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

By Kelly Montgomery November 9, 2011

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.

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Kelly Montgomery

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Kelly Montgomery is a magazine journalism graduate from the University of Oregon's School of Journalism and Communications…

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In operation for more than a century, AC Delco has been recommended as "the only batteries" for GM vehicles. You'll find them at retailers like AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, Amazon, and even some Walmarts. They're reliable, reasonably priced, and come with a good warranty, 18 months or above, depending on where you buy. A great AC Delco battery to call out is the Advantage series.

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Bosch is a solid mid-grade battery provider both in quality and price. They do have some affordable options, but their premium lines are still reasonably priced, with several tiers available for a wide variety of vehicles. The downside is that Bosch batteries are not carried by all retailers like some of the other options on our list, but you can find them online. You can also visit a Bosch service center if there's one near you. Callouts are the S4 to S6 series and the T4 to T6 series. We will say the brand's four-year free replacement warranty is unmatched.