A Beetle for Everyone? VW Reveals New Fashion-Driven Concepts

Posted by Jane Clothier on 16 September, 2015

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Volkswagen has revealed a new concept range for the VW Beetle at the recent 2015 North American International Auto Show in New York. Colours and fabrics define the four new concepts, with a pearly white, sporting R-Line, the beach-themed Wave convertible, plus the (very) Pink hatch and the Denim convertible editions.

 

Apparently it is all part of Volkswagen's "celebration" of the car's 60 year heritage, although to seasoned observers, it might just look like a marketing push. In all likelihood, it is both.

 

Which one's for you? A current reader poll on www.autoblog.com shows that the concept of the R-Line is, so far, most appealing (over 50% favour this concept), although that clearly reflects a largely male readership – and perhaps even one of a particular age group.

 

Of the four concepts, the R-Line is undoubtedly the most performance oriented, being powered by a turbo-charged 2.0-litre TSI engine with 217 horsepower. It comes in one colour: Oryx White Pearl (an oryx is an antelope, in case you were wondering). With its large bumpers and air vents, high gloss black mouldings, large rear spoiler and 20" alloy wheels, it's easy to see why it would appeal to the male market.

 

Next up is the beach-themed Wave convertible. This concept is also quite male-oriented, although possibly at the younger end of the market, its stated purpose being to “enjoy the summer.” This concept aims to blend technology with chic design values that reference the classic designs of the 1950s and 1960s. That means it comes in Habanero Orange Metallic (Habanero is a type of chilli), with seating inserts detailed in a houndstooth check. The wooden dashboard suggests an original surfboard, while 19" alloys and chromed door mirrors complete the look.

 

There's less to say about the Pink Colour concept, other than the fact that it's largely pink, inside and out. The paintwork is Pink Metallic, while the door mirrors and body mouldings are a contrasting grey. It has the same sporty bumper covers as the R-Line, presumably to appeal to the confident side of its intended female market. Inside, there's plenty of black, chrome and aluminium to contrast with and refine the colour scheme. Don't worry though, there's still plenty of Pink Metallic inside, right down to the steering wheel spokes and floor mat borders.

 

Finally, there's the Convertible Denim concept. Of the four, this one perhaps does most to hark back to the Beetle's heritage as vehicle of choice for the counter culture youth of the 60s and 70s. It's powered by a 1.8L turbo-charged TSI engine (170 horsepower) that lurks somewhere beneath the denim. The soft-top is an indigo textured fabric, while the bodywork is Stonewashed Blue Metallic, with wing mirrors and mouldings in gray. Inside, the Beetle is largely blue with white piping, while the Beetle symbols are Levi-label red, and there are usable denim-look pockets on the backs and sides of the seats.

 

Not all of these concepts will hit the road, as only those with sufficient demand will be produced as limited edition vehicles. Is there one that appeals to you?

 

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