Volkswagen Beetle 2011 News

Volkswagen is issuing recalls and advisories for about 2.6 million vehicles world-wide, including about 43,700 in Australia, for a range of three defects. The Australian vehicles include more than 16,700 Tiguan SUVs recalled for a fault that means a fuse can blow, causing one of the two vehicle light circuits to fail. About 16,000 Volkswagen Amarok utes are being recalled because of fuel pipe leaks affecting the 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine.The remaining 11,000 cars range across various models that have VW's twin-clutch automatic DSG gearbox, in which an electrical defect could occur if synthetic gearbox oil is used," Volkswagen says..A large proportion of the 2.6 million global recall is in China -- VW's largest market -- after a problem was found there in the same gearbox that triggered a recall earlier this year. The Chinese recall affects 750,000 Volkswagen and Audi vehicles that use the Chinesee-built DSG gearbox there.  Vehicles on the China recall list include the Volkswagen Golf, Beetle and Passat and several Audi models.It's the second recall this year on the DSG. In June more than 25,000 Australian cars were recalled for gearbox problems after pressure from disgruntled customers. Those vehicles included the Golf hatchback, Jetta sedan, Polo hatchback, Passat sedan and wagon and the Caddy van.Volkswagen said it is recalling 800,000 (2008-11) Tiguan SUVs and 239,000 Amaroks around the world, bringing the total number of cars affected in the three safety actions to 2.6 million.While the number of vehicles is large, analysts estimated the cost of the repairs could be relatively small. Still, the fresh problems that have surfaced with the gearbox might further dent Volkswagen's reputation in China and strain its relations with its local venture partner, SAIC.The gearbox only has problems in hot and humid climates, said Volkswagen spokesman Peter Heinz Thul. In warm climates, additives in the synthetic oil can damage the electronics. VW is proposing to replace the oil with a mineral oil that has been used previously without problems, Mr. Thul said.Volkswagen issued a recall in March in China for nearly 400,000 vehicles to fix an electronic malfunction on the same DQ200 gearbox. It said the problem was resolved with a software fix.VW officials told Chinese regulatory officials about the most recent problem earlier this week, Mr. Thul said. The automaker then agreed that a recall should be issued.Volkswagen Australia is yet to determine the impact on local models for this latest recall, but will "ensure these recalls are conducted promptly and efficiently", according to Managing Director John White, and relevant owners will be notified by mail.This latest recall follows the 25,928 Volkswagen vehicles recalled in June over similar issues with DSG transmissions manufacured between 2008-11, of which 40 per cent have been rectified to date and is expected to be completed next year.Volkswagen Australia says that this progress is in line with the timeframe anticipated, and that vehicles already attended to will not be affected by this new recall as their transmission fluid will have already been replaced.The company says concerned owners should contact their local Volkswagen dealer or can call a dedicated customer service number: 1800 504 076.

The first Carsguide drive in the new-new Beetle is coming up fast.The more sharply-focussed newcomer is a total change from the underdone original revival of the rounded lovebug, and not just a Beetle body over a Golf. We'll drive it in Berlin later this month, with the Cabrio expected to follow as a preview at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

China is clearly on top of the car world in 2011.

Men are the target and Volkswagen is getting tough to win them to the second remake of the 60-year-old original.It has made the Beetle's body longer, lower and wider to make it more masculine, and also to answer criticisms of the girlie 1998 model - pinched back-seat space and an overly-small boot - which was always compromised by sitting over the top of a Golf.The latest Beetle has also got a much more mainstream cabin design - without a dash that tips a vase in tribute to the original - but looks better and holds onto the rounded shape while also including fake running boards down the side.It's already confirmed for Australia in 2012 and Volkswagen believes it will be more popular than the car that brought the charismatic Beetle back from the dead."2012, that’s decided, so in one year’s time probably," says the head of Volkswagen Group Australia, Anke Koeckler. She is a strong supporter of the new design and the changes made for men."Right now the designers tried to make it actually more masculine, and I think the job is done. We will have more men sitting in the car."The mechanical detail of the Beetle is being kept for later, but already it is confirmed with a range of petrol and diesel engines, both DSG and manual gearboxes, and - for the moment - front-wheel drive.In Australia, the runout of the existing Beetle has been going for some time and Koeckler says stock is very short."We don’t produce the Beetle’s for stock, we’re producing the Beetle for customers, and that means we don’t have a lot of Beetles left," she says.And she's looking forward to a car that, together with the sporty Scirocco coupe, has the potential to bring new customers to the German brand."This is a really good product to emotionalise our brand again. It’s such an iconic model for our brand right now to have the right solution. It took us a bit of time but right now I think the product is looking quite promising for us."

Volkswagen is close to a final sign-off on the second generation of its New Beetle and the car, caught by Carparazzi, looks to have answered most of the complaints of about the born-again original. It has more space, more elegance, and is more faithful to the 1940s original - which survived into the 1980s - than the New Beetle. The original comeback car was nothing more than a Volkswagen Golf with a Beetle-ish body on top, a layout that gave a people mover-style driving position and almost no space in the back seat or boot. The next Beetle is coming in 2012 and the Caparazzi pictures show a test car with the production cabin layout, but with modified front and rear panels to give it some disguise. Carparazzi sources say the next Beetle will grow in length but will become lower than today's car.  It should also answer the call from the USA for more back-seat customers and more masculine appeal. Engine-wise, Carparazzi expects the German maker to carry-over the lineup found in the Jetta, including a base 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, an optional 2.5-litre five-cylinder petrol engine, the 2.0-litre turbocharged TSI engine for those looking for sport, a 2.0-litre TDI diesel for those looking for a blend of longevity and fuel economy, and perhaps even a hybrid model as well. There is no news yet on a cabriolet conversion for a car that is almost certainly not going to be called the New New Beetle.

Volkswagen has just ended production of the rounded retro runner but is already promising a new-new Beetle will be ready for the road towards the end of 2011.  Next time it will be much more focussed than the original comeback car, which was basically a Beetle body slapped over the top of the mechanical package of the Golf."The new beetle is coming next year. We're planning it for next year," says Anke Koeckler, head of Volkswagen Group Australia.  "We are going to have the talks in Germany next month, and do the planning, and then we can decide exactly what time we want to introduce this car."We have to do it properly. It's not big volume, but it's very important with the position and heritage for this iconic model."  The born-again Beetle has worked well for Volkswagen, particularly in the USA, although has only sold around 8000 cars over 13 years.Next time around it is likely to be more focussed, although there is zero chance of an air-cooled rear engine being re-introduced.  But Volkswagen is doing a lot of research on many projects, including the baby Up city car which should also be ready for production next year. It could potentially share parts with the new-new Golf.Koeckler says VW must stay true to the Beetle's basic design for the new car, as it is one of the world's few signature shapes.  "Everyone has a picture in their mind of the Beetle and of Volkswagen," she says."It's always a bit difficult for this iconic model to make a big step forward and a change in the design. It might be a little bit more modern, but we will not change the concept of the design."  While the new-new Beetle is still secret, VGA is running out the last of its new Beetles with a special pack with bodywork painted either black or orange."We have this special model but there are not many left. All the stock is with the dealers," Koeckler says.  The BlackOrange cars are priced from $27,500 and come with 17-inch alloys on sports suspension, leatherette upholstery, cruise control, foglamps, tinted windows and alloy plating for the pedals with a leather steering wheel and shift knob.

The last of the modern water-cooled front-drive ‘New Beetle’ is being celebrated with the unveiling of a ‘Final Edition’ version.  Just 3000 powder blue coupe and convertibles will be sold in North America. Already hundreds have been snapped up by collectors since it was announced at the recent Los Angeles motor show.  However, the quirky two-door will soldier on in Australia at least this year before the next-generation car arrives in Europe in 2011. Volkswagen is not revealing too much about the new car, except to say it will continue with the famous bug shape.  But it is expected to be lighter, roomier and more fuel efficient with a range of alternative powertrains, including a possibly hybrid version to complement VW's new-generation petrol and diesel engines. The 2011 Beetle is expected to share its underpinnings with the new Golf and should promise better handling car.  Although the design will be evolution of the Beetle look, Volkswagen HQ is known to be looking at broadening the car's appeal from its mostly female fan base. Volkswagen Australia spokesman, Karl Gehling, says the car has been very popular with female buyers locally.  More than 50 per cent of buyers are women under the age of 30. Gehling says the ‘Final Edition’ will only be available in America.  "But we do have some plans for limited edition models here," he says.Locally VW has introduced the limited-edition Miami version and 2008 anniversary editions, which proved popular with buyers. In the US VW even sold a hot pink ‘Barbie’ version to celebrate the doll's 50th anniversary last year.  "It's the type of car that lends itself to special editions," Gehling says. Gehling says although it has not been a big seller locally throughout its life, the company is happy with sales.  "It is not a volume product but it is consistent," he says.  The ‘New Beetle’ is based on the 1994 Detroit show car called Concept 1. When it finally hit production in 1998 the car ditched the original's air-cooled rear engine layout for a modern water-cooled front engine and front wheel drive based on the Golf.  Instead of being built in Germany too, the modern Beetle came out of Puebla, Mexico. Each special North American Bug gets ‘Final Edition’ badging, special steering wheel, sports suspension, 17-inch alloys and special paint schemes.  In the US the car is powered by a 112kW 2.5-litre in-line five-cylinder engine through a six-speed automatic.  The same engine is used in some VW commercial vehicles and Audis.New Beetle sales 2009 403 (+ cabrio)2008 790 (+ cabrio)2007 790 (+ cabrio)2006 778 (+cabrio)2005 1043 (+cabrio2004 611 (+cabrio2003 741 (+cabrio)2002 7542001 9062000 1328

Two contenders have been erased from the list of price-driven starter cars for Volkswagen in Australia.The German brand is desperate to get a value champion to sit below the $16,990 Polo, but has just eliminated the European Fox and a new concept car that will be revealed at the Frankfurt Motor show next month.Volkswagen Group Australia says it also has no plan to use a car from Skoda, its new Czech value line, to run the role.“What we need in this area is a normal car that is not expensive. Basic transport,” Volkswagen Group Australia managing director Jutta Dierks says.Dierks says the Fox, which is priced right in Europe, will not work for Australia.“We are not after a small Fox. It does not have an automatic transmission and it's too small,” she says.“We would like a nice car that's value for money, with five doors. That's probably what we are missing from the whole Asia-Pacific region. I hope we are moving in that direction, but it's not confirmed.”Dierks is already ruling out the Volkswagen concept, called the City Expert, even though it looks ideal.VW says “the heart . . . will beat where the flat-four `boxer' engine once did in the Beetle.”That points to a compact urban runabout with a rear engine, but no other details will be available until the Frankfurt show, though VW does say the car is its response to the motto for this year's show: “See what's driving tomorrow”.And what is the potential for the City Expert in Australia?“It would be pure speculation. We have discussed it for years and it does not exist so far, not to my knowledge. Hopefully someone is working on this,” Dierks says.Which brings the starter-car plan back to Skoda, which is working on a deal to bring the new Fabia hatch to Australia later next year. But Dierks says it cannot fill the sub-Polo place.“The car we are talking about is something really different. But basic transportation in this country does not mean two people,” she says.