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Three County Volkswagen
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201-355-2964
701 Riverside Ave
Lyndhurst, NJ 07071

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A Bug with Balls

Volkswagon’s reinvention of the Beetle in the ‘90s was flamboyant and adorable. It was SO cute that it was on a few “top ten gay cars” lists; along with our Automotive Editors former 1999 Mercury Cougar aka the homo-mobile.

Be that as it may, it revived a company that was trying to pull out of a serious slump and poor quality perception at the time. As well, no matter how you view the old New Beetle, be it femme or fabulous, the sight of one still puts a smile on even the coldest of hearts.

Enter the 2012 Beetle…a Bug with balls.

Whereas the previous model was a slightly comical impression of it’s forbearers (of the late 40’s through early 80’s) the 2012 Beetle butches it up and brings an air of manliness to the table.

We were recently invited by Three County Volkswagon to drive the 2012 Beetle Turbo, and boy are we in love!

We hopped in behind the wheel of a 2012 “Launch Edition” in black, equipped with VW’s amazing DSG automatic transmission. You would be hard pressed first to not be able to find a place for everything, as storage spaces are everywhere.

Equally impressive is the simplicity and legibility of the basic gauges that are well placed behind the standard tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Everything feels natural and intuitive in its operation and ease of use. You won’t need countless hours reading owners manuals to figure out how to operate the radio, which leaves you with time to do what you want to do with this car…drive.

The 2012 Beetle shares the same “platform” as the Golf, and its 200 HP turbo 4cyl is similar to the legendary GTI. However, do NOT think they will both dance the same. The GTI is all boy-racer and pocket-rocket performance wrapped in a slick “understated” package. The Beetle Turbo, on the other hand, has its tough side, but knows not to step on the toes of its more performance-oriented family member.

Still, the Beetle Turbo can hustle and make quick work of the roadway ahead. Using the DSG automatic in its manual mode, you really feel the power and playfulness of the vehicle.  Better still, is that the DSG equipped Turbo gets slightly better fuel economy than the standard 170 HP Beetle.

Of course, for the “Average sized driver” you have good room up front for two people, and feel like you are in a much bigger vehicle. Rear seat occupants can be comfortable, but again, we need to define who the “average sized driver” is. There are 50/50 folding rear seats as well to make more room for hauling, and the rear hatch has a MUCH more generous opening than the previous models.

With prices starting at $24,495 for a Beetle Turbo with DSG auto, you get quite a lot of car for your money compared to others in this category. Of course, you can go all out and spend close to $30,000 for a fully loaded Turbo, with its expansive panorama sunroof, amazing Fender audio system and slick yet simple touch screen navigation.

Yes, this is a very competitive field, what with Mini-Coopers, Fiats, and the like, but the Beetle Turbo is the one car you can drive with manly confidence, and still leave people smiling in their hearts in your turbo-induced wake.

By Craig “Moose” Ploth, Automotive Editor