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Volkswagen Beetle coming to India in Dec

11 Nov 2009

To Get Free Update Volkswagen Beetle

Indian auto freaks that have a "thing" for the new Volkswagen Beetle should know that the little bug is expected to launch by December 2009.

Already selling the Passat, Jetta and the Touareg in India, Volkswagen is now expected to bring the new Beetle before the year's end, if we're to believe a report that has revealed to the Indian media during the India economic summit.

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Although the Volkswagen Beetle was originally built as the "people's car?, it's not the case anymore as prices usually have 5 figures and range around $20,000 - which is a bit steep for the Indian market if you're to consider that the Tata Nano is selling for as low as $3,500.

Volkswagen has stayed tight-lipped regarding price, but we'll have to assume it will vie in India's luxury model market more than its family car segment.

Meanwhile, the new VW Polo is also expected to hit the market by early next year for a more affordable price.


User's Comments
  • Kunal Arora (04 December 2009 15:15)
    Finally it's here in India today...Dec 4 and the price tag says 22 lakhs :( Looking at its price tag, i wish it doesn't face the same fate as fiat 500, 67 units in 17 months...Congrats to all those who wanted to see/buy/drive it in India..... | Reply
  • Prashant (25 November 2009 08:45)
    It's look good and cute. But again need to see whether it is comfortable to indian roads and is it affordable to indian public. Will get clear picture once it's launch in india. | Reply
 siddharth jain (29 November 2009 23:15) Reply to Prashant
I think vw is a brand name. The person who ll buy this car is purchasing for a royalty. And i think it ll be a bit expensive 4 Indian market. | Reply
  • espee (24 November 2009 16:28)
    it will have the same fate of Honda Jazz or Fiat 500. Its looks is of mini Ambasador. | Reply
 jhanvi (12 December 2009 15:10) Reply to espee
LMAO on your comment "mini ambassador"harsh but true!ROFL | Reply
  • Satyadeep (20 November 2009 10:41)
    These European companies really overcharge their cars...Automatic Jetta is round 18 L... thats really too much... brands like VW and Skoda are overrated,over hyped and over priced in India... | Reply
  • MaN (16 November 2009 12:44)
    What really we Indians waiting for an SUV like VW Tiguan with diesel drivetrain at aroung the price of which is very comfortaqble for users and justifyable for volumes. Tiguan shares a lot of stuff from Jetta as both of them are built on VW Golf platform, It could make a sense to manufacture in India and price it very reasonabally. | Reply
  • gangadhar m koti (14 November 2009 21:32)
    one of the car I dremt about when i was 16 today I am 49 I watched for the first time a car with rear engine welcome to India BEETLE | Reply
  • Rajesh  (13 November 2009 19:05)
    car is not still a fashion statement in India as in western countries ... Anything that has four wheels , luxury to indian standards and afforadable price will sell in india ... | Reply
  • Chubby (13 November 2009 10:57)
    i want Bettle.... it's my dream car!!!want's the India price??? tell me fast!! | Reply
 sid (30 November 2009 08:51) Reply to Chubby
dude...its 17 lakhs | Reply
 rishi (13 November 2009 16:55) Reply to Chubby
It wont be less than 22 Lakhs, its gona be a CBU, so it shd be the minimum cost. | Reply
 shivang (23 November 2009 14:49) Reply to rishi
its priced at 14 - 17lakhs | Reply
 Akshay (28 November 2009 15:41) Reply to shivang
Its around 9 lacs u noobs...
  • A Sinha (13 November 2009 04:56)
    Nice article but have three main points1) Why is a car being launched now in India when it is already stopping production in most parts of the world. I would doubt we Indians would like to drive something which is getting Obsolete worldwide.2) Beetel is mostly a girls car in US and Europe but VW is trying to pitch as a high dollar toy for the elite, and I would see it being a College Graduation gift for a rich gal.3) I guess having an automatic has less to do with country's infrastructure. Europe with higher speed limits than US still is predominantly using Manual cars mainly as they are fuel efficient and cheaper. | Reply
 Dinesh (06 December 2009 17:46) Reply to A Sinha
VW will never obsolete Beetle as it is one of the most known and successful car worldwide. Esp. in Mexico it is a very very known car. VW is upgrading with the interiors and some of the exteriors like the headlamps and the taillamps to launch the facelift in 2012. And VW is very serious on the Indian market. For eg. The AIS standard is little more stringent than the SAE or the ECE and VW is manufacturing their new facelifts to meet this requirement for the indian market. | Reply
 S B (17 November 2009 10:40) Reply to A Sinha
These cars are not for tha masses...they are launched to assert the brand image in the minds of consumer...one more carrot tied to a stick...:-)...same was with the Fiat 500... | Reply
 nishit (15 November 2009 19:23) Reply to A Sinha
you are so right... | Reply
 Rabba (13 November 2009 14:15) Reply to A Sinha
Dude, this is NOT the old obsolete Beetle, but a swanked up one with a Golf GTI or even an Audi engine...its really nice!! | Reply
 Asterix (13 November 2009 10:06) Reply to A Sinha
Girl's car or Boy's car, the company knows that India is a hot market for cars and there are some folks who'll just buy a high priced car to show off around even if they dont know the history of it all. | Reply
 Rocky (15 November 2009 03:11) Reply to Asterix
Question is how many such folks r there. Fiat 500, how many did they sell. | Reply
  • Devnath Viswanathan (12 November 2009 18:47)
    what are we talking about. A car which is 10 year old being introduced to a majority of consumers who cannot differentiate between the good and the bad. It will sell, thats why all this marketing gimmicks, and people will buy happily and in India we are still not that aware of Girls car and boys car. for Indians a car is a car. For some elite, literate dreamers comparing is a hobby and keep doing it while driving their mobikes to the call centers and the businessman with cash and money in his pocket will buy one for his son or daughter. Stop the blah blah anything sells.........bechney wala chahiye. | Reply
 kugga (22 December 2009 13:18) Reply to Devnath Viswanathan
bechne wala chahiye bai...?? :Pkitne piece bikenege..Indians are getting intelligent these days.Definitely cost will affect the fate of this car but it can be nullified to some extent by features it posses.Big car can also be success if it has all the features that goes good.Do not forget the cost of CIELO,NEXIA and ESTEEM when they came in the market and then do not foget which one was disaster and which one was success. | Reply
 AHD (12 November 2009 22:21) Reply to Devnath Viswanathan
absolutely man, your views are spot on. Maybe there aren't TRUE Petrol Heads around in India as compared to Jeremy Clarkson's UK. This is a chick car. | Reply
  • Rahul (12 November 2009 11:32)
    Guys beware - this is not a man's car - mostly owned by girls in the US | Reply
 Nishit (12 November 2009 16:21) Reply to Rahul
at least someone said the same thing i said.....haha......for God's sake its for a stn for a flower next to the steering....it not even fun to drive and its not even as modern as the 500! | Reply
  • srikantaswamy (12 November 2009 11:31)
    great car,but beetle is no longer a people's car. may be rich man's toy | Reply
  • Vinayak Dant (12 November 2009 10:53)
    Please see, | Reply
  • sudhendra (12 November 2009 10:31)
    I love this car.Different look all together.Hope it comes at affordable/competitive rate.Sudheendra.V.A.Bangalore | Reply
  • deepak (12 November 2009 10:15)
    It will be made in the VW plan in Pune chakan which is the biggest investment by a German company in India. It will be a lot cheaper that way, probably priced along the lines of Jazz. | Reply
 Shaleen  (12 November 2009 15:22) Reply to deepak
It will be imported from VW plant in Mexico. Expect price to be around 15 lakhs | Reply
  • abhishek (12 November 2009 10:08)
    dont you guys have any work. how many of you are going to buy it?? | Reply
 Sagar (12 November 2009 10:14) Reply to abhishek
Look who is talking ... you are on this page too !!! | Reply
  • Ravichandran (12 November 2009 10:00)
    If Indian car Products like Swift comes with automatic version with Priced around 6-7 lcs . I prefer . The Problem indian car makers does not come with the automatic version even though having a well infrastructure which force us to go for foreighn players for the automatic version. | Reply
  • AJ (12 November 2009 08:15)
    The price is really off the mark. I guess they are not serious about the Indian market. Or dont have the balls to set up a plant and make it. Just want to sell a hand ful via the import route. Too bad, but @ 20L, you get a whole lot better cars, in a totally different segment. YOu have to remember, that this "New" beatle is itself not absolutely new. It is atlwast 10 years old itself. | Reply
  • Amit (12 November 2009 08:02)
    If it is priced around 9-10L, I think it will return good sales figures. But looking at the history, it will be priced atleast twice that amout. In which case, being a girly car, the rich guys will buy it for their wives, daughters, girl friends or the rich women will buy it for themselves. In this case the sales figures might not be impressive (which maybe a good thing for VW since that will mean exclusivity and hence the high price justified). But IMHO, this IS a girls car so only women should be seen on the drivers seat. | Reply
  • vee (12 November 2009 03:14)
    The Indian consumer does not look at looks, safety, style icon staus blah blah. They only look at resale value and AVERAGE KYA DETI HAI. Some upper class Northerners may look at its Oomph factor to show off. The Beetle incidentally has nothing of its old iconic status. Front water cooled engine now for starteers.Nothing German as the car from what we last heard was assembeled in Brazil / Mexico. Yes its a chick car. I'd rather buy a used BMW 3 series than a new Beetle at 20 lacs. I live oerseas and bought a car for my use when I am in India. I got a Stunning Ford Mondeo which was a European Car of the Year for less than 4 lacs. Had it for 3 years now with no problems and stunning performance and reliability. Indians hate it as they feel its spares are expensive, servicing is bad and resale is bad. Go to Europe and its all over the place with great legroom, sturdy and ground breaking performance. | Reply
 surita (27 December 2009 14:01) Reply to vee
just because a car is assembled in mexico doesn't mean it loses its german engineering.. but i agree that 20L is super expensive ! | Reply
  • gmatthew (12 November 2009 01:41)
    The Beetle have lost its favs and fabs,the pricing is too much for the Indian market, i would prefer a Maruti Swift at one third of its price. | Reply
  • Mrinal (11 November 2009 23:28)
    those guys who say it will cost 20 lakhs or so are nuts , it will be assembled in India hence the price of 9-10 lakhs fits , its nt like fiat 500 that is imported in one piece. Check your facts before commenting. | Reply
 Sagar (12 November 2009 10:19) Reply to Mrinal
Beetle is no where on VW's agenda as fas as manufacturing in India goes. Their capacity will be fully utilized once Polo starts rolling out at full speed. Beetle will be a CBU and hence will cost Rs. 20 Lacs. | Reply
 Harry (11 November 2009 23:52) Reply to Mrinal
boss, it has to cost near 20 lacs. i dnt want to explain you, just wait 2-3 months more | Reply
 AJ (12 November 2009 08:12) Reply to Harry
If it does indeed grossely overpriced, if it is 20 Lakhs. 9-10 would have been a more realistic price, keeping in mind the price in the US etc. | Reply
 LK (12 November 2009 10:26) Reply to AJ
Please read the article before u comment. Its USD 20K and not INR 20L, USD 20K is equal to 9-10L INR.
  • ranjul singh (11 November 2009 23:25)
    m gonna hav dis car if its sumwhere affordable around 7-8 lacs..........y spendin nearly 10 lacs on beetle wen u can afford a city ??ftrall its nt jst d brand name evrywhere | Reply
 Sid (25 November 2009 03:23) Reply to ranjul singh
Beetle is a chick car..that's what people say here in the US.Unless you are a female.However pink is worn equally all over India | Reply
  • Nishit (11 November 2009 20:59)
    i hope you guys realise this a pure girly car..lol...its got a stand for a flower next to the steering.....also it hasn't been updated at all since the past 8-9 years..... | Reply
  • Venkat (11 November 2009 20:37)
    Even if you convert $20000 into Rs. it comes to around 9.2 lakhs. But in India it will cost double that which is around 19-20 lakhs. And this car is as small as it gets. A small freakish car for 20 lakhs, This is going to be a disaster. | Reply
 shravan kumar (11 November 2009 21:08) Reply to Venkat
You are absolutely right venkat ... why cant any of the car makers bring the eurpoean models to india in an affordable price .. | Reply
 sarvesh industrial designer IIT guwahati (12 November 2009 02:02) Reply to shravan kumar
even if u got d keys 2 Ferrari 4 a hundred buck u'd still b cribbing tht u got it expensive... | Reply
 amit (11 November 2009 23:15) Reply to shravan kumar
Agreed to both your point... and pricing is very high..... if you see... its very close look to FIat 500.. but engine is 2L with 115 BHP... I think thats quite Powerful for the size and due to size economy will be better... at the same time car have lot room for modification ..... | Reply
 sarvesh industrial designer IIT guwahati (12 November 2009 01:52) Reply to amit
its"Beetle", a legend , so get a life ppl...... n tata is already making nano 4 u guys " at n affordable price "... buy tht n give sm respect when a classic is comin 2 ur country..
  • kuppuswamy (11 November 2009 20:11)
    Goodnews for indians But the price should be affordable | Reply
  • kuppuswamy (11 November 2009 20:04)
    Good news for Indians. But price should be affordable | Reply
  • Chetan (11 November 2009 19:08)
    Spoke to the dealer...the car is going to be launched on 4th December. Will be the complete build unit...4 seater ..2 doors...hardtop ...with 2.0 Litre petrol engine...all good however the only sad point is the cost will be 19-20 lakhs (approx). | Reply
  • dibbu (11 November 2009 19:08)
    i still love my honda crv :-) the only thing that i wish is if i had bought it in black! instead of grey! | Reply
  • s n v sagar (11 November 2009 18:54)
    Excellent car . Price should be taged below 10 lakhs. Also replace the two by 4 doors. Then it will be a sure hit in India. | Reply
 d (11 November 2009 21:33) Reply to s n v sagar
Then probably u shud search for another car :) | Reply
  • sujithprasad (11 November 2009 17:50)
    Volkswagen is pronounced as Folkswagen, meaning the people's car | Reply
 Rahul (11 November 2009 19:33) Reply to sujithprasad
good one, any body can say it after readin todays Times of INDIAdumbo | Reply
 abhi (12 November 2009 00:41) Reply to Rahul
V is pronounced as F in germany.....this thing came from there..!!! | Reply
 cccc (12 November 2009 11:31) Reply to abhi
and O is pronounced as U in germany
  • Avinash (11 November 2009 16:29)
    Today only i swa this car on road (may be test drive was going on) in Pune (mumbai - pune highway | Reply
  • Saahil (11 November 2009 15:40)
    Fantatsic...have been waiting for this for a long time. Yes, this one will be a 'Niche segment' car and is worth every penny.I believe the price could range betwen 17-19 laks keeping in mind VW brand image.Great goin...CAnt wait for this to hit our roads now.... | Reply
  • pradeep siddharth (11 November 2009 15:00)
    VW , Congrats for the launch, but you need to understand that only when you can people can afford it " It's Das Auto " ! Thus please do not market it as a hype car like the mini and we need to have the right price. In dubai you sell it for around 10 lakh or less. Thus we need you to keep a similar price tag or less for this people's car. | Reply
  • nishit (11 November 2009 14:58)
    ok so this will be a niche car to compete with the FIAT 500 and the mini, whenever the latter arrives....but we ought to know that the current Beetle is about 8-9 years old..it's based on the mk 4 golf....the current one is a mk6...unless there's an absolutely new beetle based in the current golf, its no match for the 500 in terms or quality and refinement. | Reply
  • Saket Mulaokar (11 November 2009 14:54)
    "Herbie goes to India"....... How 'bout a Bollywood Flick on that?$? | Reply
  • John (11 November 2009 14:37)
    It is going to be 20 lacs. it wil compet with fiat 500 and mini cooper from BMW. what ever we say, we wil find enough people here to buy these cars at the said price. | Reply
  • JG (11 November 2009 14:16)
    Just waiting to see it on Indian roads it will be a hit by VW.......Looks cute | Reply
  • Anand (11 November 2009 14:06)
    My guess would be it will be close to 8-9 lakhs as Jazz...Let us see | Reply
  • VJ (11 November 2009 13:38)
    Hey Volkswagon, What would be the price of this in India? If it is above 6 lacs, then think of launching this. else keep this to urself. Think about ur sale regarding teh Passat. The lowest of all. | Reply
 Monmi M B (11 November 2009 17:22) Reply to VJ
The Beetle would carry a price tag of around Rs 15 Lacs. I don't think you should invest on this car. The car is gives bumpy rides and the suspension system is not up to the mark. | Reply
 VJ (11 November 2009 13:39) Reply to VJ
Correction..If it is below 6 lacs..not above..my apologies.. | Reply
 Tat (11 November 2009 14:51) Reply to VJ
VJ, I really doubt since in US market car is sold at around $20000, so when coming to India, all those custom duties it would surely be 10 lac . Would love to buy one if its below 6lacs. | Reply
 Chaitanya  (11 November 2009 14:33) Reply to VJ
U all r so so clueless.. this car will compete against the Fiat 500 and will be priced at abt 16L... | Reply
 VJ (11 November 2009 16:32) Reply to Chaitanya
Do you know what was the sales of Fiat 500 when lanuched till date..ZERO...I have heard no one booking that over priced small car..If they think in ur way then launching this car is a waste of time.
 Ish (11 November 2009 20:26) Reply to Chaitanya
YOU ARE WRONG 'VJ', I have seen Fiat 500 on the streets in India, so the booking can't be zero
 VJ (12 November 2009 12:33) Reply to Chaitanya
ISH: Just I was just exaggrating with the sales number with what the company said before the launch..
  • RABINDRANATH KUYANDATHIL (11 November 2009 13:14)
    volkswagen has to consider middle class people in INDIA who go for maruthi,hyundai,tata.they hv very good model which is very much affordable for those class people.beetle definitly is there best seller model but not the model for INDIA.so volks should think and bring bora to our country.in the range of 05-06lks. | Reply
 VJ (11 November 2009 16:33) Reply to RABINDRANATH KUYANDATHIL
AGREED..Nice thought | Reply
 Gautam (11 November 2009 15:57) Reply to RABINDRANATH KUYANDATHIL
Agreed. I have owned a Bora in the past and it is a magnificient car. Even if the Bora it is priced at 9L, I would anydays prefer it to a Toyota Corolla or a Civic... | Reply
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