We do love a cool new car – and it looks like the new shape VW Beetle may be just that.

Look at that flatter new shape!

Launched at the Shanghai Motor Show just the other day, the VW Beetle has been making some real waves. You see, this is perhaps the most remarkable change to the shape of this famous car since it was reinvented last time, with the shape being flattened and elongated to give it more of a sporty vibe. That said, Volkswagen have managed to ensure, by keeping that distinctive bonnet and lights, that the Beetle 2012 is still undeniably beetle-esque, rather than following the current hatchback trend and making it utterly distinctive.

Regarding engines, there will be a choice of four in the UK – three petrol (a 1.2-litre TSI 105 PS, a 1.4-litre TSI 160 PS and a 2.0-litre TSI 200 PS) and one diesel (a 1.6-litre 105 PS with BlueMotion Technology).  It is also pretty efficient, and by the sounds of it has been put together to be ultra safe too.

Our opinion? A gorgeous new look that really modernises the Beetle whilst still giving respect to the 1938 original. Plus, the advert is seriously cool: