20.05.12

And, just for the record, the original VW, affectionately known by many as the Bug, was never officially called a Beetle, except for the Super Beetle models of the early 1970s; they were officially a Type 1, or as the years went on, a 1200, 1300, 1500…depending on engine displacement.

The 2012 Beetle, while keeping the same basic design as the New Beetle, has been totally redone. The best way I can describe the differences? Imagine the New Beetle as a float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade; now let a little of the air out until it’s a bit more squat, and there you go. Some wags have suggested that VW is going for a more masculine crowd with the new shape. Eh, maybe. The New Beetle definitely had a high cuteness quotient, and what guy wants to be seen driving a cute car? On the other hand, there are probably just as many (if not more) women buying new cars these days, so why would VW be trying to sell more cars to guys than gals? Makes no sense.

I think the new design is merely an evolution of the old New Beetle. And I think it works. Where the old design was quite “puffy” looking, the 2012 is lower and more modern in appearance.

Source: Artvoice