VW battles 500 in 'cute' stakes

Volkswagen will take the 'cute' battle up to Fiat Down Under with the arrival of the New Beetle Anniversary Edition.

Built to celebrate the 10th anniversary resurrection of the iconic Beetle, the Anniversary Edition is based on the New Beetle Miami and is powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine. It is priced from $27,990.

Says Volkswagen Australia: "the New Beetle Anniversary Edition offers a visually enhanced package, from the exclusive body colour and stripe treatment, to the 17-inch Versus alloy wheels and front fog lights."

The external body colour, unique to the model, is known as Campanella white. This is contrasted by a black roof and mirror scalps as well as side stripes. Herbie look out!

Inside the Anniversary adds two-tone "leatherette upholstery" as well as front sports seats and cruise control.

The New Beetle Anniversary Edition was unveiled today at the Brisbane motor show. It comes standard as a five-speed manual at the above-mentioned entry level price. A six-speed automatic version is priced from $30,290.

At the other end of the VW performance spectrum, Brisbane show saw the local debut of the flagship R36 Passat (more here). Due to arrive Down Under in October this year, the R36 will be available in both sedan and wagon variants priced from $64,990 and $66,990 respectively.

Look out for more details and pics of the Passat performance flagship at The Carsales Network soon.

 » Get the best price on a new Volkswagen Beetle

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