Volkswagen Beetle.

Next year sees the 10th anniversary of the Volkswagen Beetle {link} (the new Beetle not the old Type 1 that is). Whilst not an outstanding seller here in Europe the Beetle has been and undoubted success in the USA and that is the market that will really influence how the updated version will look when it hits the roads of the world in 3 to 4 years time. Expect it to be more environmentally friendly, more economical and larger. Styling and design is expected to draw heavily from the Volkswagen Small Family concepts. Wheels are expected to be closer to the front and rear of the car, overhangs will be reduced, interior space will increase as will luggage capacity. The current Beetle is still using the Golf 4 platform but the updated Beetle will use the Golf 6 platform allowing a wider selection of modern engines to be used. There will be cabriolet and saloon versions both looking similar and yet obviously different to the current models.
As Volkswagen attempt to increase sales to men of the Beetle an interesting possibility is the addition of a Speedster model. Similar in concept to the Street Ka and even the Porsche Speedsters of old, the Volkswagen Beetle Speedster would be a sporty 2-seat cabriolet aimed at those wanting performance and distinctive styling in one. The Ragster {link} concept of 2005 is expected to be the foundation stone of the latest Volkswagen Beetle incarnation.