Rides : First Look - 2012 Volkswagen Beetle

Compared to its effeminate cousin, the second generation New Beetle, the third generation (2012)  looks a bit more… let’s say, metro-sexual. While it’s certainly no macho mobile, with the aid of a lower/wider stance, shortened windshield, and 200 horsepower powerplant, Volkswagen looks to have made some nice gender neutral changes. The lumbering bug has been losing sales since 2003, and Volkswagen had to make some serious considerations. The new look of the Beetle is meant to draw a new crowd of Beetle owners, while possibly disappointing some of the traditionalists who will prefer its previous, bulbous, happy-go-lucky appearance.
Changes
The bug now has a 2.5-liter engine producing 170 horsepower on regular/unleaded juice, with the option to add turbo for a total of 200 horsepower. The Beetle hasn’t seen horsepower like this since the Turbo S left the scene back in 2005. The standard 4-banger will log around 29 mpg, while their diesel is promised to get up to 40 mpg. The flower vase has been ditched in exchange for body color accents on the dash, and the overall feel of the interior is much more upscale compared to the previous generation.
The trunk has been expanded, along with the rest of the interior, and it now includes ambient lighting, a navigation system, and an extra glove box. It is classier, sportier, and a lot more practical. Try getting a kid stroller in the second generation… it’s just not going to happen. These changes will give the Beetle a broader appeal to the mass market, setting the stage for its eventual world domination.
World Domination
Volkswagen main goals is to take on the Mini Cooper and Ford Mustang head on. That is correct, I said the Ford Mustang. Volkswagen sees the ‘Stang’ as America’s comfort food, and wants to be right along side holding a steaming slice of cherry pie. Their goal it to hit 1 million in car sales in the US by 2018, with the Beetle being a big part of that consumer rampage.
Does the 2012 Beetle have the cajones to get the job done? Volkswagen thinks so.