The Original is back: VW launch new Beetle in Ireland

Today sees the launch of the third generation VW Beetle here in Ireland, which is great news for petrol heads and motoring aficionados across the country.

If there’s one car that is instantly recognisable as an icon of modern motoring it has to be the VW Beetle. Whether it’s featured in movies, in car shows or in your neighbours drive way, the Beetle will always be a favourite of true petrol heads. So it’s good to hear there’s finally a new one on the market.

With some seriously cool product characteristics (such as a Fender sound system), the 21st Century Beetle has shed its niche vehicle tag and rekindled the spirit of the 'people’s car' by providing a sporty and practical everyday driving experience starting from €19,995. An excellent price for what will one day be a piece of motoring history.

More affordable and more accessible to a new generation of motorists (compared with most other cars in its class), this third generation Beetle will appeal to the Irish public, both male and female young and old.

You can still see a resemblance to the original

We can all agree that the second generation Beetle was a little bit of a girls car due to its ‘bubbly’ look, but this third generation has been given a much more sporty and masculine look and it’s definitely an eye catcher.

The range starts with a 1.2 105bhp TSI engine with emissions of 129g/km and capable of returning 5.61 l/100km for just €19,995. The 1.6-litre 105bhp TDI diesel starts from €21,995 and the 1.4-litre TSI twin charger with 160bhp starts from €26,320.

At the top of the range is the 2.0-litre TDi 140bhp diesel, which still has low emissions of just 129/km, starts at €27,805. The 1.2-litre TSI, 1.6-litre TDI, 1.4-litre TSI and 2.0-litre are all available with the DSG double-clutch gearbox.

Keep your eye out next week when JOE’s resident petrol head Oisín Collins reviews the new Beetle in all its glory.