The New Beetle generated tremendous publicity, and excellent sales, when Volkswagen brought the icon back in 1998. But it is now one of the oldest designs on the road, and sales have dropped off somewhat, despite Americans' newfound lust for small, fuel-efficient cars. The New Beetle isn't so new any more, and it's overdue for an update.
Motor Trend reports that VW fans may see two new versions of the New Beetle coming to the U.S. over the next three years. One will be built on the sixth-generation Golf platform, "in the 2010, or more likely, the 2011 calendar year and will include a hybrid version." MT comments that VW "would be smart, in fact, to make the MkII New Beetle hybrid-only, as its distinctive style lends it the same kind of instant recognition as the Toyota Prius."
Canada's Driving reports that a number of variations on the second-generation New Beetle could be offered. "The sedan [and here, we assume they mean coupe] 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." Driving reports that "a jacked up, SUV-like Beetle…offering extra ride height and beefy body cladding" might also be offered.
The second Beetle offspring, according to MT, would revive the rear-engine layout of the original people's car. Based on the VW UP! concept that appeared on the auto show circuit last year, the rear-wheel drive version would likely be smaller than the existing New Beetle and closer to the dimensions of the original Beetle.
With VW suffering a sales drop similar to most automakers over the past year, a new strategy centered around small, fuel-efficient Beetle offspring might be the best route VW could follow. We'll bring updates as we have them.
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