Author Topic: First Drive: 2012 Volkswagen New Beetle (Read 14027 times)

Autos_Editor · « **on:** July 26, 2011, 04:06:33 am »

On sale October 9th, the 2012 Beetle has 'more rear headroom' and a 'usable rear seat,' reports Grant Yoxon.

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wing · « **Reply #1 on:** July 26, 2011, 10:10:30 am »

How are there no comments on this?

Shnak · « **Reply #2 on:** July 26, 2011, 10:18:07 am »

To be honest, I kind of like it! There was no way in hell I would've even thought of buying the previous generation Beetle, but this one, for some reason, I think it looks much better, it's not as bublous, looks more aggressive. A very good effort compared to the dull--mobile that Jetta's become, IMO.

sirAQUAMAN64 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 26, 2011, 10:35:04 am »

Quote from: wing on July 26, 2011, 10:10:30 am

How are there no comments on this?

Was not immediately apparent on Autos.ca until you clicked 'Volkswagen' brand or 'First Drives'.

I sat in one last Friday at the VW FreeDrive Tour. A little less headroom than I expected, and some small nitpicks here and there, but overall vastly improved and quite likeable.

Love the retro wheels.

wing · « **Reply #4 on:** July 26, 2011, 10:53:09 am »

^ yeah someone made an oopsie, they plan on fixing... hopefully before end of day!

Jaeger · « **Reply #5 on:** July 26, 2011, 11:00:36 am »

A definite improvement over the outgoing model in terms of styling, and while this one is no longer a heavy dose of undiluted estrogen, it still is the type of vehicle in which a cutesy flower vase wouldn't look entirely out of place.

And I do wish VW would put a bullet in that agricultural old 2.5l 5-pot already.

Jaeger

Mike · « **Reply #6 on:** July 26, 2011, 11:13:00 am »

Quote from: wing on July 26, 2011, 10:53:09 am

^ yeah someone made an oopsie, they plan on fixing... hopefully before end of day!

i blame that James guy....he's the internet guru, right?

Mike · « **Reply #7 on:** July 26, 2011, 11:13:36 am »

I actually like this redesign a lot. And with the turbo motor and Beetle R on the way, I think it could be a cool little ride.

dirtyjeffer · « **Reply #8 on:** July 26, 2011, 11:24:46 am »

Quote from: Jaeger on July 26, 2011, 11:00:36 am

And I do wish VW would put a bullet in that agricultural old 2.5l 5-pot already.

Jaeger

what, you don't like a tractor engine in your car?

dirtyjeffer · « **Reply #9 on:** July 26, 2011, 11:25:39 am »

Quote from: Shnak on July 26, 2011, 10:18:07 am

To be honest, I kind of like it! There was no way in hell I would've even thought of buying the previous generation Beetle, but this one, for some reason, I think it looks much better, it's not as bublous, looks more aggressive. A very good effort compared to the dull--mobile that Jetta's become, IMO.

agreed...i saw a black one a couple of months ago, likely the Sportline model...i admit, it looked good...kind of like a TT Lite.

wing · « **Reply #10 on:** July 26, 2011, 11:30:49 am »

Quote from: Mike on July 26, 2011, 11:13:00 am

Quote from: wing on July 26, 2011, 10:53:09 am
^ yeah someone made an oopsie, they plan on fixing... hopefully before end of day!

i blame that James guy....he's the internet guru, right?

I would have done it on a Friday not a Monday

wing · « **Reply #11 on:** July 26, 2011, 12:23:58 pm »

Looks like it is fixed -- anyone think this looks like something we use to have?

dirtyjeffer · « **Reply #12 on:** July 26, 2011, 12:28:14 pm »

Quote from: Jaeger on July 26, 2011, 11:00:36 am

A definite improvement over the outgoing model in terms of styling, and while this one is no longer a heavy dose of undiluted estrogen, it still is the type of vehicle in which a cutesy flower vase wouldn't look entirely out of place.

i thought you might get a kick out of this picture.

Mike · « **Reply #13 on:** July 26, 2011, 12:44:16 pm »

Quote from: wing on July 26, 2011, 12:23:58 pm

Looks like it is fixed -- anyone think this looks like something we use to have?

Much nicer. I've been waiting for this......as have most I am sure

hemusbull · « **Reply #14 on:** July 26, 2011, 01:16:16 pm »

This article with its superlatives sounds to me as a paid advertisement. The previous gen beetle, so called new one was (and still is) far cry from the sale success of the original one. But the times are changed and tastes of the new customers are different. The new (pre 2012) beetle, away from emotional side, is overpriced, two door sedan with difficult to use rear seats and small trunk. Adding to this the poor reliability, which became traditional for VW on these shores, makes it not wise deal. Just outside look and the flower on the dash isn't enough!

dragonfly · « **Reply #15 on:** July 26, 2011, 02:14:57 pm »

Leave us hope they've improved the reliability of this insect...The old one..the latest older one, was a total disaster...
It seems all Volkswagens have the same engines...2.5 and 2T...The 2.5 is gutless and very poor on gas...Is this the way VW is going to conquer the auto world? Methinks not...And a viewer commented on this article sounding like a company promo..I concur...But, I do like the new look better than the last..It now has a hood...It's still going to be a woman's car...dragonfly

BlackS40 · « **Reply #16 on:** July 26, 2011, 02:34:49 pm »

Quote from: dragonfly on July 26, 2011, 02:14:57 pm

Leave us hope they've improved the reliability of this insect...The old one..the latest older one, was a total disaster...
It seems all Volkswagens have the same engines...2.5 and 2T...The 2.5 is gutless and very poor on gas...Is this the way VW is going to conquer the auto world? Methinks not...And a viewer commented on this article sounding like a company promo..I concur...But, I do like the new look better than the last..It now has a hood...It's still going to be a woman's car...dragonfly

Oh man....I've got to chime in here. The previous generation New Beetle was not a total disaster. I leased a 2007 for 4 years, and had absolutely no problems with it...just a couple of headlights replaced under warranty. As for the power, the 2.5 litre I5 is really underestimated. Man, that car had highway passing power (with the 5 speed manual), and even at 130kph, the engine just wanted more. This car is just "dissed" far too often in these online forums from people who have never driven one.

Jaeger · « **Reply #17 on:** July 26, 2011, 03:42:16 pm »

Quote from: BlackS40 on July 26, 2011, 02:34:49 pm

Quote from: dragonfly on July 26, 2011, 02:14:57 pm
Leave us hope they've improved the reliability of this insect...The old one..the latest older one, was a total disaster...
It seems all Volkswagens have the same engines...2.5 and 2T...The 2.5 is gutless and very poor on gas...Is this the way VW is going to conquer the auto world? Methinks not...And a viewer commented on this article sounding like a company promo..I concur...But, I do like the new look better than the last..It now has a hood...It's still going to be a woman's car...dragonfly

Oh man....I've got to chime in here. The previous generation New Beetle was not a total disaster. I leased a 2007 for 4 years, and had absolutely no problems with it...just a couple of headlights replaced under warranty. As for the power, the 2.5 litre I5 is really underestimated. Man, that car had highway passing power (with the 5 speed manual), and even at 130kph, the engine just wanted more. This car is just "dissed" far too often in these online forums from people who have never driven one.

I've driven the 2.5 in a couple different VeeDubs. Not. Impressed.

Jaeger

aaronk · « **Reply #18 on:** July 26, 2011, 04:54:43 pm »

Quote from: life in the slow lane on July 26, 2011, 12:46:14 pm

I actually like this one over the previous generation. if I were thinking of buying a Beetle, I would wait for the diesel

Ouch, a top line model with all the options topping out at over $32,000. Me thinks it's not longer "the peoples car"

This is my beef with the car. I honestly like the new Beetle, but it's more expensive in Sportline trim than a 3-door GTI! If the original Beetle was the 'people's car', shouldn't this slot in under the Jetta and offer maximum value to customers? That's the recipe I would envision for this car. Pricing similar to a Fiat 500, make it about 20% smaller, cost savings by fewer customizable options.

Ontariodriver · « **Reply #19 on:** July 26, 2011, 05:15:34 pm »

This one is suppose to appeal to more is more appealing to men. What I like about the New Beetle MK1 it never seemed to date. I wonder how the MK2 will fare...