VOLKSWAGEN has committed itself to building a second generation, retro influenced New Beetle - and it's going to look a lot like the Ragster Concept.

Its makers claim that the soft-top Ragster study encapsulates a fresh design, sports car attitude and a glimpse into the future design of the New Beetle.

Although its name is derived from a combination of Ragtop and Speedster the concept hasn't simply been created by cutting a hole out of the top.

Instead, its designers and engineers used the New Beetle Cabriolet as their base; they shortened the A-pillar by around 90 mm and penned a U-shaped roof fixing as a frame for the canvas top.

Overall, this makes the Ragster 103 mm lower than the standard New Beetle, while the wheelarches also have a flatter appearance.

At the front, you can't help but notice the Ragster's silver double stripes, which extend from the spoiler, through the bonnet's VW roundel, and up to the windscreen.

At the rear, newly designed tail lights are integrated into the bumpers, while chrome plated double exhaust pipes and 19" alloy wheels complemented by distinctive red-striped low profile tyres complete the look.

Inside, the Ragster is a two-plus-two seater, with leather sports car bucket seats and distinctive controls and dials. Unusually, the rear-view mirror is mounted on the dashboard.

The roof can be opened and closed electronically using a switch on the steering wheel. Under the bonnet, there is space for any one of the current range of engines currently used - petrol or diesel.

While the Ragster concept is an exercise in future New Beetle design Volkswagen is also considering putting it into production as well - although it might become more conventional and re-appear as the standard Beetle Convertible..... watch this space.