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Volkswagen is planning a mini-MPV version of its new Polo that could be on sale within two years, as well as a "more macho" successor to the Beetle.

Hans Dieter Potsch, VW board member responsible for finance, said, "A mini-MPV is in an area we have under active consideration. In terms of downsizing, people will not stick to one type of small car or another."

A European VW source told Autocar, "Some firms with excellent core superminis struggle with mini-MPVs or crossovers and vice...Read the full article

"A European VW source told Autocar, "Some firms with excellent core superminis struggle with mini-MPVs or crossovers and vice versa. Properly executed, they can be complementary."

So what happened with the Golf Plus, Touran and to a lesser extent Tiguan then?

With regards to the Beetle, VW must be looking enviously at the Mini right now and planning something along the same lines.  With rear engine cars like the UP! (is it still rear engined?!?!?) coming along, and the potential tie up with Porsche in the offing, why don't they create a proper retro Beetle with a rear engine?   

TegTypeR:

With regards to the Beetle, VW must be looking enviously at the Mini right now and planning something along the same lines.  With rear engine cars like the UP! (is it still rear engined?!?!?) coming along, and the potential tie up with Porsche in the offing, why don't they create a proper retro Beetle with a rear engine?   

As far as i know the UP and its derivatives are now front-engined. I agree, though, a rear- engined Beetle would be great...I'd buy one.

Somehow I cant see VW forking out for a standalone rear engine RWD chassis for just one niche model - BMW can't make the Mini platform profitable so what chance would VW have?

The current Beetle has to be one of the girliest cars in production - how many other cars have a vase built in for flowers?