New generation VW Beetle launched in New York, Shanghai

The shape is much the same as the original 'new Beetle', but the 'new-new Beetle' is not built on the mechanical package of the Golf and that should mean far fewer compromises.

The car is longer, lower and wider than the born-again Beetle of 1998.

Other early details include a body design overseen by Walter de Silva with a windscreen and roofline set further back and a boot capacity lifted from the silly 209 litres of the current car to 310 litres.

The new-generation Volkswagen Beetle has gone on show for the first time. Picture AP/Volkswagen Source: Supplied