There is an undeniable appeal to a nostalgia ride, whether it be a Mini Cooper, a new Fiat 500 or the car that really started it all: the Volkswagen New Beetle.
Now, the 2012 VW Beetle has received a much-needed update. The result is a more sophisticated coupe that's also a better daily driver.
Though the Beetle — dropping "New" from its name — is high on style and comfort, the engine is particularly loud, disrupting an otherwise pleasant driving experience.
Style
There is perhaps no car more iconic than the Beetle. Maybe the Jeep Wrangler is as identifiable, but no other car has been so loved that it spawned a childhood pastime like slugging a sibling in the arm at the sheer sight of one on the road.
The 2012 is a seamless transition from the New Beetle that debuted to wide acclaim in 1998. Hard edges now replace rounded shapes on the front bumper; a steeper windshield adds more blockiness; and a higher belt line means narrower windows and a sleeker profile. The rear is still as curvy as ever, though, with wild taillights finishing the look.
VW makes no apologies for the sharper design, saying it is deliberately more masculine.
Inside, the integrated flower vase is gone, but it won't be missed in the high-style layout. A typical two-tone interior color scheme, like tan seating with a black dashboard, is accented by piano black along the doors and dash. That trim can be replaced with white or red lacquer accents — to match the exterior color — on certain trim levels.
The elegantly done gauge cluster is unique to the Beetle. The three gauges fit the shape of the car better than the wider, two-gauge cluster found in the Jetta and Passat. Materials quality is definitely appropriate for the car's price; it's much more akin to the new Passat's higher-caliber interior than to the Jetta's, which aims at entry-level buyers and costs thousands of dollars less.
The front seats are comfortable, with plenty of support, but I found them a bit narrow for my back and shoulders. I assume smaller occupants will be more comfortable. You'll also have to be smaller to enjoy the tight confines of the backseat. This is to be expected in most coupes, though, and while the specifications don't suggest it, there certainly seems to be more room inside the Beetle than you'll find in tinier competitors like the Fiat 500 and Mini Cooper.
Performance
If you're buying the Beetle for its style but want affordability, you'll want to opt for the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine; that version starts at $20,895 with an automatic. It's a competent powertrain, but the engine buzzes loudly, intruding into the cabin even during modest acceleration. The six-speed automatic transmission is simply adequate. A manual base model will be released in 2012 and will start at $18,995.
The base engine's 170 horses get you to highway speeds with assurance but not exhilaration, while steering is a bit vague. The brakes are above average. Does this sound like a ringing endorsement? It shouldn't to performance fans, but most buyers will appreciate the Beetle's very comfortable ride, airy cabin, and lack of road and wind noise — especially considering the wind was extreme most of the time I tested this car.
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