The totally redesigned 2012 Volkswagen Beetle gets a new look, no longer veering in a girly direction, the car is more athletic with an aggessive and bolder looking stance that yells "Let's do this!" A female-oriented car only two years ago, 44 percent of New Beetle buyers were men—no other car on the market had a lower percentage of guys behind the wheel but now I somehow think this percentage will drastically change.
Waz up?
Gone is the windup toy look, the traditional flower vase on the dash has been tossed out the window, the new Beetle has butch appeal and it's target consumer is clearly male. But the VW has a look that anyone can love no matter what age. Suffice it to say, the car will give you plenty of gawkers and pointers. Although the basic VW Beetle retro aura is still ever-present but you can definitely see that the car has morphed into something that is even more good looking and stylish than those bulbous models of yesteryear. The current design incorporates proportions that are wider (3.3-inches) and longer (6-inches)with a stout coupe-like profile. Flared fenders, flat roofline, big rear hatch, the car definitely looks heftier and more planted to the ground, it's been lowered by half an inch.
Once inside the retro-modern cabin, you instantly like all that you see in the VW Beetle. The tri-section steering wheel gives you a racecar feel. The seating front and back is firm but all-around supportive. The surfaces, although hard-touch plastics still give the interior a premium look. There are three inter-connecting round gauges are arranged in front of the driver (tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge), providing all key information clearly at a glance. First-rate ergonomics was factored into the use of the controls. The German automaker brought back the kaeferfach or “Beetle bin,” which is a second glove box situated on the upper dash for holding coins for tolls or other things that might slide around in a tray.
A definite must-have is the optional huge panoramic moonroof which completely opens up and stylizes the Beetle's interior.
The car seats four but the legroom just isn't there for folks over 5'8" sitting in the rear. The Beetle's driver and front passenger seating, as far as the head and leg room for tall and pleasingly plump riders, does offer ample room. A 6'6" man (my hubster) can comfortably sit in the driver's seat and maneuver without grunts.
Is it injected with testosterone?
Driving around in a 2012 VW Beetle is a fun experience. Every Beetle is a front wheel drive vehicle. The suspension is a good blend. Steering and brakes are quick to answer the driver's call. Standard on the base and 2.5L Beetle models is a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, while a six-speed automatic transmission is optional on all but the base model. The 2012 VW Beetle Turbo gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual is standard and a six-speed DSG automatic manual is optional. Keep your eyes peeled, a TDI model is coming down the pike but not until later this spring that produces 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. With manufacturer fuel economy estimates of 40 mpg highway, 29 mpg city, and 33 mpg combined, this is said to be the most fuel-efficient Bug ever!
The ride in the 2.5 automatic is zippy, the Beetle has great road manners, solid road feel and precise steering response. The acceleration is noteworthy, no lag but if you happen to be an enthusiast, you'll want to opt for the more powerful turbo. Even with four adults in the car, the Beetle never feels as if it is pushing along.
A few little things that 'bugged' me
There are a just few little things that 'bugged' me about the VW Beetle and that is the slight engine noise and not great gas mileage. The VW Beetle's fuel economy was not much to rave about for a car this size, the base models average 22/29 mpg city/highway, while the turbos do only slightly better at 22/30 (so the TDI model will be a welcomed 'bug!'). The storage spaces in the VW Beetle's cabin are also minimal, two cupholders in the front and one in the back, so if you have kids in the rear, prepare for a possible slugfest. Instead of a door pocket there's a large elastic band that can hold a smallish water bottle which I feel will stretch out over time. But who's complaining???
Safety pluses
Every 2012 Volkswagen Beetle comes standard with traction and stability control, antilock disc brakes, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. The VW Beetle also comes with the Intelligence Crash Response System, a system that turn off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, switches on the hazards lights if the car is involved in some type of collision.
It's a likeable bug!
The 2012 VW Beetle is a great example of a forward design progression and is a ballsy car that any gender could feel happy driving. Prices start at $19,795. Need more info? www.vw.com/Beetle
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