power is sent to the rear wheels"

 

[SCOTT27]

It sounds like "a BMW is not a BMW unless power is sent to the rear wheels"

Touché but perhaps you should drive (if you not already have ) the Active Tourer or the new MINI?

 

[Giannis]

Touché but perhaps you should drive (if you not already have ) the Active Tourer or the new MINI?

With all due respect, Scott, but I am an engineer. A highly educated one. Due to some laws of physics, RWD is fundamentally better than FWD, no matter what the marketing propaganda says.

No matter how good the Mini or the Van are, they are not RWD. Balancing and steering a car with the throttle mid-bend is something you can't do with neither a Mini nor a Van. So, thanks but no thanks.

And I hope we get back on topic, to the equally no-RWD-like-its-predecessor Bettle.

 

[Rainer271]

Bye-bye Beetle? Iconic car could be cancelled again in 2018

We hear Volkswagen has plans to phase out the iconic Beetle at the end of 2018 to focus instead on CUVs.

CUVs and SUVs are still all the rage these days and with theVolkswagenGroup needing more money than ever to face the Dieselgate, new high-riding models are apparently on the agenda to bring in the cash. That’s why the belovedBeetleis apparently on its way to a second retirement, as VW is channeling its efforts on new models to cater the CUV/SUV market.

That’s not actually very surprising, especially since Maserati just came out with the Levante, and will be followed by Alfa Romeo, Lamborghini, and even Rolls-Royce. Moreover, big car manufacturers with plenty of resources are currently filling niches previously unheard-of, with the most representative example being the crossover coupe genre (think BMW X4 & X6, Mercedes GLC & GLE Coupe).

Sales of the Beetle aren't what they used to be nowadays, but VW is trying to spice up the model with special editions like theDuneand the Denim (pictured). However,these are probably not enough torejuvenate the once beloved bug.

The report published byAutolinegoes on to specify the Beetle will be axed towards the end of 2018, but a VW representative contacted byRoad & Trackrefused to “comment on media speculation.” If the modern Beetle will indeed be retired in late 2018, it means it will be discontinued shortly after celebrating its 21thanniversary taking into account the New Beetle went into production in October 1997.

Source:AutolineviaRoad & Track

 

[Centurion]

I feel sorry for the Beetle. The new one looks good. What struggling to get people excited about it, is the poor marketing. I don't understand whether it's cute or sporty. If I drove it, what would it say about me as a driver?

 

[lukeswiss]

I've had a thing for the Beetle since I was a kid, sad to see it not feature in any way at all for a second year in a row at Geneva Motorshow. It's like the bastard step child.

I don't know why they wouldn't just have one cool example on the stand somewhere. They had the space, it's as if they're ashamed. It's not such a bad car.

The Beetle and also the Kombi were true Volkswagen Icons. Most car companies would be envious to have such a history to peddle out.

 

[Rainer271]

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