Skip to main content

2012 Volkswagen Beetle mans-up with new design, available at dealerships now

Image used with permission by copyright holder

We brought you the first photos of the newly-redesigned 2012 Volkswagen Beetle and its special Black Turbo edition over the summer, but now the car is starting to roll into dealerships in its all-new form. The company has moved away from the feminine-leaning smooth round curves and semi-circle design in favor of a longer, leaner, and sportier look. The manlier new look, which was inspired by the iconic car’s original design, comes with the specs to match for a sporty, powerful drive. 

The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, which starts at $19,800, comes with your choice of 2.5L 170-hp engine or 2.0L TSI 200-hp turbo-charged engine for the sportier model, and features like DSG performance transmission, Bi-Xenon lights, keyless access and push-button start, multi-function sport steering wheels, a touchscreen Fender sound system with navigation, Bluetooth capability, iPod/iPhone connectivity, customizable interior ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and LED daytime running lights. 

Whether more dudes and fewer college girls flock to this new design is yet to be seen, but we’re hearing that the new model of the German car has enough agility and power to earn the distinction of being a ‘manlier’ Beetle. 

Editors' Recommendations

Kelly Montgomery
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kelly Montgomery is a magazine journalism graduate from the University of Oregon's School of Journalism and Communications…
End of an icon: The last Volkswagen Beetle rolls off the production line
volkswagen beetle production officially ends last

 

Previous

Read more
VW’s new carsharing service aims to be a little different from the rest
vws new carsharing service aims to be a little different from the rest volkswagen weshare launched in berlin as full electric

A growing number of automakers are getting into the car-sharing game, with Volkswagen the latest to give it a whirl.

The German company first made mention of its WeShare service a year ago, and finally got around to launching it this week, in Berlin.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Read more