ROAD TEST...2012 VW Beetle

Beetle 2.5L

     When it comes to small fuel efficient no nonsense cars the Volkswagen Beetle is the car that started it all. VW continues to roll out waves of successful new products and the redesign of the Beetle for 2012 is sure to be another hit. The overall appearance of the car is more aggressive or "butch" in nature. It's still as round as always but now with more of a squat to it than before. This is no longer the "chick" car they used to call the previous generation New Beetle (1998-2010). There are still lots of retro touches from 18" wheels that look like over sized hubcaps from the 70's, to the additional upper glove box referred to as the "Käferfach glovebox".
     This Beetle drives like a cheaper GTI. Same motor just more reserved overall. The familiar 2.5 liter 5-cylinder engine sounds a bit coarse & the bigger wheels/tires add to the engine being a tad noisier than I believe it should be. This engine will work fine for most Beetle buyers, but if you want a Beetle w/ some balls, shop the Turbo model. The familiar 2.0 liter Turbocharged 4-cylinder is the same 200hp engine found in other VW models & in many current Audi products as well.
     The interior features durable leather looking vinyl or in VW speak "leatherette" for the 2.5 models & real leather in the Turbo. The seats are comfortable & visibility is great throughout despite the now lower roof design. The option packages are now grouped into each trim level resulting in essentially there being no options or option packages ordered separately like before & of course like most cars offered from Germany the packages can get pricey.
     Yes times sure have changed & now so has the little Beetle that once charmed the pants off the driving public many years ago.  Overall, I consider the 2012 Beetle an affordable, practical, & fun to drive alternative to the Audi TT.

Beetle Turbo

Pricing begins at about $20,000 for the "2.5" w/ no options to just over $30,000 for the "Turbo" equipped w/ the Sunroof, Navigation, & Fender Audio. Gas mileage figures come in at 22 city/31 hwy approximately.

+

• Butch Appearance
• Dual Glove Box
• Large Sunroof
• Good Looking Wheels
• Fender Audio
• Retro Style Touches Inside & Out

_

• Audio/Navigation unit
• Poor Driver Seat Comfort
• Course 5-cylinder
• Priced Pretty High

TEST VEHICLES =     $26,000 (2.5)     $30,000 (Turbo)

2012 VW Beetle 2.5 

Reflex Silver
Titan Black Leatherette

170 hp 5-cylinder
Front Wheel Drive

18” Wheels

Panoramic Sunroof

Heated Seats

Navigation
Fender Premium Audio

2012 VW Beetle Turbo
Tornado Red
Anthracite Black Leather

200 hp Turbo 4-cylinder
Front Wheel Drive

19” Wheels

Panoramic Sunroof

Heated Seats

Navigation
Fender Premium Audio