The Koncept Kubel

Among the many new models shown at this years Geneva Motor Show held in March was the latest addition to the New Beetle family. Dubbed 'Koncept Kubel' the new car is aimed primarily at the burgeoning sports utility vehicle market and has been designed in conjunction with Victorinox, makers of the famous 'Swiss Army Knife' (also based in Geneva).

The rugged all new Koncept Kubel © wheelspin

The new car is packed with features and is said to be capable of taking the owner any place they want to go. One of the more striking features is the removable doors which are, according to a VW of America spokesperson 'partly a retro nod to the cars origins, partly sun bed', VW claim it is possible to deploy both within 30 seconds, other applications for the doors are under development. Unlike other models in the Beetle range the Kubel is constructed mostly from specially formulated plastics making it exceptionally durable. An added benefit of this is that most of the cars panels are simply clipped on and different colours or designs can be used according to the 'operational needs of the customer'.

The vehicle shown at Geneva features VW's W8 engine and an all new 4WD transmission but it is not known at this time if these will make it into the production version. Curiously the configuration shown appeared to incorporate a power take-off unit but a use for this is yet to be determined.

It is understood that both Arnold Schwarzenegger and George W Bush have expressed more than a passing interest in the car and the President, with the help of White House aides is said to have ordered one for his daughter Jenna. VW of America would not be drawn to comment on this but stated that they 'have issues' with his use of the letter W and are considering legal action.

Sadly there are no plans to offer the car for sale in the Britain as previous attempts to introduce similar models to the UK 'were not a great success'. If the car is to be sold in Europe - VW Germany are wary of the Kubel tag - preferring the name "Zafari"