2012 Volkswagen Beetle Reviews, Pricing & Specs

After a year’s hiatus, the Beetle is back—and turning heads. The new Beetle (which, ironically, dropped the word New from its name) has had...

After a year’s hiatus, the Beetle is back—and turning heads. The new Beetle (which, ironically, dropped the word New from its name) has had its first complete redesign since it reappeared in 1998. The new version is lower, longer, wider and decidedly more masculine than its bubbly ancestors. VW is aiming this car at men who are budget-minded yet still like to be quirky and different (watch your back, MINI Cooper).

This Bug boasts a 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine with 170 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque that is mated to a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Rather than a whole bunch of options, the Beetle offers trims: the base 2.5 L, the 2.5L with Sunroof, or the 2.5L with Sun, Sound and Nav; the Turbo level ups the ponies to 200 and offers the same trim levels (as well as a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission). The 2.5 Ls come with 17-inch wheels, the Turbos are outfitted with 18-inchers; 19-inch wheels are available. Rock ‘n rollers will like the optional Fender package, which adds a custom sound system designed by the instrument maker.

Outside, it is unmistakably a Beetle—perhaps one of the most iconic silhouettes of all time. But it has been modernized with flattened curves and an Audi-like shape in the rear. The headlights have been tastefully redesigned to include the now-ubiquitous LED running lights, and the “magnet lights” on its behind are distinctive.

The car’s wider frame does make for more side-to-side room in the front, but the dash is still on top of you; the back seat, while not exactly roomy, is better than Bugs before. And it is a hatch, offering a decent 21.6 cubic feet of cargo room with the seats up. Add to that the reboot of its metallic interior and it is sure to tug at the heartstrings of nostalgic male Boomers and their kids.

Performance-wise, however, the standard 2.5 L is underwhelming. Many feel the Turbo is the only way to keep smiling after the initial joy of ownership has passed.

And, unfortunately, it’s still unmistakably a Beetle when it comes to mileage—the 2.5 Ls get 22 mpg city/30 highway, and going Turbo gives you 1 mpg less. That's not exactly impressive when you compare it to the MINI at 28/36. But fear not: A clean-diesel Bug will be released next year, with an estimated rating of 29/40.

Does the Beetle still have a place in this modern world? With over 20 million sold over 70 years, the answer is probably yes.