What: A more modern take on VW's most recognizable small car 

When: Unknown. The redesigned Beetle could be released as early as Summer 2009 

Price: Unknown. The 2009 New Beetle starts at $18,290


The Volkswagen New Beetle's design hasn't changed since it debuted in 1998, mimicking the design of the original Beetle. But the automotive press has gotten wind of a new New Beetle with a more mature, sleek design to appeal to a broader audience. 

VW purists might not like this new direction, but writers say the Beetle's revamp should utilize some of its existing bug-like makeup, but adopt some of the more modern finishes of other VW compacts and mid-size sedans. Reportedly, the 2010 Volkswagen New Beetle will share a platform with the new VW Golf and the Volkswagen Scirocco, a sports coupe sold overseas. 

According to rumors, the 2010 New Beetle will first debut as a coupe, followed by a convertible and even possibly a four-door model. 

What the Auto Press Says 

Auto writers have few details on the 2010 New Beetle, and therefore, present few opinions. The most the press can do is speculate on the 2010 Beetle's dimensions and new features. The majority agree that the new car will ride on the Golf platform, and share many design elements with other 2010 VW small cars, like the Polo. 

Here is what the press has to say about the 2010 VW New Beetle: 

  • "Set to share a platform with the next-generation Rabbit and upcoming Scirocco, the 2010 Beetle will once again be styled in California and engineered in Germany. ... That, however, is where the similarities will end. ... Volkswagen is looking to move away from the 'chick car' image of the New Beetle." -- Motor Trend
  • "We're expecting something more mature. ... Flashier lights and more angular sheetmetal are also distinct possibilities. Whatever the case, it won't be an easy redesign. VeeDub could stay the course by keeping the cute and charming nature of the current New Beetle intact or it could spice things up with something much more sporty." -- Autoblog
  • "Published speculative sketches suggest the mainstay 2-door hatchback will wear a longer, more-conventional roofline leading to a smoothly curved liftgate. Other forecast elements include larger windows, prominently bulged wheel-arches, and a longer, turned-down schnoz with a low-riding vestigial grille." -- Consumer Guide
  • "The car will ride on the same next-gen Group A platform due out next year for pretty much every small and mid-size car in the VW stable, and feature similar choices from VW's lineup of four-cylinder engines. It's also a possibility VW will give U.S. buyers the choice of an 1896cc TDI inline-four that is currently serving duty in the Polo." -- Jalopnik

Key Details 

Volkswagen has not released details on the upcoming New Beetle. However, reviewers predict the 2010 model will have a turbocharged four-cylinder with a diesel engine option. A six-speed manual transmission is expected, with the option for a seven-speed Direct Shift Gearbox. Many of the 2009 New Beetle's standard should carryover, including four-wheel anti-lock brakes, traction control and front side and curtain side airbags. 

Stay tuned for more details on the 2010 Volkswagen New Beetle, or read our separate review of the 2009 VW New Beetle.