Next-Generation VW New Beetle on the Way

Long before the new Fiat 500, and well before even the first generation of the “new”

Remember the Dune concept? Keep it in mind as something similar might make a return. (Photo: Volkswagen)

Mini, Volkswagen was on the retro scene with the New Beetle. It was ten years ago that Volkswagen modernized the bug, keeping the theme of its cute appearance, but with completely contemporary underpinnings. Beetlemania hit a high mark in the early part of the new millennium, with multiple special editions and even a one-model racing series. Since then, things have tapered off; the New Beetle is more a fuzzy reminder of an icon rather than a extremely competitive compact car.

Good news for Beetle fans is that the New Beetle has cleared the hurdle and a new generation car is on the way. Much of the engineering will take place in Germany, though the styling will come from North America with the final tweaks occurring in Europe. Production is expected to occur in Mexico, and, believe it or not, despite internal complaints about the high price of production, the New Beetle Mk.II is tipped to ride on the VW Mk.V platform.

The idea of a sporty, lowered New Beetle is also being considered. (Photo: Volkswagen)

The sedan and the Cabriolet are definitely on the list of the vehicles destined to make a comeback, but they'll most likely be joined by a couple of others. Representing a different twist on open-top motoring, a two-seater speedster might be offered, which conceptually dates back to 2005 when VW showed its Ragster concept. Also on the short list is a jacked up, SUV-like Beetle, most likely dubbed “Cross Beetle” which would join the ranks of the Polo and Touran offering extra ride height and beefy body cladding.

As the price of fuel rises and the compact car market booms, VW's ability to offer affordable but fun small cars will no doubt help its case here in the North American marketplace.

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