A New Original, Perfected Through a Return to Roots

"If you were to redesign the iPhone or the Leica M9, what would it look like? Here's the definitive answer," Volkswagen confidently states about the new model. As Volkswagen's Design Director Walter de Silva put it, "creating a new original," its characteristic feature is said to be concept-making through a return to its origins.

The Beetle shares its platform with the current Golf. The development team's task was to eliminate the toy-like feel of the New Beetle and create a car that would stand up to modern standards in both styling and handling. To achieve this, the seating position and center of gravity were thoroughly re-examined, resulting in a finish that strongly appeals to the joy of driving.

"More design, more emotion, more power – these were the development objectives. Our job was to incorporate these into an icon, a car that is most loved." This is what Kai Gruber, from Product Communications, told us at the international press event in Berlin.

While it's a completely new car, "if you were to place it next to the original, shine a light from above the roof, and view it from the side, you'd notice that the design of the rear is almost identical," says de Silva, emphasizing its iconic presence once again.

A Design That Refines the Original Beetle

The most significant difference between The Beetle and the New Beetle is its emphasized power. "The previous generation (New Beetle) was popular with women, and as a result, male buyers drifted away. We made concept decisions based on that reflection," says Tim Gruszam, who served as Product Manager.

"Some people said the New Beetle wouldn't (or couldn't) be redesigned, but the Beetle is like our core product, so we wanted to continue producing it in some form. The New Beetle was a retrospective car, but this time we wanted to redefine its origins."

A 1953 Beetle was brought to the venue. When placed side-by-side, it became clear that while the New Beetle was a somewhat caricatured redesign of the original, The Beetle presents an image of the original made more refined.

The actual body dimensions are: length 4,278mm (152mm longer than New Beetle) × width 1,808mm (84mm wider) × height 1,486mm (12mm taller). The wheelbase, extended by 2,537mm (22mm), and the widened track – 63mm at the front and 49mm at the rear – contribute to what VW promotes as a "powerful exterior." "This allowed us to create a more masculine impression," says Jan Haake, who was responsible for the interior design.

Enhanced Sense of Unity Between Driver and Car

The Beetle's lineup aligns with that of the Golf, on which it is based. The currently announced models are as follows:
・1.2 TSI
・1.4 TSI (twin-charged)
・2.0 TSI
・2.5 MPI (multi-point injection)
Below are the diesel models.
・1.6 TDI
・2.0 TDI

All models are front-wheel drive. The transmission is a 6-speed wet-clutch DSG for high-output models, and a 7-speed dry-clutch DSG for the 1.4 and below.

It appears that the 1.2 TSI with the 7-speed DSG will be introduced first in Japan. For Volkswagen Japan, which is pushing the downsizing concept, the 1.2-liter turbo engine with its excellent fuel efficiency is a crucial powerplant. However, at the press event in Berlin, not all models were ready, and the 2.0 TSI was prepared for the Japanese press.

Driving the Beetle 2.0 TSI, equipped with the same 200ps engine as the Golf GTI and a 6-speed DSG, in the outskirts of Berlin, the overall impression is that it offers a relaxed driving experience rather than being overly sporty. The test car was fitted with optional 19-inch Continental SportContact tires, but surprisingly, the ride was not harsh and the comfort was good.

On the other hand, the turn-in, when you turn the steering wheel, is quick, and the sense of unity between driver and car, where both move together, is significantly improved compared to the New Beetle. Combined with the direct gear shifts from the DSG, this gives the impression of a car that is one or two steps more enjoyable.

The engine sound had a slightly muffled low-frequency tone at 1,500-2,000rpm, which was a minor concern, but overall, the cabin was very quiet. Regarding this muffled sound, some journalists speculated, "Perhaps it's subtly mimicking the sound of the original air-cooled engine," but who knows? At around 120 km/h, some wind noise was audible near the door mirrors, but there was no fatigue-inducing noise.

A Simple Interior Pursuing Timeless Value

The interior, along with an increased trunk capacity, offers significantly more space than the New Beetle. In particular, there is ample headroom in the rear seats, allowing two adults to sit comfortably without feeling cramped.

Volkswagen emphasizes that both functionality and design have been improved. "You can strongly feel the love for detail," says Klaus Bischoff, head of design for the Volkswagen brand. This is evident in elements like the partial use of body color, the continuous line from the center to the doors emphasizing unity, and the attention to detail. While the single flower vase, a talking point of the New Beetle, is now an option, a set of three auxiliary gauges is available as an option, enhancing the sporty image.

"The value we wanted to provide through the interior design is 'timelessness.' We designed it with the wish that it would be a car that owners could cherish for a long time. Since the design concept was to return to the origin, we reinterpreted 1950s elements in a modern way. While we've modernized features like the glove box in front of the passenger seat, called the Beetle Box, and the rubber storage pockets on the inside of the doors, the most important aspect was simplicity that fosters affection." Jan Haake, the interior designer, explained this to us while standing next to the actual car.

Features a Sound System Made by Fender, Famous for Guitar Amps

The Beetle revives the "original" icon of the 1950s, known as the Beetle Box. This is an intriguing concept, seemingly at odds with emphasizing its modern Volkswagen lineage through elements like the deliberately horizontal rear combination lamps.

These old icons are part of the "love for detail" mentioned earlier. It seems there's a distinction between being retrospective and respecting a perfected industrial product. The optional Fender sound system in The Beetle might also stem from a similar concept.

Fender is not only a manufacturer of instruments favored by iconic musicians like Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix, but also a producer of amplifiers for guitars, basses, and keyboards.

Proudly displaying the Fender logo from an earlier era on the in-car speaker system subtly conveys that The Beetle is a car that exists in a special world. A Panasonic representative, who co-developed the system, says:

"Development of the Fender car audio began in 2007. We partnered with Volkswagen in 2009, and exclusively provide Fender audio for this brand. To put it simply, the best sound you can hear from behind the steering wheel."

With a convertible planned for 2012, this is a noteworthy new model from Volkswagen targeting a new market. The Beetle may no longer be a niche model. Just as Fender guitars bring happiness to musicians, perhaps The Beetle is a car that brings happiness to those who interact with it. Happiness is a warm gun.──John Lennon of The Beatles once sang. Following John's sentiment, perhaps The Beetle is the warmth that holds happiness.

Volkswagen The Beetle｜Volkswagen The Beetle
Body Size｜Length 4,278 × Width 1,808 × Height 1,486mm
Wheelbase｜2,537mm
Engine｜2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC + intercooled turbocharger
Max Output｜147kW (200ps) / 5,100rpm
Max Torque｜280Nm / 1,700-5,000rpm