According to Luca di Meo, VW Group head of marketing, the Beetle, which will be launched in the autumn (in Europe), shares many parts with the Golf GTI - and that VW needs to convince potential customers of the connection between the two models.
"Underneath it is more or less a Golf GTI, so it drives really well," he said. "We have to make sure people understand that."
This new, new Beetle offers sharper handling, due to the fact it runs the same fully independent set-up under the Golf GTI. It will also make use of the suite of Golf's TSI and TDI engines. The slab-like interior has been binned to make way for a sharper and more refined arrangement.
And while the new, new Beetle keeps its trademark curves they have had the edges knocked off them to flatten the car out and give it a more squat and aggressive stance. To that end, it looks reminiscent of early 911s from the rear. What do you think? Let us know at facebook.com.au/NRMAdriverseat