“I mean, this car is dead, right? The only people who bought the last one were fifty-year old Sally Schoolteachers, and they’re all sixty years old now. There’s no volume in this car. Can’t be any volume. The buyers are almost dead. And it isn’t fun to drive AT ALL. What would you rather have, this or a MINI?” These were the rapid-fire questions thrown at me by a marketing expert as I navigated a 2012 Volkswagen Beetle through Northern Virginia. He was sharp, articulate, and his questions about the Beetle’s relevance and appeal were genuinely thought-provoking. It made you wonder: in a market saturated with options, who exactly is the 2012 Beetle for, and does it offer enough to justify its existence?
A Step Up from the New Beetle
The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle marks a significant departure from its predecessor, the New Beetle. It’s noticeably wider and slightly lower, a deliberate design choice aimed at broadening its appeal beyond the traditional, arguably more feminine, demographic. Volkswagen clearly intended to attract male buyers this time around, alongside those who already appreciated the Beetle’s unique charm. But it’s not just about aesthetics; the 2012 Beetle represents a massive leap forward in terms of driving dynamics and overall functionality. If you were fond of the New Beetle, there’s a high probability you’ll find yourself genuinely impressed with this iteration. The core question, however, persists: in a competitive market, who is going to buy the 2012 Beetle, and more importantly, why?
Volkswagen’s Platform Legacy and the Beetle’s Place in History
Volkswagen has a well-documented history of maximizing its platforms and designs, a trait evident throughout its lineage. Consider the original Type 1 Beetle, produced in various forms from 1938 to 2003, or the Mk1 Golf, which remained in production in Africa long after its German discontinuation. Even in China, Mk2 Jettas were still being sold well into the 21st century. The New Beetle itself enjoyed a production run exceeding thirteen years. It was the first “A4” Volkswagen model to arrive in the US and the last to depart, coexisting in showrooms with the “A6” Jetta.
As a Mark Four A-platform vehicle, the New Beetle inherited both the strengths and weaknesses of that platform. While the interiors were initially impressive, they didn’t always age gracefully. The styling, while distinctive and charming, compromised interior visibility and seating ergonomics. Furthermore, Mk IV Volkswagens gained a reputation for mechanical issues. The optional 1.8t five-valve turbo four-cylinder engine, initially designed with a surprisingly low oil capacity, became notorious for requiring vigilant oil change monitoring to prevent premature engine problems, not to mention the infamous ignition coil pack failures.
These Mk IV era Volkswagens, while possessing a certain appeal, also left many owners frustrated with reliability issues. Volkswagen was acutely aware of this legacy, leading to extensive corporate emphasis on improved quality in subsequent models. This context is important when considering the 2012 Beetle; it’s designed to distance itself from the Mk IV’s shortcomings and present a more refined and dependable package.
Exterior Styling: A Modern Take on a Classic
Stepping out of the presentation and finally seeing the 2012 Beetle in person was a positive experience. The new styling is genuinely appealing from the front and sides, offering a contemporary interpretation of the iconic Beetle silhouette. However, the rear design, particularly from a distance, can appear somewhat generic, lacking the distinctiveness of the front. The optional “heritage” alloy wheels, with their prominent polished caps reminiscent of classic VW hubcaps, are a standout design element, adding a touch of retro charm. Interestingly, the Beetles I test drove didn’t attract much attention on the road, even from current Beetle owners. This understated approach might be intentional, mirroring MINI’s successful strategy of subtle evolution between generations, where the new model retains a strong visual connection to its predecessor.
Interior and Comfort: A Welcoming and Functional Space
The interior of the 2012 Beetle is where the most significant improvements are immediately apparent. The painted plastic panels designed to resemble metal are surprisingly convincing, creating a more premium feel than expected. While real metal steering wheel spokes would have elevated the interior further, the overall impression is overwhelmingly positive. With the sunroof shade retracted, the cabin is bathed in natural light, highlighting the cheerful color accents and creating an exceptionally pleasant and airy atmosphere.
The seating position alone is a compelling reason for New Beetle owners to consider upgrading. The original New Beetle, based on the Polo platform, resulted in an awkward relationship between the seat, dashboard, and windshield, somewhat akin to driving a minivan with its expansive, distant dashboard. The 2012 Beetle rectifies this with a steeper windshield, a shorter dashboard, and a repositioned seat. The result is a driving position that feels completely natural and comparable to a Golf, eliminating the need for any acclimatization when switching between the two models.
Performance and Driving Experience: Pleasant but Not Sporty
The test 2012 Beetle was equipped with the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine and a six-speed conventional automatic transmission – importantly, not a DSG. This is a welcome choice, as this powertrain combination is known for its reliability and smooth operation. The 170-horsepower engine provides adequate power for everyday driving, though performance is not its primary focus. Shift points are calibrated for fuel efficiency, resulting in the transmission upshifting quickly and the engine often running at low RPMs, sometimes as low as 1100 rpm at cruising speeds. This is not a car designed for aggressive driving.
Similarly, the suspension is tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling. While the Beetle Turbo model offers a more engaging driving experience, the standard 2012 Beetle prioritizes a comfortable and composed ride. Drivers accustomed to a Corolla will likely find it acceptably “sporty,” but those familiar with a MINI will perceive it as significantly more comfort-oriented, perhaps even akin to a larger sedan in terms of ride quality.
Pricing and Options: Value and Personalization
Volkswagen’s announced starting price for the 2012 Beetle was reasonable at $18,995. While the base MINI is slightly more expensive, the price difference widens as you add options. The Beetle offers several appealing options to enhance its charm and functionality. These include the “Kaferfach” double glovebox, bi-xenon headlights with distinctive rounded LED daytime running lights, and a large panoramic sunroof, which is highly recommended for maximizing the Beetle experience.
Who is the 2012 Beetle For?
The ultimate question remains: who will buy the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle? It’s unlikely to become a mainstream choice for men seeking a sporty or overtly masculine vehicle. The original New Beetle’s customer base is aging, and the novelty factor of the retro design may have diminished after over a decade of the previous model. However, this is arguably the car the New Beetle should have been from the start. It’s competent, enjoyable to drive, aesthetically pleasing, and undeniably cute. It successfully addresses many of the shortcomings of its predecessor. While it might not become a ubiquitous sight on the roads, the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is a well-rounded and appealing car that deserves consideration from anyone seeking a distinctive, comfortable, and fun-to-drive compact vehicle. It might just be the Beetle we’ve been waiting for.
