Blog

In car design, the redesign of an icon is always a challenge. The 2012 beetle, in showrooms this October, will be a test of just how far styling changes and overall sophistication can take a vehicle that’s original appeal was its retro character.

The “New Beetle” of 1998 arrived in the marketplace with overwhelming public response. Like many other cars that rely on styling, to the detriment of utility, the New Beetle enjoyed a fair amount of initial sales success to later suffer a considerable sales decline in the US. Twelve-plus years until another major redesign is a long time. In the world of vehicle fashion, its about three lifetimes.

Exterior

The 2012 Beetle addresses many of the limitations of its predesessor. It’s lower, longer and wider to give it room and a more muscular stance. It’s 71.2 inches wide (3.3 inches wider), 58.5 inches tall (0.5 inches lower) and 168.4 inches long (6.0 inches longer). The windscreen is steeper, like the original. The beltline rises slightly to give the vehicle a more aggressive look in profile. The highest point of the roofline has been moved rearward, which works well with the rising beltline and provides much needed headroom to the rear seating package. The C pillar flows nicely into the rear fender, like the original Beetle. Overall, it’s a more masculine than the vehicle it replaces, which is exaclt what Volkswagen hopes to use to increase the Beetle’d appeal.

Interior

The minivan dashboard is history, giving the interior a much more sporty feel. A flat bottom steering wheel with a million switches on it has a nice thick feel in the driver’s hands. The instrument cluster includes one of our favorite Volkswagen cues, a fuel gauge that claims to measure twenty-fourths of a tank…really? Lots of body color trim in the interior, and an old school glove box finishes off the retro theme. (Although the hinges are curiously placed in the wrong side of the retro glove box.) The materials, fit and finish are far better than the current model and should squelch any criticism that Volkswagen has been getting on recent interiors. Overall, the interior is much more upscale, fitting of a Volkswagen.

Powertrains

At launch, the 2012 Beetle will offer two engines and transmissions: the base model 2.5-liter, 170-hp five-cylinder engine uses a six-speed automatic. The 200-hp Turbo model uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic. Five and six-speed manual transmissions will be offered at a later date on the 2.5L and Turbo models respectively. Look for a diesel next summer producing 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. With manufacturer fuel economy estimates of 40 mpg highway, 29 mpg city this will likely be the most fuel-efficient Beetle ever sold. (Including the 1800-lb old school Beetles.) Like the Turbo, the diesel will be offered with a six-speed manual transmission and the dual-clutch automatic.

Ride

Having spent quite bit of time in both the current model and the 2012, we can safely say that this vehicle is a huge improvement. Acceleration, corner, braking, and engine sounds are much improved. On the highway, the vehicle is much quieter and feels considerably more substantial. The turbo version is fun. Not Copper S fun, but it pulls it’s weight much better.

Apparently twelve years is enough time to make a good vehicle. Time will tell if Volkswagen can break the gender gap and give this vehicle a more solid sales curve.

$18,995 base. $23,395 Turbo.