Chunky moves for next Beetle

These Carparazzi snaps indicate Volkswagen is well into development of its next generation Beetle -- and confirm it will present a quite different character to that of the current model.

Where the new Beetle -- first seen as a concept at the Detroit motor show in 1994, prior to its world introduction -- aped the general proportions of the rear-engined, Ferdinand Porsche-designed original, this latest development clearly fits the personal coupe idiom with its chunky, low-slung two-door looks.

From every angle the prototype car spotted undergoing on-road testing by the Carparazzi team shows definite coupe tendencies -- right down to the suggestion it will remain a two-plus-two in terms of rear-seat space. The body might look bigger -- indeed this was signalled at the recent Paris motor show by Volkswagen board member Dr Ulrich Hackenberg who told the Carsales Network the car will be more practical, yet with a sportier character -- but the photos indicate the next Beetle certainly won't rate as a family car.

What the spy photos do show is a car that clearly remains a Beetle, yet is hunkered down enough so it has appeal for potential buyers who may have no affinity for the rear-engined original. Less cute, and something of a cross between Audi TT and  Porsche 911 to possibly attract a more cashed-up buyer profile.

That Volkswagen has clearly made some decent investment in developing a next generation Beetle shows it has hopes for making more of a global impact than it did with the current version -- a hit at first with its appealing retro style, but something of a miss once the gloss wore off.

It would be natural to assume the next Beetle will continue with Golf underpinnings, which makes way for a huge range of powertrain options -- from any number of petrol and diesel four-cylinder engines to a choice of front-drive or 4MOTION all-wheel drive.

For all this, it's important to note that there's no mistaking the identity of the new car. It's still clearly a Beetle.

Although the proportions are quite different, and there are obviously no interchangeable panels with the current model, all the familiar styling cues are there, from the arching roof to the bulging mudguards and the grille-less frontal aspect.

The next generation VW Beetle (what the company decides to call it will be interesting) is expected to arrive in Europe in 2011 prior to Australian introduction in early 2012.

If the spy photos are anything to go by, chances are they just might get it right this time around.

-- with Carparazzi

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...