Volkswagen Beetle launched in India

Volkswagen’s New Beetle is here. The new version of the iconic Beetle came to India on Friday, and will sell at a price of Rs 20.45 lakhs ex-showroom New Delhi. Initially, the Beetle was expected to hit Indian roads by mid-2009. No matter.

Volkswagen Beetle in India, finally

The so-called New Beetle will serve as mostly as a means to build Volkswagen’s brand in India. The company is planning the launch if its small car market play – the Volkswagen Polo small car – very soon, and the more visibility they get for the Beetle, the better for the Polo.

According to the Economic Times, the VW Beetle has received 150 orders already, and deliveries would start on 5th Dec, 2009.

The clientele for the new VW Beetle will definitely be limited in India – at a price of Rs 20.45, the car does not appeal to the value car buyer, or the premium car buyer. But it does appeal – a lot – to automotive enthusiasts.

The Beetle that comes to India will have a 2450 cc, four cylinder  engine producing 115 bhp and power is transmitted to the front wheels through a the six-speed auto transmission.

You get top-end safety features, ESP, ABS, four airbags, 3-point inertia reel seat belt system at front and rear, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, power steering. Colour-keyed door mirror housings, door handles and bumpers are also part of the standard package.

Volkswagen also announced the launch of its latest Touareg SUV at the launch of the Beetle. Bookings have already opened for the small car Polo too.