The latest-generation Beetle has been revealed in Shanghai, on the eve of the city’s motor show. Moving on from the 1998 model, the latest iteration of this iconic car harks back more strongly than ever to its 1938 forebear.

The latest Beetle’s proportions are 152mm longer, 84mm wider and 12mm lower than the model it replaces, giving it an altogether more masculine stance. The roof extends back further, the windscreen is shifted back and the rear section is, again, more reminiscent of the original 1938 car. With four seats and a split-folding rear seat for practicality, bootspace is 310 litres – considerably larger than the 209 litres of the 1998 model. Inside the cabin, the glovebox and colour accent panels again draw on design cues from the original.

In the UK, a choice of four engines will be offered: three petrol – a 105PS 1.2-litre TSI, a 160PS 1.4-litre TSI and a 200PS 2.0-litre TSI; and one diesel – a 105PS 1.6-litre with BlueMotion Technology, with an estimated fuel consumption of 65.7mpg Combined, and 112g/km of CO2.

The new Beetle will be available to order in the UK this summer, 73 years after the original was born, and during which time a staggering 21.5 million Beetles have been sold. The first of the new cars will arrive in UK showrooms early next year.

Text: Charis Whitcombe
Photos: Volkswagen