2012 Volkswagen Beetle: Not much difference

The look isn’t quite what we expected after seeing spy shots of the car. It would seem VW pulled a fast one on us by fitting the 2012 mule with last-generation taillights at the time, as the new one features larger magnet-like units that give the 2012 model’s rump a radically different look. It doesn’t […]

The look isn’t quite what we expected after seeing spy shots of the car. It would seem VW pulled a fast one on us by fitting the 2012 mule with last-generation taillights at the time, as the new one features larger magnet-like units that give the 2012 model’s rump a radically different look. It doesn’t look very different from the previous model. Rather, it looks like flattened out by a toaster.

The production vehicle boasts seating for four, though the back bench can be folded to allow for more cargo room. European buyers will have their choice of four engines ranging from an efficient 1.2-liter petrol to a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and a 1.6-liter turbo diesel. Here in Nigeria, we expect the 2.0-liter turbocharged engines will be the range people will go for or a 1.6-liter if available.

The 1.6-liter turbo diesel engine delivers around 105 horsepower while returning 65.7 mpg on the EU scale thanks to a start/stop and intelligent battery regeneration system. We’d hoped Nigerians could look forward to having one their homes. On the more entertaining end of the spectrum, the 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine reves to about 200 horsepower. Like the Golf GTI, that powerplant will benefit from a transmission with an XDS electronic differential lock as standard equipment- which is a very good thing.