The Beetle. So much history in one automobile. It created a revolution when Ferdinand Porsche himself created that iconic name which redefined the German people’s car. It’s timeless design has passed down through time with the first incarnation in the 1930s, and only in the late 1990s did the second incarnation see a change in design. Now, comes another all-new design which took over a decade. Let’s take a look at the 2012 VW Beetle Turbo.
Exterior
The very first thing you notice on the 2012 VW Beetle Turbo is that it appears longer and lower than the previous Beetle, and that’s because it is. Of course, this makes it slightly more aerodynamic outside, and also more spacious on the inside. The smiling face is retained, but the car does look a lot less rounded overall. Some may appreciate that, while others would dislike that. The headlamps also get LED daytime running lights as is the case with the entire VW group nowadays. The sides of the car try to keep those distinct curves in places, but you realize that with the added length and lowered height, they’ve had to work at it quite a bit. 18 inch alloy wheels, standard on the Turbo, fill those curved wheel arches well. New tail lamps complete the design, while the rear surprisingly look a lot similar to the Beetle we all know and love. The Beetle Turbo also gets a rear spoiler.
Interior
On the inside, you are presented with a meaningful layout. A leather-wrapped sport steering wheel with buttons for the audio and cruise control looks practical and is well laid out. The dashboard is too, with a multi-information trip computer and a good amount of storage places; and so is the audio system with Bluetooth and Aux-in. You can also specify the 2012 VW Beetle Turbo with optional upgraded audio from Fender with up to 9 speakers, a navigation system and a power sunroof. The Turbo also comes as standard with sports seats up front, which feature the easy entry system to get into the back. Heating and manual height adjustment are standard. As is the piano black finish dash with hints of carbon fiber. The seats come upholstered in lightweight anti-allergen premium fabric. A pollen filter is also present, as is climate control.
Safety
The 2012 VW Beetle Turbo is as safe as any VW with dual front airbags, and combined side and curtain airbags for the front and rear. There are pre-tensioner and load limiter equipped front seat belts and 3-point belts for every seating position in the rear too, along with child seat anchor points. You also get all four disc brakes with ABS, hydraulic braking assist and engine brake assist. Furthermore, you have variable assistance power steering, electronic stabilization control, anti-slip regulation and an electronic differential lock, while the Turbo get a cross differential system, which reduces wheelspin while cornering by using biased braking.
Performance
Powering the 2012 VW Beetle Turbo is Vokswagen’s renowned 2.0 turbocharged direct injection 4-cylinder inline that sends 200 horsepower and 207 lb/ft of torque to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission. This endows the Beetle Turbo with very lively performance with 0-60 done in 6.8 seconds. Besides, the turbocharged four delivers a wave of usable torque across the rev range, which means better fuel economy and lesser gear shifts around town. And you also have VW’s legendary quality and reliability to back all that up.
So that sums up the all-new 2012 VW Beetle Turbo. Love it or hate it, the Beetle is a timeless icon and VW hope that their new rendition of the classic design takes things even further.
Overview – 2012 VW Beetle Turbo
Base Price: $23,395
Body style: 2-door coupe / hatchback
Engine: 2.0L 16V DOHC inline 4 with gasoline direct injection
Power: 200 hp / 5100-6000 rpm
Torque: 207 lb/ft / 1700-5000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
0-60 MPH: 6.8 seconds
Curb weight: 3042 lbs.
Wheels & Tires: 8Jx18” alloy wheels with 235/45 R17 H all season tires
Fuel economy EPA MPG: 21 city / 30 highway
Vehicle Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles limited warranty under Volkswagen Carefree Maintenance Program
Powertrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles limited warranty
Corrosion Perforation Warranty: 12 years / unlimited mileage limited warranty