The Beetle’s back – again. Earlier today in Shanghai, Volkswagen took the wraps off of the second generation of its reborn bug-shaped two-door, now known simply as the Beetle.

Designed to both sportier and more fuel efficient than before, the new Beetle looks like a squashed version of the outgoing model, which has actually been out of production since last year. Riding on a version of the A5 architecture that underpins the Volkswagen Jetta, the Beetle shares little more than powertrains with the outgoing car.

The “cathedral” domed roof of the first New Beetle is gone, replaced instead by a still characteristically bug-like roof that, although more conventional, hardly looks like anything else on the road. Bug-eyed headlamps return, while the tail lamps have been stretched out. Some models will use a rear spoiler mounted just below the rear window. The Beetle retains its cargo-friendly hatchback shape and its cartoonish bulging fenders.

Some markets will see Xenon headlamps with LED running lights as an optional extra.

Inside, the look is considerably more mature, with the outgoing car’s decade-old styling themes a thing of the past. Switchgear follows VW convention, although available accessory gauges mounted at the top of the dashboard hint at the car’s newfound sportiness. VW hasn’t released exact trim specifications for North American models, but we’d expect to see a reasonably large range of options that include the automaker’s leather-like vinyl trim, heated seats, navigation and, of course, a full range of safety features.

A vertical glovebox mounted flush with the dashboard is designed to hark back to the original Beetle, although the new car has an extra unit mounted below for additional storage. Try as we might, we can’t locate a bud vase. A panoramic moonroof and a Fender-branded audio system will also be on the options list, depending on trim level.

Trunk space is actually up despite the decreased roofline; VW says about 10.9 cubic feet of luggage can be sequestered away behind the second row.

A new outlook
Globally, VW will offer the Beetle in three different themes – Beetle, Design and Sport. In other words, “basic,” stylish” and “performance-oriented.”

In North America, three engine options will be available – a 2.5-liter five-cylinder used in just about every VW product on these shores, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine and a 2.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder.

The five will power most North American Beetles. Rated at 170 horsepower, this engine will be capable of 22/31 mpg with a six-speed stick and 22/29 with a six-speed automatic. Fuel economy won’t take much of a hit with the 2.0-liter turbo gas motor, which will be rated at 200 ponies and 207 lb-ft. of torque. VW says that the car will average 25 mpg combined, the same figure as the five-cylinder manual car. That engine will also be paired with a locking front differential called XDS. Designed to help improve high-speed traction, it is one of several performance credentials that set the new car apart from its predecessor.

Meanwhile, the turbodiesel will be the fuel miser Beetle at 29/40 mpg (33 combined). Both six-speed manual and six-speed automatic gearboxes will be available.

When can I buy one?
Look for pricing to be announced soon. 2012 VW Beetles should begin arriving in dealers late this summer after production begins at the automaker’s Puebla, Mexico, assembly plant.

More information about North American-specification Beetles should become available later this week when the car makes its auto show debut at the New York International Auto Show.