Volkswagen New Beetle | |
---|---|
Overview | |
Manufacturer | Volkswagen |
Also called | Volkswagen Beetle (Mexico) Volkswagen Bjalla (Iceland) |
Production | October 1997 – July 2011 |
Model years | 1998–2010 |
Assembly |
|
Designer | J Mays (1993, 1995), Freeman Thomas (1993, 1995), Peter Schreyer (1993) |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Compact car (C) |
Body style | 3-door hatchback[1][2] 2-door convertible[1] |
Layout | front engine, front-wheel drive, 4motion all-wheel drive (RSi) |
Platform | Volkswagen Group A4 (PQ34) platform |
Related | Audi A3 Mk1 Audi TT Mk1 SEAT León Mk1 SEAT Toledo Mk2 Škoda Octavia Mk1 Volkswagen Golf Mk4 Volkswagen Jetta/Bora |
Powertrain | |
Engine | petrol engines: 1.4 L I4 16 valve 1.6 L I4 1.8 L I4 Turbocharged 2.0 L I4 2.3 L VR5 20 valve 2.5 L I5 20 valve 3.2 L VR6 24 valve (RSI) diesel engine: 1.9 L I4 TDI |
Transmission | 5-speed manual 6-speed manual 4-speed automatic(01M) 6-speed automatic tiptronic(09G) 6-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 2,515 mm (99.0 in) |
Length | 4,129 mm (162.6 in) |
Width | 1,721 mm (67.8 in) |
Height | 1,511 mm (59.5 in) (1998–2000), 1,498 mm (59.0 in) (hatch 2003–present), 1,501 mm (59.1 in) (convertible) |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Volkswagen Beetle |
Successor | Volkswagen Beetle (A5) |
The Volkswagen New Beetle is a compact car, introduced by Volkswagen in 1997, drawing heavy inspiration from the exterior design of the original Beetle. Unlike the original Beetle, the New Beetle has its engine in the front, driving the front wheels, with luggage storage in the rear. It received a facelift in 2005 and was in production until 2011, almost fourteen years since its introduction.
In the 2012 model year, a new Beetle model, the Beetle (A5), replaced the New Beetle. Various versions of this model continued to be produced in Puebla, Mexico, until the final car left the assembly line on 10 July 2019.[3]
[T]here are no immediate plans to replace it," Volkswagen Group of America's then-President and CEO Hinrich Woebcken said last year. "I would also say, 'Never say never.'