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New Beetle Goes For Bold

There are plenty of Bugs going round at the moment, but here is one you won't mind catching... Called the Ragster, the Volkswagen made its debut at this week's Detroit Motor Show. Yet it is more than simply a prototype, as its low roof and angular styling reveal the new, sharper look of the next Beetle, set to arrive in showrooms next year.

By Craig Cheetham

12th January 2005

While the influence of the legendary model is obvious in the car's bulbous styling, the chopped-down roof, flatter bumpers and planed-off wheelarches are clear signals that VW is aiming for a more macho image with the next Bug. The newcomer has been designed from the ground up as a road- ready production car - as was the Concept 1, which went on to become the current Beetle after its show debut 10 years ago. Based on the Cabriolet, the Ragster (the name is a fusion of rag-top and speedster) features a strengthened body with high-tensile aluminium beams to add greater rigidity.

The brushed alloy roof and C-pillar panels are connected to a shortened windscreen to give a lower, flatter and more purposeful silhouette than the existing Beetle. Meanwhile, the tailgate folds upward either with or without the glass, in order to maximise the cabin space. The effect is a roofline which is 11cm lower than at present. The rear windscreen is detachable, while the canvas roof slides back electronically as far as the C-pillar. It is operated by a switch which is located on the steering wheel, so that it can be used safely while the car is on the move.

It's likely that the Ragster's clever roof and tailgate will remain on the next Beetle, replacing both the hard-top and convertible models at a stroke.

Further changes to the front and back are limited to the lights, all of which get a more angular profile. The rear clusters also have separate inserts for the indicators and reversing lamps, while at the front the flashers are flat and rectangular, rather than the circular lenses of the standard Beetle. Graphite-coloured 19-inch alloys are exclusive to the Ragster, and wear unique low-profile BF Goodrich Stormer tyres. These sport a red band to echo the look of classic American hot rods of the Sixties. While this style is unlikely to appear on mainstream Beetles, a racy flagship that almost directly echoes the Ragster's look is expected to top the new range.

Inside, racing seats and an unusual flat-bottomed sports steering wheel are unlikely to see production. However, the white centre console, which is finished in the same pearlescent paint colour as the exterior bodywork, plus a dashboard-mounted rear view mirror and alloy door handle surrounds, are expected to reach dealerships.

For an alternative review of the latest Volkswagen Beetle visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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