2012 Volkswagen Beetle

A New Beetle was launched to great fanfare in 2011, but not call it the New Beetle. The "new" part of the outgoing name (that everyone forgot in any case) was dropped, along with the flowers and the delicate vase, ovoid styling. Volkswagen says the new Beetle is more masculine than the model it replaces, and with a more aggressive roofline and an adult, body-colored interior, the automaker could even point.

The Beetle still has the appearance, but is now longer, lower and wider than the last model. Now there are three engines to choose from: a base 2.5-liter five-cylinder with 170 horsepower, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 200 horsepower, and for 2012, a TDI diesel engine with 140 horsepower and the ability to 40 achieve mpg on the highway. A six-speed automatic is standard, but popular Volkswagen's DSG dual-clutch transmission will also be available.

The new Beetle is finally less a styling statement for young-at-heart and females more of a vehicle itself, and the impressive list of options reflects this: a navigation system, Fender Premium eight-speaker surround sound, Bluetooth, iPod connectivity , keyless entry and bi-xenon headlamps are all available. 17-inch alloy wheels are standard on the base price of $ 18,995, making Volkswagen a stylish option on the retro Goofball Mini and Fiat.

Bodystyle: coupe

Engines: 2.5-liter inline-5, 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, 2.0-liter diesel inline-4

Transmissions: six-speed automatic, six-speed dual-clutch automatic

Almost everything: the New Beetle was only in 2011. Yet there is already a limited-edition model, the Turbo Black, which offers smooth black pearl paint, carbon fiber-look interior, turbo graphics and tough 10-spoke wheels. There will only be produced 600 examples, so if you want one, act quickly.

For anyone who has been for the past 15 years (is it really that long?), The Beetle is instantly recognizable from her old model. The Beetle is still fun, but far less - its graceful shape reminiscent of the original Beetle was more than the last, and with a sticker Heritage package and retro-style one-piece wheels on the non-turbo model, the Beetle is bring back many memories.

The dashboard is the same color paint on the outside, which not only adds visual interest, but also avoid looking cheap. The rest of the interior is solid Volkswagen quality: a mixture of soft-touch plastic that feel screwed tightly together, and a classic design element, the "Beetle bin," is integrated into the top of the passenger-side dashboard. For the first time, the Beetle will get a screen with an integrated navigation system available, and has an eight-speaker audio system standard.

Based on the same underpinnings as the Volkswagen Golf, the Beetle of the suspension stability promised by potholes. The non-turbo five-cylinder is adequate, but the turbo engine is shared by the GTI and the Beetle pushes along nicely. Volkswagen golf diesel engines should be good for the Beetle as well as they launch later this year.

The Beetle uses a laser-welded very strong body to wrap its inhabitants, and is equipped with side airbags standard for all passengers. Stability control and front airbags are also on every model.

22 mpg city/29 mpg highway, five-cylinder

22 mpg city/30 mpg highway, four-cylinder turbo

29 mpg city/40 mpg highway, TDI diese

2012 Volkswagen Beetle Prices