Volkswagen Beetle Final Edition Unveiled — The Finality Of An Automotive Icon

Volkswagen Final Edition Unveiled: Volkswagen has unveiled the last and final version of the iconic Beetle car - the Beetle Final Edition. First introduced way back in 1938, the Volkswagen Beetle was titled as 'People's car' and went to sell over 33 million units in the years to come. The car has a significant place in automotive history and it was Adolf Hitler and Ferdinand Porsche who was mainly responsible for its ideation.

Volkswagen Beetle Final Edition — The Finality Of An Automotive Icon

Now, Volkswagen is officially bidding farewell to the legendary nameplate with the new Volkswagen Beetle Final Edition. There have been a few ‘final' versions in various markets in the past few years but the car was still on sale back then in many other countries. However, the 2019 Final Edition could just be it.

Volkswagen Beetle Final Edition — The Finality Of An Automotive Icon

Rumours about ending the production of the Volkswagen Beetle product line has been around for a few years but the company has never shared any formal statements. Even an all-electric version of the car was planned. Though the original Beetle had a tag implying its affordability, the later-generations were more of an extra-premium lifestyle hatchback. In India, it rivalled the MINI Cooper and in February 2018, Volkswagen India discontinued it.

Volkswagen Beetle Final Edition — The Finality Of An Automotive Icon

The Final Edition is based on the second-generation New Beetle introduced back in 2011. It is still a modern New Beetle but has got some extra cosmetic enhancements to bring back the mid-20th Century nostalgia.

Volkswagen Beetle Final Edition — The Finality Of An Automotive Icon

Finished in a gorgeous Aquarius Blue shade (Campanella White being the other choice), the Volkswagen Beetle Final Edition comes with subtle chrome inserts on the bumper and around the headlamps, just as on the original Beetle. The sills have also got a chrome lining.

Volkswagen Beetle Final Edition — The Finality Of An Automotive Icon

The wheels have the most retro aspect with the chrome cups and rims, resembling that of the classic's. The gloss black insert in between further makes the design pop.

Volkswagen Beetle Final Edition — The Finality Of An Automotive Icon

At the rear, the spoiler is the most prominent design element while the bumpers gets a thin chrome lining. There's also a ‘turbo' badge under the ‘VW' logo.

Volkswagen Beetle Final Edition — The Finality Of An Automotive Icon

The interiors have also been given some vintage treatment with the beige and brown tones for the seats and dashboard. The car still gets all the modern equipment.

Volkswagen Beetle Final Edition — The Finality Of An Automotive Icon

The dashboard has got an off-white wooden panelling on which the rather advanced touchscreen infotainment unit rests. The car comes in an automatic format as you can observe.

Volkswagen Beetle Final Edition — The Finality Of An Automotive Icon

Available in both coupe and convertible formats, the Final Edition is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine which makes 174bhp and 250Nm of torque. It comes mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Volkswagen Beetle Final Edition — The Finality Of An Automotive Icon

As per reports, there will only be 3000 units of the Final Edition; each of which will cost an ex-showroom price of 36,990 US dollars or Rs 26.61 lakh (excluding taxes and import duties).

Volkswagen Beetle Final Edition — The Finality Of An Automotive Icon

Thoughts On The Volkswagen Beetle Final Edition

Though the Beetle has set many milestones in terms of sales, the later generations met much lesser figures; pricing being a major reason. The car has also been having stiff competition from hatchbacks such as the Mini Cooper, Fiat 500, Ford Focus, Honda Civic and even the Volkswagen Golf. Had it been priced correctly or equipped enough, the Beetle could have still been a big seller.

We can only hope that the German brand will reconsider their decision and keep the Beetle nameplate alive.

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Read more on: #volkswagen
Article Published On: Thursday, September 13, 2018, 15:53 [IST]
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