VOLKSWAGEN has released the first official pictures of the new Beetle Convertible, which goes on sale in spring next year.

The four-seater car will make its first public appearance at the Detroit Motor Show in January. Although pricing and specification have yet to be announced, the car will come with a choice of four engines: 1.4-litre 75 bhp, 1.6-litre 102 bhp, 2.0-litre 115 bhp, and later in the year, a TDI PD 100bhp diesel unit. The 155 bhp unit will have the option of a six-speed Tiptronic gearbox. The Beetle's roof will be fully electric and fast, taking just 13 seconds to open or close.

It will also get an automatically deploying rollover protection system and a glass rear screen.

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