The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
Who can forget the beautiful flower vase in the car? Yes, it is the famous Volkswagen Beetle we are talking about. One look at it and you get to know it is the big bug, the Beetle. The Beetle is all set to have a new look though the 2012 version is still inspired by the old Beetle car. However, it is no more Hitler’s people’s car.
At the onset the Beetle was the simple rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive formula that made it the most manufactured car in the world. The front- engine, front- wheel-drive new version Beetle was launched way back in 1998 and has been extremely popular since then. Well, there were instances of men objecting to the flower vase yet most loved it well.
2012 Volkswagen Beetle Exterior
The 2012 Beetle is bigger than the older version, built off Volkswagen’s new A5 platform, the same structure that formed the Volkswagen Golf and Volkswagen Tiguan. The new 2012 Beetle is 164.8 inches long, 71.2 inches wide and 58.5 inches tall that is 6 inches longer, 3.3 inches wider and 0.5 inches lower than the old Beetle. The C-pillar that replaces the triple breasted silhouette gives it a smart look. A rear spoiler standard has been designed on the 2 lt variant. The top has been painted black whereas the lower side has the color of the car. The round headlights get optional bi-xenon lamps with LED daytime running lights.
The wheels have been made larger up to 19 inches and the hood has also been made longer. Volkswagen Beetle trunk has a volume of 310 liters whereas Volkswagen Beetle 1998 only had a capacity of 209 liters. Volkswagen offers a Carefree Maintenance Program that covers the vehicle’s scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles whichever might be applicable.
2012 Volkswagen Beetle Interior
As in the older versions, 2012 Beetle has an extra glove box in the dashboard, also called the ‘ Beetle bin’. An oil temperature gauge, a clock with a stopwatch, a boost gauge are some other classic features. The 2012 Beetle gives you some unique add-on features like Bluetooth technology, slide and tilt panoramic roof, key less access with push-button start, leather seating surfaces. The 2012 beetle gives you RCD 301 sound with eight speakers, a premium VIII audio system, interface for SD cards, a touch screen and a navigation system.
The beetle comes with ABS; 11.3 inch diameter vented front discs and 10.7 inch diameter near disc brakes. Unfortunately, the flower vase is gone. Volkswagen Beetle, already launched in the Shanghai auto show this April is due to be launched in September will come with two engine options- the 2 liter TSI turbocharged 4 cylinder engine and the 2.5 liter 5 cylinder engine. 5 and 6 manual transmissions will be on offer. The engine is more powerful than the older versions. The 1.6 liter diesel engine goes on to use 105 horsepower and 65.7 mpg. The 2 liter turbocharged gasoline goes on to around 200 horsepower. Europe can buy 1.2 lt gasoline engine, 2 lt turbocharged models and 1.6 lt turbo diesel variant. The beetle weighs about 2,983 lb.
2012 Volkswagen Beetle Price
With 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque the new Beetle has been priced at around $ 19,765, which is a little less than the older version.
Competitor
Though the Beetle will be a very powerful car but it is expected to face stiff competition from the Mini Cooper.
