2010 VW Beetle

[Cap'n Jack]

I'm surprised there isn't already a thread for this car!

One way or another, many people love the VW Beetle, although most just can’t get over its ‘cute’ and feminine styling. Knowing this well, the new Beetle will attempt to deviate from the ‘chick car’ image attached to it in the previous years. VW designers have been ordered to create a sportier, more modern and sleek style for the next-gen Beetle.

One way or another, many people love the VW Beetle, although most just can’t get over its ‘cute’ and feminine styling. Knowing this well, the new Beetle will attempt to deviate from the ‘chick car’ image attached to it in the previous years. VW designers have been ordered to create a sportier, more modern and sleek style for the next-gen Beetle.

One way or another, many people love the VW Beetle, although most just can’t get over its ‘cute’ and feminine styling. Knowing this well, the new Beetle will attempt to deviate from the ‘chick car’ image attached to it in the previous years. VW designers have been ordered to create a sportier, more modern and sleek style for the next-gen Beetle.

Source: http://www.zerotohundred.com/2008/auto-news/sportier-more-masculine-new-beetle/

I really like the look, it's a whole lot better than the old (new) Beetle, I reckon. I can't wait to get a bit more information on it. Only thing is, when I look at these pictures I think - Fiat 500.

 

[Jim Prower]

Still has that feminine look to it, I'm afraid. The roofline's also a little flat in those impressions.

 

[Muzaffar]

Still has that feminine look to it, I'm afraid. The roofline's also a little flat in those impressions.

Agreed. 👎 You know, I think the car looks better if the roof was rounded like the current model.....

 

[Giancarlo]

They chopped the roof? That's it?

My God, they couldn't come up with a creative idea? People have been doing that to old Beetles for centuries.

 

[Jondot]

I think we're all missing the point. This is actually a advancement on behalf of VW. I mean, I often find myself saying "God, if only they'd made the roof a bit flatter. That would completely remove any preconceptions I've made about it being a chick car"

Please... It's still a fatter, more expensive VW Golf with less room inside and presumably a dashboard the width of a runway. And 2010? This should have materialized a good 3 to 4 years ago.

 

[superberkut]

It reminds me a lot of the Fiat 500 concepts, and succeeds in looking a lot larger than it may be. That could be due to the light units' size in comparison to the visual mass to the rest of the car. Still not that bad-looking, though.

 

[YSSMAN]

The previous VW New Beetle (based on the MKIV chassis) was a good car, no matter if it was "feminine" or not. Despite the fact that early reliability was in question, without a doubt it placed VW back into the minds of a lot of customers... Particularly here in the US, where sales had been in a nosedive consistently before that. Like it or not, the New Beetle is a "Halo Car" of sorts for VW, bringing in buyers of all shapes, sizes and colors.

At least for me, I'm excited to see what the future will hold for the car, and furthermore, what direction VW intends to take the car in now that it will transition to the MKVI chassis. The issue at hand, however comes in several forms:

- There was talk that the Up! (which is likely going into production) was going to replace the New Beetle, particularly in the US, where the Up! would have been restyled significantly to bring back nostalgic memories.

- The Golf is obviously the volume leader for VW, and with it already being so cheap, VW will have to step carefully to decide how exactly they want to price the New Beetle in its respective markets, careful attention paid towards the US where the car was most-successful.

- Trim levels would be important too... I'm personally of the opinion that while the New Beetle did a good job of complimenting the Golf and Jetta, there wasn't enough of a difference between all of them to make it a compelling alternative. I'd want the New Beetle to be the uber-efficent alternative to the Golf and Jetta, possibly equipped with a 1.4L or 1.6L I4 here in the US, possibly with an optional 2.0T for a "Super Beetle" option.

...We'll have to see what VW decides to do, but with the current New Beetle aging without grace, they need to bring in the new model sooner than later...

 

[Kent]

When I look at those pictures I think ugly.
I'm not a fan of that roofline styling on many cars... It's been a common trend to attempt that same look and we see it in a variety of oddball cars from the likes of Scion and others.
It just doesn't work for me and I certainly don't think it keeps with the nostalgia of the Bettle.
Bad move in my opinion. 👎

 

[SUPER NUMBBER]

Looks the same, save for the roof...maybe they should go for the "mobster getaway car" style of the early 60's...

 

[Tornado]

Here's a thought VW: stop selling the thing at all.

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

Only thing is, when I look at these pictures I think - Fiat 500.

Me three, but the US doesn't get that so hey...

 

[homeforsummer]

Please... It's still a fatter, more expensive VW Golf with less room inside and presumably a dashboard the width of a runway. And 2010? This should have materialized a good 3 to 4 years ago.

And it shouldn't be based on the Golf, it should be based on the Polo (or smaller), more sympathetic to the original design like the MINI and 500 are (well, they're closer to the originals than the new Beetle is) and be more sympathetic to the ethos of the original Beetle too.

I've always quite liked the "new" Beetle, much as it has some pretty glaring shortcomings (huge dashboard, as you mentioned, driving position that makes it impossible to see any extremities of the car, needlessly high roof, needlessly little space for something so big) it's still a quality product, looks okay (if feminine) and it's one of the few modern VAG products that aren't driven by complete plonkers. I've never been tailgated by a Beetle in my life.

I suppose VW already makes a "new" Beetle - it's called the Fox, they build it in Brazil, it's aimed at South Americans first and foremost, and then exported around the world. It looks crap, but it's well built, rugged enough for South American road conditions, economical, and cheap. It's only a pity it doesn't look more like a Beetle. But this is the sort of Beetle VW should be producing, not a Golf in a frock.

Fox

As for the new one, I'm undecided until I've seen some proper pictures of it, such as in a road test. I'm sure it'll sell pretty well but they'll have to price it competitively because the market has got a whole lot stronger since the new Beetle was first released.

 

[Philly]

Isn't that exactly the same as the old car aside from the roof, the new corporate lower grille and rear bumper? I still wouldn't buy it, but it isn't a bad looking car IMO.

Although, how cool would it be if VW made it rear-engined?

 

[YSSMAN]

I think you guys have missed something:

That photo isn't anything official, its just an artist's rendering...

Although, how cool would it be if VW made it rear-engined?

It all depends on if VW gets smart and decides to re-style the Up! as a Beetle, which at least in my opinion, makes the most sense out of all the options.

 

[McLaren]

Looks like they stretched it a bit, and as a result, made the roof flat.
Not feelin' it....

 

[Muzaffar]

Guys, you clearly kept saying its a feminist car and all but do you realized there was a meaner version of a beetle?

- Trim levels would be important too... I'm personally of the opinion that while the New Beetle did a good job of complimenting the Golf and Jetta, there wasn't enough of a difference between all of them to make it a compelling alternative. I'd want the New Beetle to be the uber-efficent alternative to the Golf and Jetta, possibly equipped with a 1.4L or 1.6L I4 here in the US, possibly with an optional 2.0T for a "Super Beetle" option.

You know, scrap the idea of a Super Beetle and bring out the RSI! 4WD 3.2 liter VR6 motor producing 220+HP and have a mean look to it.....

But somehow I'm kinda confused as well as to what will happened to the Up! if the Beetle will be going into production. I always thought the Up! would replace the Beetle in the US, but it seems not to be. Maybe its another niche car like the Scirocco? I don't know how VW runs their car line up, as it always seem they are kinda competing with each other more than anything...... and its certainly not gonna help their sales in the US either....

 

[McLaren]

Now I remember where I've seen this design.

Anyone remember the Ragster concept? Volkswagen showed it in 2005, and did say it was what the new Beetle could look like. Apparently, they didn't change their mind 4 years later.

 

[Blackbird.]

Anyone remember the Ragster concept? Volkswagen showed it in 2005, and did say it was what the new Beetle could look like. Apparently, they didn't change their mind 4 years later.

And boy what a mistake that might be.

 

[DaddyVDUB]

In my point of view,VW should leave the Beetle alone.Love it or hate it the Beetle old or "new" is an icon.You dont change Santas suit,Coca Cola's formula,Donald Trump's hair,you dont tug on Superman's cape etc.& you dont "F" with the Beetle it is what it is.👍

 

[V1P3R]

FAIL... not that if it wasn't it would be a good thing anyway

 

[Leonidae]

am I the only one who sees PT (Loser) Cruiser in those lines?

 

[V1P3R]

I see wannabe GT-R greenhouse that's for sure. lol

 

[Jondot]

And it shouldn't be based on the Golf, it should be based on the Polo (or smaller), more sympathetic to the original design like the MINI and 500 are (well, they're closer to the originals than the new Beetle is) and be more sympathetic to the ethos of the original Beetle too.

I've always quite liked the "new" Beetle, much as it has some pretty glaring shortcomings (huge dashboard, as you mentioned, driving position that makes it impossible to see any extremities of the car, needlessly high roof, needlessly little space for something so big) it's still a quality product, looks okay (if feminine) and it's one of the few modern VAG products that aren't driven by complete plonkers. I've never been tailgated by a Beetle in my life.

I suppose VW already makes a "new" Beetle - it's called the Fox, they build it in Brazil, it's aimed at South Americans first and foremost, and then exported around the world. It looks crap, but it's well built, rugged enough for South American road conditions, economical, and cheap. It's only a pity it doesn't look more like a Beetle. But this is the sort of Beetle VW should be producing, not a Golf in a frock.

Fox

As for the new one, I'm undecided until I've seen some proper pictures of it, such as in a road test. I'm sure it'll sell pretty well but they'll have to price it competitively because the market has got a whole lot stronger since the new Beetle was first released.

To be fair, the Fox is so devoid of character that it could never really be classed as a modern day Beetle. Now the Toyota Aygo, on the other hand...

I mean, the Beetle isn't a bad car. Or rather it wasn't 10 years ago when it was released. I think it's just a case of being well overdue for a replacement - it was the first 'modern day classic' kinda car to appear, when you think about it, and now the likes of Mini and Fiat have raised the bar a bit. From what I'm seeing though, VW haven't risen to the challenge.

 

[homeforsummer]

To be fair, the Fox is so devoid of character that it could never really be classed as a modern day Beetle. Now the Toyota Aygo, on the other hand...

To me, the Aygo is more the modern-day Mini. Cheap to buy, run, quirky, good use of space, yet a bit rattly. Although the Fox is devoid of character, it actually sticks to the original Beetle's ethos pretty well - well built, solid, cheap, reliable. It is just a pity that it isn't more interesting. I was a big fan of the Lupo so was a bit peeved when VW replaced it with the Fox, but to be fair to the Fox it wasn't really designed to replace the Lupo anywhere but Europe - it was designed to replace the old Beetle in places like Mexico and Brazil.

Much as I love the Aygo/107/C1, I don't think it'd be up to lasting too long on the streets of South America.

I mean, the Beetle isn't a bad car. Or rather it wasn't 10 years ago when it was released. I think it's just a case of being well overdue for a replacement - it was the first 'modern day classic' kinda car to appear, when you think about it, and now the likes of Mini and Fiat have raised the bar a bit. From what I'm seeing though, VW haven't risen to the challenge.

I agree. The Beetle is a perfectly acceptable means of transport and girls still seem to love it, but anyone buying a car rationally would be better off with the regular Golf. That's why VW needs a Beetle that's a bit more groundbreaking - cheaper, lighter, smaller yet with the classic Beetle shape.

The Up! was looking good for a while as a "modern day Beetle" but didn't VW announce recently that it wouldn't be rear-engined rear-drive any more for cost reasons?

 

[forza2.0]

If new illustrations from German magazine Auto Motor und Sport are any indication, the next-generation Volkswagen Beetle will lose much of its retro styling for something considerably more modern.

When the new Beetle was introduced in 1998, it arrived with styling derived directly from the original. If Volkswagen's California design studio has its way, the 2010 model will have a completely fresh interpretation of the classic Beetle theme.

It will also become sportier, with the aim of competing more directly with BMW's MINI, according to the magazine report. The new model will also have more interior space — it will feature a lower roofline but a longer overall cabin, with more space behind the front seats.

AMS says the regular coupe and cabriolet versions will be offered, in addition to a crossover/wagon and possibly even a pickup.

Get rid of the retro beetle. It wont work!

 

[homeforsummer]

Get rid of the retro beetle. It wont work!

It will, if executed properly. The MINI and 500 are both proof of that 👍

 

[Jondot]

Much as I love the Aygo/107/C1, I don't think it'd be up to lasting too long on the streets of South America.

Actually I hadn't thought of that

Yeah, that's true I suppose. I mean the original Beetle wasn't really designed to have character - it just sort of... did.

 

[forza2.0]

It will, if executed properly. The MINI and 500 are both proof of that 👍

Yeah, I agree, but I dont know how VW will be able to retro the beetle without it looking like it already does! The beetle is a hard car to do a modern version of imo. It was never overly attractive in the first place, or cute like a 500 or mini.

 

[homeforsummer]

Yeah, I agree, but I dont know how VW will be able to retro the beetle without it looking like it already does! The beetle is a hard car to do a modern version of imo. It was never overly attractive in the first place, or cute like a 500 or mini.

I quite liked the original Beetle really, it's "different" from the original 500 or Mini, and bigger too. I do agree that the Beetle would be difficult to do a modern version of, but I disagree that the current new Beetle is the only option as far as design goes. The current Beetle looks very, very similar front to back in profile - the bonnet isn't significantly more pronounced than the tail end:

Compare this to the older Beetle (not a great pic, I know):

The profile is clearer front to back because the screen is more steep. I know a more raked screen is all in the name of aerodynamics, but the current MINI hardly has a raked-back screen either.

The car looks "shorter" (I know it is shorter, but it looks it too). The front wheel is much closer to the front of the car. Obviously, the first Beetle is RWD so they can pretty much put the front wheels where they want, but we know from the new MINI that car makers can put the front wheels very far forward just fine. So that's something else to consider for a "new" New Beetle.

The older Beetle is also less slab-sided. The Volvo C30 has proved that you can get away with making the rear much thinner (with big rear "haunches", another classic Beetle feature) as long as you admit it's solely a 4-seater, so VW need to taper the rear inwards towards the back of the car more. Fair enough, it'll have less boot space than the current one, but then the current one is a bit crap anyway, and the two major retro competitors, MINI and 500, also have rubbish boot space. So, buyers obviously don't care. And bigger rear arches would look so much better and be more sympathetic to the original.

Finally, the old Beetle has a curved corner to the back side windows - shouldn't be too hard to achieve.

I just think that with some real thought and a bigger pair of cojones, VW could make such a better attempt at a retro niche car.

 

[Jim Prower]

I say take basic 911 architecture, and design it to be inexpensive. Then chop two cylinders off a Porsche motor, or contact Subaru, and get some of those retro cues on there.

viola. A new Beetle.