Volkswagen Beetle Bites India

Volkswagen has launched the much-awaited New Beetle in India. The Volkswagen Beetle is an iconic car that combines classic lines with the latest technology.

Affectionately called the "Bug", the Beetle came into being in 1938 when Adolf Hitler ordered Ferdinand Porsche to design a "people's car". Erwin Komenda, Porsche's chief designer, was responsible for the design and style of the car. When the car was launched, critics had predicted a complete failure for the Beetle because of its peculiar styling and less powerful engine, but the car proved the critics wrong and went on to make history. Moreover, the original Beetle had the longest production run of any vehicle ever from 1938-2003. The Beetle has revolutionized the world by being the best selling single design car in history with a sales record of more than 21.5 million units.

The New Beetle was introduced in 1998 and it drew heavy inspiration from the exterior design of the original Beetle. Unlike the original Beetle, the New Beetle has its engine in the front with front wheel drive and luggage storage in the rear.

The Volkswagen New Beetle carries a 2.0L I4 petrol engine which can deliver a power output of 115 bhp. The engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Moreover, the engine can give a decent average mileage of 13.5 km/l and complies to the stringent Euro IV emission norms. It has been imported from Volkswagen's Mexico factory as a Completely Built Unit (CBU) which attracts an import duty of 110 per cent. Hence, the car is pricey and comes with a price of Rs. 20 Lakh (ex showroom, New Delhi).

With its immortal rounded contours, the Volkswagen New Beetle flaunts body-coloured outer rear mirrors, door handles and bumpers and runs on 15-inch alloy wheels. The beady headlamps commands attention and the circular tail lamps add grace to the rear fascia.

Coming to the inside, the two-door, four-seater greets with top-notch leather upholstery. The cozy cabin sports leather-covered steering wheel rim, gear lever knob and handbrake lever grip as well as premium leather seats. This classic hatchback includes standard features like electrically adjustable mirrors, 3-spoke tilt/telescoping power steering wheel, traction control, central locking, MP3 compatible "gamma CD" radio with Aux-in, height-adjustable front seats, electric sliding roof with sunblind and many more. The Beetle assures safety of its passengers with ABS with EBD, EDL, ESP, front head restraints and dual-frontal and side airbags.The Beetle will come in a colour palette of Salsa Red, Sunflower, Deep Black, Razor Blue, Reflex Silver, Gecko Green and Campanella White.