If Apple made computers cool and trendy , then the Beetle made car fun and hip. The Volkswagon (VW) Beetle is perhaps one of the most famous car in world (I know some serious car fans might not agree). I mean how many cars can claim the iconic round silhouette of the Beetle for 70 years? I was once a proud owner of the New Beetle myself back in 2003 but sold it in 2005 to ease my pocket – owning a car in Singapore is no easy fleet. It was a decision that I still regret today because I really loved my little silver Beetle.
But guess what, I think I will have a chance to redeem myself finally. Earlier this year, I heard news that the Beetle is coming back with a brand new look and I had been following the development since. Now, hold your breathe and take a look at these videos below before I go into more details of the car…
Teaser ad campaign ( I love this ad!!!)
http://youtu.be/E_2g3dF7SdY
The Beetle TV Commercial
http://youtu.be/aPiuKjw4Bis
Like what you see already? I bet. Here are some details…
The latest Beetle ( it will be called The Beetle, without the “New”) see VW attempting to reinvent the beloved Bug yet again. The previous 1998 remake was really successful, the “New Beetle” was fun and friendly and it came in various cute colors and it was a hit with the female drivers, especially with the attached little flower vase. However, the number one priority with the 2012 new car is to make it more masculine and sporty as VW wants to woo back the male drivers.
On closer inspection, the latest Beetle has a closer resemblance to the 1938 original Beetle, it also has more creases and edges to give it a more aggressive stance. The 2012 Beetle is 3.3 inches wider, 0.5 in. shorter in height and 6.0 in. longer than its predecessor. The roofline no longer carries a semi-circular shape; it’s more of a flat-top design reminiscent of the original one first introduced in 1938.
Inside, the 2012 Beetle ditches the stylish predecessor’s panel in favor for a more tradition design. Gone are the deep dashboard and the faraway windshield that make you feel like you’re inside a bubble. Beyond the sporty looks, VW is hoping that improved driving dynamics will also sway more men behind the wheel. For the U.S., the 2012 Beetle will be available with two engines: a 170-hp 2.5-liter 5-cylinder mated to a 6-speed automatic, or a 200-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 coupled to a 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox. This is definitely a concern for drivers( like myself) in Singapore as the larger engine side has a impact on the road tax.
In all, the redesigned 2012 Volkswagen Beetle feels like the welcome return of an old friend. It has the traditional look that will appeal to the Beetle faithful, but sports a visual modernity that should attract new buyers into the Beetle fold (or at least reacquire those who lost interest during the New Beetle’s lengthy reign).
I will definitely be the first to test drive the car when is available in Singapore (next year I suspect). Here’s a video of car on the road and more photos of the car.
