BEETLEMANIA is back more than half a century after Volkswagen put the original car on sale, writes David Duffy.

Its conception began as a dream in the early 1990s, when Volkswagen's designers built a futuristic show car they called Concept 1 and unveiled it at the Detroit Auto Show in 1994. The response by those who saw it was universal build it.

The new made-in-Mexico Beetle was an instant hit with long waiting lists building up in the US.

Now right-hand-drive versions have arrived here, with prices starting at just under 15,000.

Yes, a flower bud vase is still fitted in the dashboard and the stubby bonnet line and voluptuous wheel arches will take old-time Beetle lovers back a couple of decades. But that's where the resemblance ends.

Gone is the rear air-cooled engine making a noise like a lawn mower and dogged handling worthy of a shopping trolley. This Beetle is based on the new Golf and the comfort and ride show it.

The re-emergence of the Beetle is one of the most extraordinary stories in the first century of the car.

The basis of a Nazi con-trick more than 300,000 failed to receive one in a bogus savings plan is back as the centre of attention for chic motorists from San Francisco to Paris.

The Beetle was one of the original people's cars, and many British motorists have adored its squat looks and reliability. Production has topped 25 million and storms on with the newcomer.

New Beetlemania began in 1994 when VW showed Concept 1, a motor show special with the unmistakable lines of the 1940s car. It instantly struck a chord with car lovers and VW soon realised its potential.

Then came the clever bit. Volkswagen designed it to be built on an engineering platform shared by the new Golf, Audi A3 and yes the Skoda Octavia. That cuts costs.

Wings, bonnet and bumper are made from plastic to keep the weight down but this Beetle has high safety standards.

The production car is bigger than Concept 1 to meet safety standards and allows more comfort for passengers. It has a large single speedo dial ahead of the steering wheel, just like the original, but the interior is smartly styled to appeal to design-influenced city motorists.

It drives as well as the Golf on which it is based, with super comfort and sharp handling to match its cuddly looks.

The New Beetle, powered by the same 115 horsepower 2.0-litre petrol engine that powers the Golf GTI, is well-equipped with electronic anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, alloy wheels, anti-theft alarm and remote central locking as standard

It can be ordered with a CD autochanger, leather upholstery, a sunroof, winter pack heated front seats, washer jets and headlight washers and four-speed automatic transmission.

Boot space is limited, though the rear seat folds at the push of a button to vastly increase carrying capacity.

Volkswagen made safety a priority, and the model has energy-absorbing crush zones, dual airbags and daytime running lights. Like the Golf, its galvanised body carries a 12-year warranty and three year unlimited mileage warranty.

But perhaps more important is that the body has a silhouette which is instantly recognised, crucial in a world of computer-born near lookalikes.

Fellow German car maker BMW will be hoping it can create an equal stir when the new Mini is bathed in spotlights at the International Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, in October.

Auto facts

VW New Beetle (auto)

Price 15,775 on the road

Insurance group 12

Fuel consumption

Urban 23.9 mpg

Extra Urban 40.9 mpg

Combined 32.5 mpg

Length 161 in

Width 68 in

Comfort Excellent

Luggage capacity 7.1 cu ft

Fuel tank capacity 12.1 gallons

Top speed 115mph