VW launches All-New Beetle

MANILA, Philippines - There’s nothing quite as iconic as the Volkswagen Beetle. This model that was originally intended to be Germany’s original ‘People’s Car’ has become a timeless model that has had only three incarnations to this day. From its initial production back in 1939 and until 1997, the Beetle has symbolized the democratization of cars, with a whopping 21.5 million units sold worldwide.

And to continue the line of its global success, the Beetle’s 3rd and latest generation model made its media and public launches here in Manila. Ayala Auto Holdings Corporation (AAHC) and Automobile Central Enterprise, Inc. (ACEI), led by its Chairman, Fernando Zobel de Ayala, his brother Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and CEO JP Orbeta, were all present to officially launch this latest model from VW at the Mind Museum in Bonifacio Global City. The public reveal was held at the recently concluded Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) at the World Trade Center.

“No other car evokes as much nostalgia, tradition, and heritage as the Beetle,” remarked Fernando Zobel de Ayala during his speech at the launch event. “As such, I am especially pleased and excited to launch a car as iconic and celebrated as the one we have launched tonight,” he added.

The all-new Beetle is definitely a looker—it is a sportier reinvention of its predecessor model, with its extended bonnet, sharply swept-back windshield, and conveniently longer wheelbase. The modified interior is strongly reminiscent of the classic Beetle; and its ergonomics provide a delightful driver-centric coupe experience. This latest model also has a longer roof section, which gives a pleasant feeling of having generous space.

“The Beetle has always been special to me,” shared JP Orbeta, President of ACEI, the official importer and distributor of Volkswagen cars in the Philippines. “I first learned how to drive with a Beetle,” he recalled, furthering that he will always have fond memories of it, as so many Filipinos do. “Now, I am extremely proud to be heralding the return of the world’s most iconic car back to Philippine shores!” he exclaimed.

The new VW Beetle is clearly bolder, more dynamic and more masculine. These characteristics are most prominent with its lower profile, wider body, longer front bonnet and significantly steeper incline of its front windscreen.

This sporty, charismatic bug will be available in the Philippines in two variants: the Basic Design Beetle 1.2 TSI with a 6-speed manual gearbox; and the Design DSG Beetle 1.4 TSI with 7-speed automatic transmission. Both variants comply with Euro 5 emission standards, and come with electromechanical speed-sensitive power steering, MacPherson front struts with stabilizer, 4-link rear suspension with stabilizer, and front and rear disc brakes. Price starts at P1,590,000 for the 1.2L, and P1,790,000 for the 1.4L.