Driving impressions of the Volkswagen Beetle 1.2 TS

Mar 30 2012

The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is the third model to carry that illustrious name but in at least one respect it is an interesting first.  In 1999 the new Beetle set new standards for small retro cars.  Fiat and BMW soon followed with their own versions of the Fiat 500 and the Mini.  The new Beetle will be the first model to replace one of these retro models.

This might not sound like a major feat, but ever since the introduction of these retro cars there has been some apprehension in the industry about producing a second-generation model that encompasses the latest in technology while retaining the basic character of the original model.

Volkswagen has overcome this tricky problem by producing an attractive car that is certainly better looking than its predecessor and also less clunky and more subtle.  They have obviously taken some tips from Fiat and its 500 model.

The roof of the new model is flatter than before and the car, therefore, looks wider and lower.  Under the skin the car borrows heavily from the Golf – particularly the A5 platform used by the Golf V and VI rather than the original A4 base the company used in 1999.  

This gives the car a familiar feel when on the road.  The engine choices are also rather predictable.  Unlike the original model, however, the modern version has front-wheel drive and the engine is also mounted in front.

The new Beetle boasts a top speed of 111 miles per hour and fuel consumption of 47.9 miles per gallon.

Author - Louise Hutchinson

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