2012 Volkswagen Beetle

The 2012 Beetle offers many features that set it apart from previous versions. It is still rounded, but is much bigger. The frame is wider and the engine boasts more power than any Beetle predecessors. It comes in a variety of darker colors, to give it a more masculine appearance.

With the 2012 Beetle, there is more interior space. The car has been stretched three inches wider and seven inches longer to eliminate the cramped feeling that came with driving around previous versions of the Beetle. It also offers an upgrade in cargo space. Total passenger space is 85.1 cubic feet for the two-door four-passenger car. There is also 15.4 cubic feet worth of storage area in the rear – an increase of 3.4 feet from earlier Beetle models.

Power can be found in abundance with this new model. Options for the 2012 Beetle include a 2.5-liter five cylinder engine or a 2-liter four cylinder engine. The five cylinder model produces 170 horsepower and 177 foot-pounds of torque. The four cylinder engine, on the other hand, can churn out 200 horsepower and 207 foot-pounds of torque. Either way, it is a nice boost from the 2010 New Beetle that featured just 150 horsepower.

Gas consumption for the 2012 Beetle will not put a huge dent in your wallet. A 2.5 liter automatic model is rated for 22 miles per gallon in the city, 29 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg in mixed driving areas. With a 2 liter automatic model, highway driving nets an extra mile per gallon. Models featuring manual transmissions differ a little bit. The five cylinder can go 31 mpg on the highway and the 2 liter turbo averages 30 mpg.

Handling is not a problem when driving the Beetle. The suspension is stiff enough to handle driving through sharp turns and corners with ease. It can handle potholes and wet surfaces with minimal disruption. Steering and brakes both work as well as you would expect and are responsive in potentially dangerous situations.

The bottom line is the 2012 Beetle is a modern upgrade on a classic automobile. It is sure to be a hit in the U.S. auto market when it debuts here. Showroom prices for a 2012 Beetle will start at just under $19,000. This puts it in the same range as the New Beetle model it has replaced.