VW to end Beetle production
Built in VW’s Puebla factory in Mexico, the “A5” New Beetle’s demise has been on the cards since March, but was made official in September when Volkswagen of America announced that manufacture will end in July, 2019.
The Beetle will bow out with two special models: the ‘Final Edition SE’ and ‘Final Edition SEL’. To be offered in both coupe and convertible body styles, the Final Editions include exclusive equipment and what VW call “unique upscale décor elements designed to send the Beetle off in style”.
While running gear will be the standard Beetle’s 2.0-litre TSI turbo petrol four-cylinder engine producing 130kW and 250Nm and matched to a six-speed auto transmission, the farewell models will feature styling and colour features inspired by the “Última Edición” versions of the original Beetle built in Mexico in 2003.
Two colors: ‘Safari Uni’, a reinvention of Harvest Moon Beige from the New Beetle; and ‘Stonewashed Blue’, inspired by the 1970 ‘Jeans Bug’, will be exclusive to the Final Editions, but the regular Beetle colours of Pure White, Deep Black Pearl and Platinum Grey will also be available. A unique brown top (except with Safari Uni paint) is optional on Final Edition SEL convertibles.
Unique wheels include 17-inch alloys in a 15-spoke design on the Final Edition SE, while Final Edition SELs are shod with 18-inch white alloys in a disc design reminiscent of the Última Edición’s body-coloured steel wheels. Both variants replace the “Turbo” badge on the bootlid with a “Beetle” badge.
Inside, all Final Edition models will be equipped with a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel with unique “Beetle” boss, a gloss black center console, Safari Uni color dashpad, a kaeferfach glovebox or “Beetle bin” inspired by the Última Edición and three-colour ambient lighting.
Final Edition SE models will feature cloth and leatherette rhombus-pattern seats, while SEL models will use leather-faced seats with diamond-stitching. The SEL will also feature more tech features over the SE, including LED lighting, a premium audio system and upgraded infotainment system with sat nav.
Created primarily for the North American market, local availability of the Final Edition is highly unlikely, given the Beetle was withdrawn from Australia in late 2016. Another revival of the Beetle is also unlikely, given the modern trend for SUVs, but there may be some good news for classic Volkswagen fans with the 2022 release of the I.D. Buzz that takes styling inspiration from the classic VW Type 2 Kombi.
