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New Beetle (1997–2010)

New Beetle (1997–2010)
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The New Age Beetle

Factory code: 9C

Retro design becomes a major automotive trend in the 1990s. In sunny California, Volkswagen designers J Mays and Freeman Thomas ask themselves what a New Age Beetle might look like. The result of their deliberations is the “Concept 1” study. It is unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in 1994 and causes a huge stir. Approval for the development of the production model is therefore only a formality. Initial considerations even include alternative drive concepts such as a 50 kW 1.4-litre three-cylinder turbo diesel engine combined with an 18-kW electric motor as a hybrid system, as well as a purely electric 37 kW variant with a two-stage automatic transmission.

Series production begins in Puebla (Mexico) on 1 October 1997. The VW New Beetle celebrates its official world premiere on 5 January 1998 at the Detroit Motor Show. The new model is a fun car from Volkswagen that is perfectly suited to everyday use and becomes a cult car in high demand worldwide even during its production run. Despite its completely unique appearance, the New Beetle shares all essential technical components, including the platform, with the new Golf IV saloon. The friendly design is ultra-modern, but many details are reminiscent of the legendary Volkswagen Type 1 (Beetle). Charming accents are provided by the free-standing fenders, round headlights, hinted running boards, and an unmistakable silhouette, which in profile is reminiscent of three interlocking semicircles. The interior also cleverly picks up on the original theme from over 50 years ago, with references ranging from the round instrument cluster to the flower vase.

In terms of price, the VW New Beetle is positioned well above the Golf, with the basic version initially costing 34,950 German marks. However, it also offers a higher level of engine performance and standard extras such as electronic stability control (ESP). Instead of rear-wheel drive and air-cooled boxer engines like the Beetle, there are transversely mounted four-, five-, and six-cylinder engines with water cooling and front-wheel drive.

With a 3.2-litre VR6 engine and 165 kW (224 PS), the New Beetle RSi launched in 2001 is the most powerful production version. The exclusive top model is limited to 250 saloons.

Over its entire production run, the VW New Beetle covers a remarkable performance spectrum from 55 kW (75 PS) to 165 kW (224 PS).

New Beetle profile

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New Beetle (1997–2010)

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New Beetle (1997–2010)

New Beetle variants & highlights

New Beetle model update

1994

Prologue

The “Concept 1” show car translates the design theme of the classic Volkswagen Beetle models into the modern era. The designers responsible are Freeman Thomas and J Mays. The Detroit Motor Show is deliberately chosen as the venue for the world premiere: corporate strategists believe that North America, with its affinity for the Beetle, is the core market for a possible production model. The idea catches on: in October 1997, series production of the New Beetle begins in Puebla, Mexico.

1999

Cup Sport

To strengthen the sporty model profile, the racing experts at Volkswagen Motorsport convert 40 New Beetles in 1999. They are intended for use in the newly launched New Beetle Cup. Standard New Beetle body shells are used as the basis for the conversions, which are extensively reinforced and equipped with a safety cell for motorsport. The New Beetle Cup is powered by a 2.8-litre VR6 24V engine with 150 kW (204 PS) and 270 Nm of torque.

1999

Broader range

In autumn, two important engines are added to the engine range. A 1.6-litre petrol engine is the base engine. This means that entry into the New Beetle world is now possible for just under 30,000 German marks. A new 1.8-litre turbo engine rounds off the portfolio at the top end. Connoisseurs can identify the new top model by its extendable roof spoiler.

2000

Saving and gliding

An engine overhaul with new roller rocker arms boosts the 1.6-litre entry-level petrol engine to 75 kW (102 PS). The 1.9 TDI is now available with highly efficient pump-nozzle injection technology and 74 kW (100 PS). A new 2.3-litre five-cylinder petrol engine with 125 kW (170 PS) complements the engine range as a superior comfort engine.

2000

Beach, sport, and fun

The New Beetle "Dune" is a front-wheel-drive leisure vehicle designed for light off-road driving and beach trips. In addition to a higher ground clearance, the two-seater Beetle "Dune" has an enlarged luggage compartment for bulky sports equipment. The design is the work of Klaus Zyciora (then Bischoff), who later became Chief Designer at Volkswagen.

2001

Racing. Sport. Injection.

In 1999, the RSi study with a twin-turbo V6 engine teases a top model with racing credentials. Two years later, the Über-New Beetle is launched in a small series of 250 units. The RSi is by far the most powerful version in the line-up and is powered by a hot 3.2-litre VR6 engine with 24 valves, 165 kW (224 PS) and 371 Nm of torque. Stylistically, it is closely related to the Cup model of the New Beetle. Extensive modifications not only make the body look more powerful but also make it 19 millimetres longer and 86 millimetres wider. The track width, which has been increased by 45 millimetres at the front and 59 millimetres at the rear, combined with 235/40 ZR18 wide tyres and Haldex all-wheel drive, ensures much more dynamic handling. RSi-specific equipment features include a special instrument cluster, additional instruments in the centre console, and a sound system tailored to the new operating concept.

2001

The New Beetle "Sport Edition" is launched in 2001 as a less exclusive alternative to the New Beetle RSi. Powerful engines guarantee sporty performance on a par with the Golf GTI: both the 1.8-litre five-valve turbo engine with 110 kW (150 PS) and the charismatic 2.3-litre VR5 engine with 125 kW (170 PS) are available. The aerodynamic design with an automatically extending rear spoiler for optimum driving stability at high speeds is adapted to the increased performance. The colour range is limited to black and Reflex Silver. However, the sporty standard equipment is generous, with leather-trimmed sports seats with contrasting stitching, white instrument lighting, a flower vase, twin tailpipes, and 7.5J x 17-inch aluminium wheels in Delta X design.

2005

Fine tuning

The carefully revised New Beetle saloon rolls into the spotlight at the IAA. The changes are subtle: slightly flatter wings, discreetly modified bumpers, and fresh headlights and taillights combine to create a new look.

2010

End of production

After almost 1.2 million units are produced, production of the VW New Beetle comes to an end in July 2010.

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New Beetle (1997–2010)
New Beetle (1997–2010)
New Beetle (1997–2010)
New Beetle (1997–2010)
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The specified fuel consumption and emission data does not refer to a single vehicle and is not part of the offer but is only intended for comparison between different types of vehicles. Additional equipment and accessories (additional components, tyre formats, etc.) can alter relevant vehicle parameters such as weight, rolling resistance and aerodynamics, affecting the vehicle's fuel consumption, power consumption, CO₂ emissions and driving performance values in addition to weather and traffic conditions and individual driving behavior.

Further information on official fuel consumption data and official specific CO₂ emissions for new passenger cars can be found in the "Guide to fuel economy, CO₂ emissions and power consumption for new passenger car models", which is available free of charge from all sales dealerships and from DAT Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH, Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, D-73760 Ostfildern, Germany and at www.dat.de/co2.