New Beetle History 1991-2010

Beetle & Beetle Cabriolet 04-2010

THE NEW BEETLE AND NEW BEETLE CABRIOLET

When the Concept 1 ‘New Beetle’ was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1996, it provoked a huge response, with Beetle enthusiasts worldwide logging on to Volkswagen’s internet site to register their interest.

Two years later, at the January 1998 Detroit Motor Show, the New Beetle was shown and the car went on sale in the USA that month.  The American motoring press named the New Beetle ‘North American Car of the Year’.

On sale in mainland Europe from November 1998, UK reaction to the car was so great, it was decided to import 900 left-hand drive versions into the UK.  These began arriving at the end of April 1999, and were followed in January 2000 with the first right-hand drive versions.  August 2000 saw the first New Beetle 1.6-litre models arrive in the UK, while in mid-2001 the 1.8T joined the range.  The first diesel Beetle, the 1.9-litre TDI was added in 2002, along with a base 1.4-litre.

The New Beetle Cabriolet was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2003 and went on sale in the UK from 11 April 2003. 

For the 2006 model year, the famous New Beetle silhouette was enhanced.  The bumpers and wheelarches were revised giving sharper edges than before; while restyled headlights, front indicators and tail lights with white circles inside the red circles were added to freshen the appearance.  The ‘VW’ emblems were also modified at the front and rear.

In addition, a new range of colours and alloy wheels were added, complemented by new fabrics for the interior.  Chrome now adorns the air vents and surrounds the instruments, for an even higher quality feel inside.

SUMMARY

  • five engines, four petrol and one diesel, are available in the New Beetle and New Beetle Cabriolet: 1.4-litre 75 PS; 1.6-litre 102 PS; 2.0-litre 115 PS; and 1.8-litre Turbo 150 PS; plus 1.9-litre TDI 105 PS diesel
  • all models have six airbags, ABS, ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme), electric windows and mirrors, remote control central locking with alarm and immobiliser. And of course a bud vase!
  • one part is common to old and New Beetle – number 133 867 648. This rubber component, used to prevent chaffing in the headlining frame on the original Beetle, is now used to support the hazard-warning triangle in the boot of the New Beetle
  • the car is manufactured at the Volkswagen plant in Puebla, Mexico
  • in 2009, Volkswagen sold 2,193 New Beetles in the UK (1,079 Cabriolet, 1,114 hatchback). Its best-selling year was 2004 when 9,179 were sold (4,985 Cabriolet and 4,194 hatch)
  • a Cabriolet version of the New Beetle was launched in the UK in summer 2003
  • an automatic roll-over protection system is fitted as standard in the New Beetle Cabriolet
  • the electro-hydraulic roof system on the cabriolet takes just 13 seconds to open or close

DESIGN

Exterior

Looking like no other car except a Volkswagen Beetle, but recognised instantly as the New Beetle, this car continues to win the hearts of all from the very young to the very old. 

However, there’s more to the New Beetle than an attractive and distinctive shape.  The New Beetle provides exceptional protection for its occupants, very generous front seat accommodation and a high level of equipment.  The fully galvanised body carries a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty.

An extremely rigid body structure has been achieved to enable close, accurate panel fit to be attained and excellent crash performance to protect the occupants in the event of a collision.  Plastic wheel arches and bumpers are painted in a single operation with the body using a specially developed process.  Bumpers and wheel arches have been designed to survive minor impacts without significant damage, and are bolted to the body for quick replacement in the event of serious accidents.

New Beetle dimensions, compared with original Beetle:

  New Beetle Original Beetle
length, mm 4129 4028
width (without door mirrors), mm 1721 1593
height, mm 1498 1499
wheelbase, mm 2515 2433

Interior

The interior of the New Beetle imparts a feeling of space that is unexpected in a car of its size.  This is achieved through placing the windscreen well forward and seating the front occupants with their heads positioned where the curved roofline reaches its maximum height.

The steering wheel is exclusive to the car with its pixel-inlayed rim and three spoke aluminium-trimmed design.  The pixel trim is carried over to the gear knob, handbrake grip and parts of the dashboard.  It is also used on the large moulded grab-handle situated above the glovebox.  Chrome-ringed instruments are contained in a large, circular housing dominated by the speedometer.  A tachometer and fuel gauge are incorporated within this together with a wide range of warning lights situated in a circle around the periphery.  Figures on the dials are back-lit in blue at night, contrasting with red dial needles.

Another dramatic feature is the rounded centre console.  The air vents are circular and also exclusive to the New Beetle.  A factory-fitted Volkswagen stereo with radio, CD player and multimedia socket is standard with a bespoke control panel created especially for the New Beetle.      

In many respects the New Beetle’s cabin is dramatically modern.  In others it is also deliberately classical, for example the flower vase behind the steering wheel where it won’t cause injury in an accident, and the loop grab straps on the B-pillars for rear seat passengers.

The almost flat interior door trims (like the original Beetle) carry netted bins.  In the driver’s door are electric switches for the front windows, the fuel filler flap release and the boot release switch.

The rear seat accommodation is designed for two occupants and the backrest may be folded to extend the luggage space.  Rear seat access is simplified by incorporating the front seat folding mechanism used in the three-door Golf.  Front seats have standard height adjustment operated by the pump-action lever first pioneered on the Passat.

The rear bench seat in the cabriolet model is slightly narrower than that of the hatch, as it neatly conceals the roll-over protection system.  It also has a through-loading aperture that can be used to aid the transport of skis or other lengthy items.

The New Beetle Cabriolet’s luggage compartment has a volume of 201 litres, and is equipped with an additional 12V socket.

The New Beetle Cabriolet hood

The cabriolet top frame has three folding sections; when the roof is retracted, these lie on top of each other in the form of a Z.  Unlike those of many other convertibles, the New Beetle Cabriolet’s hood does not disappear beneath a flap when folded, but remains on show – a striking design element which harks back to the 1949 original.  The ‘Z’ design ensures a low hood profile when it is open and unimpaired rearwards vision from the driver’s seat.

Hood operation is electro-hydraulic as standard on all models, with the exception of the entry-level Luna 1.4-litre model.

Volkswagen’s designers have paid close attention to achieving very high levels of fit and finish, with a particularly elaborate door and roof seal system into which the side windows slot.  The hood’s fabric exterior skin is pulled taut and so cannot be blown out of shape by the wind even at high speed; it also follows the distinctive styling curves of the body.  The heated rear glass window is integrated with the hood using a special welding technique.

The hood is unlocked by a manual lever at its leading edge; as this is done the side windows automatically lower themselves from the door and roof seal system by approximately 60 mm.  The operation is completed by pressing a button mounted close to the handbrake; from fully closed to fully open and vice versa, hood retraction takes a mere 13 seconds.  Once the hood is fully open a warning alarm sounds to signify completion of the operation.  Meanwhile, the dashboard-mounted ambient temperature display switches from its regular blue to a yellow convertible top symbol.

A colour-keyed cover is provided as standard and may if desired be fastened over the folded convertible top.

A windbreak – optional across the range – can be extended from behind the front seats to reduce at-speed air turbulence in the passenger compartment.  When not in use the windbreak can be folded in four and stowed in the boot.

ENGINES

The New Beetle is offered with a choice of four petrol engines – 1.4-litre 75 PS,

1.6-litre 102 PS, 2.0-litre 115 PS and a 1.8-litre Turbo 150 PS – plus one diesel, a 1.9-litre TDI 105 PS.  All come with a five-speed gearbox as standard, while six-speed automatic tiptronic transmission can be specified with the 2.0-litre engine.

Petrol engines

(For full engine and technical specification details please see the corresponding document on the press website.)

1.4-litre, 1390 cc, 16-valve 4-cyl, 75 PS

This is an all-aluminium unit with a 16-valve head.  The cylinder head is a new design with roller lever valve gear and lightweight roller levers which significantly reduce friction losses and increase efficiency. 

1.6-litre, 1596 cc, 8-valve 4-cyl, 102 PS

This engine was introduced to the New Beetle in August 2000.  Maximum power of 102 PS is produced at 5,600 rpm, though of more importance to everyday driving is maximum torque of 109 lbs ft (148 Nm), which peaks at 3,800 rpm.

2.0-litre, 1984 cc, 8-valve 4-cyl, 115 PS

This engine has been designed to provide high levels of torque at low engine speeds.  Special combustion chamber geometry, new fuel atomisation and mixture preparation principles together with a solid-state high-tension ignition distribution system with twin-spark coils have enabled the combustion process to be improved.  This has reduced emissions and improved fuel efficiency.  Lighter connecting rods significantly reduce vibration.

1.8-litre, 1781 cc, 20-valve 4-cyl Turbo, 150 PS

This engine’s headline characteristic is a flat torque curve with peak pulling power of 162 lbs ft (220 Nm) on tap from 2,000 rpm.  This gives it the sort of low-down response more usually associated with modern turbodiesels, while retaining the top-end power of high-performance petrol cars and little hint of ‘turbo lag’.

Diesel engine

1.9-litre TDI, 1896 cc, 8-valve 4-cyl, 105 PS

The 105 PS TDI unit uses unit injector or ‘Pumpe Düse’ technology to achieve impressive performance with excellent fuel economy.  This engine produces ample low-down pulling power of 177 lbs ft of torque at just 1,800 rpm and yet returns over 50 mpg on the combined cycle. 

Gearboxes

All manual New Beetles have a five-speed gearbox as standard.  The 2.0-litre is also available with an advanced and compact six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic function.

Servicing

Volkswagen offers customers a choice of servicing regime for their New Beetle.  They can choose Time and Distance or LongLife Servicing and the appropriate selection is entirely dependent on how the car is likely to be driven and its use. 

Time and Distance Servicing is recommended for vehicles that will cover less than 10,000 miles in 12 months and if the vehicle is likely to be used for:

  • Predominantly city centre driving, short journeys with frequent cold starts
  • Activities regularly producing high engine loading, for example frequent hill climbs, driving with vehicle fully loaded and towing
  • Driving with high rpm, hard acceleration and heavy braking

In this case, the vehicle will be serviced at regular intervals, at every 10,000 miles or every 12 months. 

LongLife Servicing is recommended for vehicles with a daily mileage of more than 25 miles, where the vehicle is driven regularly and on mainly longer distance journeys.  The vehicle should be mainly driven at a constant speed with minimum vehicle and engine loading, minimal towing and driven in an economical manner.  In this case, the on-board computer informs the driver via a dashboard display, when the vehicle needs a service.  A range of engine sensors electronically monitors the vehicle’s oil temperature, oil pressure, oil level and brake pad wear to establish when a service is needed. 

With the LongLife system, the vehicle can cover typically between 10,000 and 18,000 miles (approx) or 24 months (whichever is sooner) between oil changes.  An inspection service is typically due in the third year of ownership or at 40,000 miles and thereafter every second year for vehicles with an annual mileage of around 10,000 miles.

Customers can choose between Time and Distance or LongLife Servicing at PDI (pre-delivery inspection) and though it is possible to change from one to another during the vehicle’s life, it can only be done when a full inspection service is due.

RUNNING GEAR

Front and rear axle

The front suspension is of a strut and triangulated lower wishbone layout.  Track stabilising steering geometry is fitted along with an anti-roll bar.  The rear axle is a torsion beam, trailing arm arrangement with track-correcting bearings, coil springs and separate dampers.  An anti-roll bar is also fitted at the rear to contain body roll.

Braking system

All models are fitted with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard.  The New Beetle uses a diagonally split circuit system, with 280 mm ventilated discs at the front and 232 mm discs at the rear.

ESP – Electronic Stabilisation Programme

The New Beetle was the first Volkswagen equipped with this system to go on sale in the UK.  It is standard on all models.

ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme), is a sophisticated system that automatically senses any tendency for the car to slide.  Should this situation occur, ESP reacts by applying the brakes to one, two, three or all four wheels and adjusts the engine’s power.  In this way, it is possible that a skid is corrected even before the driver is aware that one has started. 

This can be useful if a tendency to understeer or oversteer develops in a bend.  In such circumstances ESP can help prevent the car skidding or spinning off the road and is particularly helpful in wet or icy conditions.  ESP uses the sensors and systems associated with the traction control system and the electronic differential lock (EDL).

EQUIPMENT AND TRIM

In general the New Beetle does not have trim levels as such – instead the specification is defined by the engine.  The one exception is the entry-level Luna model, which is available on the 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre models.  Highlights of the range are shown below.

New Beetle and New Beetle Cabriolet Luna 1.4-litre and Luna 1.6-litre

  • ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
  • ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme), including ASR (traction control) and EDL (Electronic Differential Lock)
  • driver and front passenger airbags, front-seat mounted side impact bags and curtain airbag system; deactivation switch for passenger airbag
  • remote central locking with interior protection and alarm
  • electronic transponder engine immobiliser
  • driver and front-seat passenger’s seat height adjustment
  • electric windows (front on hatchback, front and rear on Cabriolet)
  • driver and front passenger active head restraints, two rear head restraints; front seat belt tensioners
  • height and reach adjustable steering wheel
  • Isofix child seat preparation
  • radio/CD player with six speakers
  • 12V socket in centre console
  • folding rear seat backrest
  • electrically heated and adjustable body-coloured door mirrors with integrated indicators
  • 6½J x 16 ‘Houston’ alloy wheels with 205/55 R16 tyres and anti-theft bolts
  • full size steel spare wheel
  • electric power hood (Luna 1.6-litre Cabriolet only)

New Beetle and New Beetle Cabriolet 1.9-litre TDI

This model differs from the Luna models with the addition of:

  • air conditioning
  • carpet mats
  • leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob (Cabriolet only)
  • 6½J x 16 steel wheels with 205/55 R16 tyres

New Beetle and New Beetle Cabriolet 2.0-litre

  • 6½J x 16 ‘San Antonio’ alloy wheels with 205/55 R16 tyres and anti-theft bolts

New Beetle and New Beetle Cabriolet 1.8T

  • speed-dependent roof spoiler (hatch only)
  • leather trimmed steering wheel and gear knob
  • front fog lights

Speed-dependent roof spoiler

Standard on the hatch 1.8T model is a speed-dependent roof spoiler located above the rear window.  It appears as the vehicle’s speed passes 96 mph (where permitted), reducing rear lift and adding stability, and then retracts when speed returns below 80 mph.  The spoiler cannot be retracted above 96 mph, but can be elevated manually at lower speeds by means of a switch under the dashboard.

FACTORY-FIT OPTIONS

A number of factory-fit options are available on the New Beetle.  Alloy wheels are offered for the 1.9-litre TDI model, while air conditioning is available for the Luna models.  All hatchback models can add an electric tilt/slide sunroof.  An armrest-mounted six-disc CD autochanger is also available across the range. 

Also offered are a Winter Pack which comprises heated front seats, heated windscreen washer jets and front fog lights, and a Weather Pack (available only on hatchback) which includes rain sensing wipers and an automatic dimming rear-view mirror.  Leather upholstery is offered on all models.

An electric power hood is standard on all New Beetle Cabriolet models except the Luna 1.4-litre, where it is an option.  A wind deflector is also optional on all Cabriolet models, a feature which helps reduce buffeting at speed.

Parking sensors

Also available across the range is a parking distance control system.  It uses four ultrasonic sensors, integrated in the rear bumper, to pinpoint parked vehicles or other objects behind the car.  Automatically activated when reverse gear is selected, the system produces an audible warning signal to guide the driver up to a safe distance to any objects behind.  Not only does this prevent car park knocks, it may also help prevent accidents, for example, if a child runs out behind the car who may not have been seen. 

For full details on specification and options, please see the price list on the press website.

SAFETY

Every New Beetle is fitted as standard with full-size airbags for the driver and front-seat passenger.  A side impact airbag is also mounted in each of the front seats where it is perfectly sited to protect wherever the seat is positioned, while curtain airbags are also fitted as standard.  Front seatbelts have pre-tensioners fitted with a fastener detector ensuring that only a belt in use is tensioned in an accident.  The New Beetle is also equipped with two Isofix-standard child seat mounting points as standard.

Passive safety is increased by the standard fitment of anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and Volkswagen’s Electronic Stability Programme – these terms are explained in the Running Gear section of this document.

The American Institute for Highway Safety tested 16 small cars for their ability to protect occupants in a serious crash.  The New Beetle performed the best, confirming Volkswagen’s lead in car safety. 

The New Beetle Cabriolet is one of the safest open-topped cars on the road, thanks chiefly to its advanced roll-over protection system.  In an incident, sensors determine the likely risk of the car rolling over and, if necessary, activate the system: two supports shoot up from behind the rear seat backrests.

These supports are fully extended within a quarter of a second and, together with the specially reinforced windscreen frame, provide secure roll-over protection for the occupants of all four of the New Beetle’s seats.

The system comprises two separate cassettes bolted behind the rear seats to the luggage compartment wall.  As soon as the sensors detect an impending risk of a roll-over, or an impact to the front, rear or side of the car, a dual-lever release system frees the two roll-over supports.  They reach their maximum extension of 265 mm within 0.25 seconds and are then securely locked into position.

The New Beetle Cabriolet’s fully galvanised body has been reinforced in key areas to ensure strength and rigidity.  High-strength tubes have been employed in the A- and B-pillars, in the doors and at the rear seat transverse member, and additional impact protection measures include:

  • a reinforced floor, additional welds and stable metal jointing at the front to ensure wide-area force distribution and reduced floor deformation in an offset impact
  • additional reinforcements in the sills, B-pillars, floor and the sides of the car to reduce risk of injury in a side impact
  • an increased sill cross-section, highly stable impact absorbers in the doors and energy absorbing side panelling
  • a reinforced rear bulkhead to absorb forces if the car rolls over

Euro NCAP test results

The New Beetle scored four stars for occupant protection and two stars for the protection of pedestrians in the Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) tests.

SECURITY

A comprehensive security system is standard on the New Beetle.  The New Beetle Cabriolet boasts a complex and innovative anti-theft alarm system, in order to address the particular security issues inherent in an open-top vehicle.

To overcome the problems associated with conventional intruder alarm sensors – for example the ease with which they can be accidentally triggered by a gust of wind – the New Beetle Cabriolet employs a Doppler process, effectively radar, to monitor the passenger compartment.  It is so successful that it can reliably protect against intrusion even when the car is left with the hood down.

The passenger compartment is subdivided into two monitoring fields, with sensors in each door and side panel.  One of the four sensors acts as a ‘master’ and the others as ‘slaves’; the ‘master’ is linked to a control module via a bi-directional interface and triggers an optical and acoustic alarm in the event of intrusion.  All New Beetle Cabriolets have remote central locking with this alarm system.

Line-up with insurance groups

The New Beetle has secured the following ABI (Association of British Insurers) insurance group ratings.  As of December 2009, the insurance industry switched from a 1-20 to a 1-50 rating system.  The new 1-50 ratings are shown here:

Model ABI group
New Beetle  
Luna 1.4-litre 75 PS  6
Luna 1.6-litre 102 PS 10
1.9-litre TDI 105 PS 13
2.0-litre 115 PS 14
1.8T 150 PS 20
   
New Beetle Cabriolet  
Luna 1.4-litre 75 PS 11
Luna 1.6-litre 102 PS 15
1.9-litre TDI 105 PS 15
2.0-litre 115 PS 16
1.8T 150 PS 22

 

WARRANTIES

All New Beetles sold in the UK have a three year (first and second year manufacturer operated, third year retailer operated) mechanical warranty.  In addition, they come with a class-leading 12 year anti-perforation guarantee, three year paint warranty and a year’s membership of Volkswagen Assistance covering the UK and Europe.  The latter can be extended at minimal cost to the customer.

CHRONOLOGY

January 1991

Volkswagen Group opens a design studio in California’s Simi Valley, north of Los Angeles.  Its task at this focal point of modern life is to identify international trends at an early stage and to develop visions, in particular for the American market.

September 1991

The team becomes aware that Volkswagen’s success in North America is intimately linked with its successful Beetle.  The young team of designers begins to design possible versions of a “New Beetle”.

May 1993

The Californian studio shows its first quarter-scale models to the Volkswagen Board of Management.  The decision is taken to build a full-scale Beetle design study for the next Detroit Motor Show.  Work begins in complete secrecy.

January 1994

The Concept 1 design study is the undisputed star of the Detroit Motor Show.  American Volkswagen dealers vote unanimously for the new car to go into production.

March 1994

There is a surprise appearance of a Concept 1 at the Geneva Motor Show, now in convertible form.  The applause it earned led to announcement that production of a “New Beetle” was looking likely.

October 1995

A re-dimensioned version of the Concept 1, looking near-ready for production and incorporating front-wheel drive, is exhibited at the Tokyo Motor Show.

November 1995

With world expectation surrounding the car growing, the data control model is approved and final features of the design fixed.  Volkswagen’s Mexican plant in Puebla is chosen to manufacture the new model because of its close proximity to North America.

March 1996

The New Beetle is officially named at the Geneva Motor Show with the showing of a further development of the design seen at Tokyo.  The appetite of enthusiasts for more information on the car is satisfied with the launch by Volkswagen of a New Beetle internet website.

January 1998

The New Beetle, now in production form, returns to the Detroit Motor Show.  The fantastic reaction to the car from the media and the public leads Volkswagen to revise its initial target production figure from 500 to 600 cars per day.

October 1998

The New Beetle makes its European debut at the Paris Motor Show with sales scheduled to begin in Germany two months later.

January 1999

Volkswagen shows the Beetle RSI design study at Detroit as an example of the potential for the model.  No official word is given on the powertrain of the dramatically-styled car except that it incorporates Volkswagen’s 4MOTION four-wheel drive system and has a V6 engine.  New Beetle receives the North American Car of the Year Award at the Detroit Auto Show.

Beetle Cup Race Series 1999-2003

The Beetle Cup marketing team produced two promotional cars in the Series years. In 1999 when VW began to promote the Cup they were unsure of the sponsors and car specs so promotional cars were made as Concepts. The first was the ’99 Cup Concept. Made in Mystic Blue, supposedly with 4Motion AWD.

For the 2000 season more promotion was required and a proper, drivable promo car would have been required to get drivers into the idea. Enter the silver car. One or possibly two cars were produced but the original concept images for the 2000 season show a silver Beetle Cup with Cup 2000 graphics and BBS CH wheels. Perhaps VW were still looking for a solid wheel sponsor but as far as we know this is the only Cup car utilising these wheels. It’s possible the silver cars are the same car shown here in various stages of marketing development.

The last car is the ‘Double Yellow’ Cup car. Only ever seen in the 2000 website concept images and on the ‘Drivers Wanted’ USA marketing posters. The marketing images were part of a New Beetle Cup website to back the race series. It’s unknown whether they were actually printed or sold as merchandise. Overall around sixty cars were eventually produced.

The main colours were: Orange LP2A, Shell Yellow LB1A, Soft Blue LR5A, Reflex Silver LA7W. There were 4 Metallic Blue ‘Junior Cup’ cars built later and the Ferdinand Piech RSI which we assume were the same shade – perhaps LW5Y Techno Blue.

Reported numbers vary with these but at least 60 2.8 cc 6-speed cars built for the racing series in the New Beetle platform. 

April 1999

The New Beetle arrives in UK showrooms in left-hand drive form to satisfy huge demand for the car.

January 2000

The first right-hand drive models arrive in the UK.  Demand is such that UK allocation is increased from 5,000 to 8,000 units in the year 2000.

August 2000              

New Beetle 1.6-litre is introduced.

April 2001

New Beetle 1.8T and V5 are introduced (V5 Sport Edition in February 2002).

Beetle RSi (2001–2003)

VW New Beetle RSi is a limited 250 unit version of the New Beetle. It included a 224 PS (165 kW; 221 hp) 3.2-litre VR6 engine, a 6-speed gearbox, and Volkswagen's four-wheel drive system 4Motion, Remus twin-pipe exhaust. Suspension tuning was actually carried out in-house at VW Individual..The suspension was greatly altered at the rear, with geometry more geared to the race track and a rear cross brace behind the rear seats, 80 mm (3.1 in) wider fenders, unique front and rear bumpers, a rear diffuser, large rear wing, and 18x9 OZ Superturismo wheels with 235/40ZR18 tires. Inside, it was trimmed in carbon fiber, billet aluminum, and bright orange leather. The front seats were Recaro racing buckets.

January 2002

First diesel New Beetle, 1.9 TDI with 100 PS, is launched.

April 2003

New Beetle Cabriolet is introduced.

June 2003

Entry-level 1.4-litre 75 PS New Beetle launched.

January 2005

New Beetle Ragster Study revealed at Detroit Auto Show.

September 2005

New Beetle is facelifted and enhanced with new lights, bumpers and wheel arches.  Euro 4-compliant 1.9-litre TDI 105 PS engine replaces previous diesel.

May 2006

Beetle Art customisation launched.

July 2007

One millionth New Beetle produced.

February 2008

Tenth year anniversary of the New Beetle celebrated in Puebla, Mexico.