The Volkswagen New Beetle was introduced in 1998 by Volkswagen.
It borrowed its exterior design from original classic Beetle design.
However, unlike the original Beetle, the New Beetle had engine located at front side and storage space designed at the rear side.
Volkswagen New Beetle
First Generation (2003-2007)
For the first generation, the Volkswagen New Beetle was developed on the Volkswagen Group PQ34 platform. In 2003, a convertible model was launched to substitute the Volkswagen Cabrio.
Coming to luxury amenities provided in the New Beetle, it is incorporated with
- Vestigial running boards
- Separate wings
- Large round tail lights
- Sloping headlamps
It was also included with a superior round shaped roof-line that offered sufficient amount of headroom for tall drivers.
VW New Beetle Specifications
The first generation Volkswagen New Beetle was deployed with a gasoline 2.0L petrol engine. The engine used was rated to deliver a maximum power of 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) at 5,200 rpm and a maximum torque of 165 N*m (122 lb*ft) at 2,600 rpm.
It was offered with choice of five-speed manual, and four-speed automatic transmission, while the and disc brakes were used on all four wheels.
US Models
For US models, the engine options included 2.0L inline-4 on base model, a 1.8L Turbo inline-4 on the “Sport” model, and a1.9L TDI, turbo diesel inline-4-cylinder engine. The sport model was included with sporty suspension, bigger tires, and wheels.
Dune
The Dune was a concept car stimulated by the Baja Bug. The car was exposed at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2000.
Beetle RSi (2001-2003)
 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle |
 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle |
The RSi was a limited edition in the New Beetle lineup. It was designed with a 3.2 liter VR6 engine that could generate 225 hp, mated to a six-speed gearbox. It was designed with 4-wheel drive system 4motion of Volkswagen.
Dark Flint Edition (2005)
The Dark Flint was also a limited version that belonged to the New Beetle convertible. It was included with
- Crimson red hydraulically-controlled top
- 17-inch alloy wheels along with color-coordinated trims
- Bordeaux red colored leather cabin trim
- Winter package that could include fog lights and heated front seats
- Park pilot and air conditioning
- The Highline package
- “Gamma” radio with a CD player and ten speakers
- Windbreak.
Anniversary Edition (2008)
The Anniversary Edition was released exclusively for Australian markets during 2008.
Barbie Version (2009)
The Barbie is the new version of the New Beetle that is loaded with Katzkin Leather and FoamMolders and Interiors, and ABD Racing Werks. It is incorporated with
- Pink colored quilted leather lined arm rests and door pockets
- Leather cabin upholstery
- In-trunk motorized vanity with rhinestone vanity
- Accents mirrors
- Lipstick-coloured dipstick
2009 Volkswagen New Beetle Barbie Version
“Blush” Edition (2009)
The limited version of VW New Beetle, the “Blush” was launched in 2009 for US automobile market. It is incorporated with red leather interior upholstery, metallic White Gold body, red boot, red convertible top, 6-speed automatic transmission, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
A limited edition of 2009 New Beetle convertible 2.5 was also launched in US markets. It included metallic White Gold body, red leather interior upholstery, red convertible top, red boot, 17-inch alloy wheels, and 6-speed automatic transmission.
Final Edition (2010)
2010 Volkswagen New Beetle
VW New Beetle 2011 edition is equipped with unique 17-inch wheels, powered by a 2.5 litre engine coupled to a semi-automatic “Tiptronic” transmission.
Some other additions include “Final Edition” badging outside and inside, along with a sporty suspension. The models are embedded with standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and fog lights.
It is being rumored that this is labeled as the final edition because VW is planning to cease the production of VW New Beetle this year; but, there hasn’t been an official word on this matter yet.
