As can be seen from the sketches (see link), the new New Beetle (try to say that a dozen times in a row!) has lost is (in)famous bubble shape for a longer, more modern, near tear-drop or, in the case of the lower sketch, breadbox design. Apparently VW is targeting the highly-successful MINI Cooper as the Beetle’s competitor.
Our take? We’re of two minds at the moment. On the one hand, we like the sketches, especially the top one, and can easily seeing it competing not only against the MINI but other popular compacts like the Mazda3. On the other hand, the New Beetle made its comeback in the U.S. by its retro look. Otherwise, it has little to recommend it in terms of engine power and handling especially against rival MINI. Fans may be outraged and “boycott” the Beetle in either future purchase or recommendation. Course, the same was said about the new BMW 7-Series when it debuted with its Bangle-design in 2002. Millions of dollars later proved that styling, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.
Via Mobile Magazine