VW Beetle launching on 4th Dec

The much waited Volkswagen Beetle is launching in India on 4th December. Though Volkswagen is tight lipped about the price, yet buyers should expect to burn a hole in their pockets. The Beetle which is sold in five variants internationally, across Europe, the US and other countries is expected to be priced around Rs 19 to 20 lakhs even for the basic variant. It is mainly due to the fact that the Beetle would be coming to India as a Complete Build Unit and so it would levy 110 per cent custom duty on the car.

Even though Volkswagen is not looking at huge volumes from the Beetle in India, the idea, according to company officials, is to promote the company’s brand name, as all of its future models, including compact cars and sedans, are heavily dependent on it. The Beetle, fondly called the people’s car, is one of the most successful models of Volkswagen as it was positioned as a compact economy car.

The Beetle is supposed to get downsized engines in Europe, including 105bhp 1.2-litre, a 160bhp 1.4-litre and 210bhp 2.0-litre petrols and new 105bhp 1.6-litre and 140bhp 2.0-litre TDIs. In the US, the 170bhp 2.5-litre five-cylinder petrol engine continues. Other specifications are yet to announce.