The key design components
The key design components that came from the original VW Type 1 Sedan (yes, I know it's a coupe) for the current Beetle was exterior color apparent in the interior, the bud vase, the individual circular instrument pod, and of course, the iconic shape. During the original design and engineering briefs, a lot of "old Beetle" negatives" had to be addressed too, which is why the 5-star safety rating was a requirement, as well as modern heat, A/C and other modern accommodations (like a fuel gauge). Mays and Thomas did a beautiful execution of the "Concept 1", but Dr. Piech made the requirement that it could only be produced if it would fit within the A4 (mid-90's) Golf/Jetta platform. That changed everything design wise - setting the driver seat well aft of the traditional location and requiring the extremely deep dash. The final "New Beetle" was a design sensation and was the original "retro car" following thereafter by T-birds, Mustangs, Camaros, Minis and others. As with most "retro cars however, the "cool" factor wears off quickly once you start seeing them everywhere - and for VW, the reintroduction of the Beetle probably caused as much brand image confusion as it did support. In the States, VW has always been synonymous with "Beetle" and bringing out a new one just helped cement that image. Which makes it easier to understand why the Phaeton was such a flop... Akin to buying a designer gown at K-Mart...