Filed under: Coupes, Economy, Green, Volkswagen
New VW Beetle could be North America's up! variant?
The VW Beetle is a cult favorite here in the States, but in Germany, it's not so well loved. That could be part of the reason why Volkswagen has been slow to produce a successor to the new Beetle, but word from Motor Trend is that two models could be coming shortly. The first Beetle will be based off the Gen-VI Golf and will hit production in 2010 or 2011.
Word out of Wolfsburg is that a second Beetle could be on the way as well, but this one would be based off the up! minicar. That would give VW a sub-brand Beetle lineup, kind of like what Toyota has with Scion, but with an eye on MINI buyers. The smaller up!-based Beetle would also be more true to the original Bug, which was a cheap and efficient "People's Car" with the engine out back (supposedly). Quality problems and a weak dollar have lead VW to struggle in the U.S. over the past few years, but an inexpensive, reliable car with top-notch fuel economy would go a long way toward reversing that trend.
Gallery: VW up!
[Source: Motor Trend]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Torrent 5:40PM (7/10/2008)
I'm surprised this is the same VW that made that Water Buffalo.......ummmm........I mean Armored Truck- a few articles down...
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jrfclark 6:49PM (7/26/2008)
Its the new pucker sucker upper when a semi passes you in one!
Zerk 5:42PM (7/10/2008)
Only one Beetle please!
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geo.stewart 6:39PM (7/10/2008)
just give us the up! variant. if you want to give us another Golf variant, Scirocco please.
And for the record, how is the Scirocco going to steal Golf sales but the Beetle doesnt?
RMB 7:46PM (7/10/2008)
I agree, make the next beetle a true entry level car, and price it right. The base price should be significantly less then a base rabbit, but it needs to drive like a VW, that is the key.
I also wouldn't be opposed to a large canvass sunroof!
Jrejre 5:42PM (7/10/2008)
As tired as I am of seeing them this is probably a good idea. The new beetle is too big. . . and girly. Making a smaller one that looks more like the classic could help them *maybe* bring in more male buyers.
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CORVETTE ZR1 5:44PM (7/10/2008)
VW's are girl cars why would you want a another girl car in the states anyway ? why even care unless ur a girl...
it's not that i hate VW it's that i would never drive one cause as i said all modern VW's are Girl cars...
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Torrent 5:49PM (7/10/2008)
What the Hell? VW's aren't chick cars. Sometimes I wonder how people like you know how to turn on a computer and visit Autoblog. Let alone, type.
CORVETTE ZR1 5:58PM (7/10/2008)
lol Funny... Torrent
info 6:22PM (7/10/2008)
I have been driving VWs for over 40 years, without any nominal problems I should add. I guess with your sub first grader mentality that makes me a girl.
OOMPH! 6:34PM (7/10/2008)
do u have a problem with ur masculinity or what?? in every VW posting,u have to mention this nonsense...pop a viagra and ride off in ure vette already....das auto
Ken Stamper 6:40PM (7/10/2008)
Every one of this redneck's posts are exactly the same.
Jon 10:45PM (7/10/2008)
You have proven time and time again that you are a moron.
CORVETTE ZR1 2:11AM (7/11/2008)
No not really... i just know what im talking about unlike some ppl.
WOB-379 5:57PM (7/10/2008)
It does look cooler than the current beetle, so hopefully the style doesn't morph too much by then.
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Dausman 6:04PM (7/10/2008)
Old 65' Bug was a fun car to drive....especilly scootin' around in snow....heater was practially worthless in very cold, damp weather.....radio was only option......description of the up! reads like it should be fairly well equipped.....how inexpensive?
Could be a great little in-town car.
Rear mounted engine has not changed at Porsche has it? Still a good idea.
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txdesign 6:19PM (7/10/2008)
Bring them on and quickly. As the current owner of an almost 6 year old Mini Cooper S I really have no options. I flirted with the 1 series but the mileage ratings are not to my liking. Where is the Audi A1, the Alfa MiTo? The current Mini design is getting a bit long in the tooth as is the GTI.
Where are the choices for those of us who want design, quality and performance in a small car?
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Rick 11:57AM (7/11/2008)
Fiat is teaming up with Mini to bring them over, so you may have more quality small car options soon. The A1 would be cool too.
Todd 8:48PM (7/10/2008)
ummmm...sorry to break it to you but the Beetle and most other VW's ARE girl cars. How many guys do you really see driving a Beetle?
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Billy C. 8:53PM (7/10/2008)
Todd is a girl's name. What's wrong with you?