2012 Volkswagen Beetle Review
2012 Volkswagen Beetle Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Unique styling
- powerful and efficient turbo engine
- high-class interior
- capable handling and comfortable ride
- well-equipped
- more space than kitschy competitors.
Cons
- Inefficient and unrefined base engine
- less space than more sensible competitors.
What’s new
The Volkswagen Beetle has been completely redesigned for 2012, and ditches the "New" from its name despite actually being new for the first time in a decade. For now, it is available in a coupe body style only.
Edmunds says
The completely redesigned 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is a little less cute, a lot more functional, but still unmistakably a Beetle.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle PZEV 2dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$168/mo for Beetle PZEV
Beetle PZEV
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
The last "new" Volkswagen Beetle pioneered the automotive retro trend when it debuted way back for 1998. Thanks to distinctive styling and little touches like a flower vase on the dash, the New Beetle was an immediate hit with younger buyers and Baby Boomers alike. But that homage to the 1960s lasted so long without any changes that it eventually became an homage to the 1990s. In a way, the New Beetle has been a retro version of itself in its waning years. So it's with welcome relief that Volkswagen has introduced the redesigned 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
An entirely new model based on the most recent mechanical underpinnings from the redesigned VW Golf, the 2012 Beetle is a car that's a little less cute but a lot more functional. At first glance, it resembles a New Beetle that's been squashed from above. (And, yes, the word "New" has been exorcised, so you won't be reading about the new New Beetle). Indeed, the redesigned car is longer, wider, lower and has more upright A-pillars. This not only gives the Beetle more classic proportions, but also provides more legroom, a bigger trunk and a more natural driving position that dispenses with the previous car's massive dash top and awkward sight lines around the windshield pillars.
The interior design has been redone as well to be modern without losing the Beetle heritage. The upright dashboard has an available drop-down glovebox (dubbed kaeferfach, or "Beetle bin," in homage to the original), and it is color-keyed to the exterior to add a welcome splash of personality. The design might not be as retro as the Mini Cooper, but then neither are its interior controls, and this is definitely a good thing. In fact, the Beetle gets the same sensible electronics features and control interface that you see elsewhere in the VW lineup, including Bluetooth, iPod and a navigation system.
Mechanically, the 2012 VW Beetle is mostly comprised of bits and pieces from the Golf. The unrefined and inefficient five-cylinder base engine is an unfortunate hand-me-down, while the Beetle Turbo's spirited and efficient four-cylinder is a genetic blessing from the Golf GTI. The Turbo also features a suspension setup similar to the GTI, a calibration that gives it a good balance between slick handling and a refined ride (although it's not as capable nor fun to drive as the GTI). The base Beetle's suspension is borrowed from the VW Jetta and is less sophisticated, but it gets the job done.
In total, the redesigned 2012 Volkswagen Beetle feels like the welcome return of an old friend. It has the traditional look that will appeal to the Beetle faithful, but sports a visual modernity that should attract new buyers into the Beetle fold (or at least recapture those who lost interest during the New Beetle's lengthy reign). It still isn't as functional as otherwise upscale small cars like the Ford Focus or the Volkswagen Golf, but compared to other high-fashion compacts like the Mini Cooper and Fiat 500, the Beetle boasts an actually usable backseat and trunk. So the Beetle is back, and yes, it's better than ever.
Performance & mpg
Standard on the base and 2.5L Beetle models is a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. Every Beetle is front-wheel drive. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, while a six-speed automatic transmission is optional on all but the base model. In Edmunds testing, this engine with the automatic went from zero to 60 mph in 9 seconds, which is about average for a compact with an automatic. Estimated EPA fuel economy is 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined with the automatic (22/31/25 with the manual), which is mediocre for a car this size.
The 2012 VW Beetle Turbo gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual is standard and a six-speed automated manual (known as DSG) is optional. In Edmunds performance testing, the Beetle Turbo with DSG went from zero to 60 mph in a quick 6.6 seconds. Fuel economy is actually better than the base five-cylinder at 22/30/25 with the automatic and 22/30/24 with the manual. That's quite good considering the added performance, though a Mini Cooper S is still about 5 mpg better. Both Beetle models can be partial-zero-emissions vehicles (PZEV) certified in states with California emissions standards.
Safety
Every 2012 Volkswagen Beetle comes standard with traction and stability control, antilock disc brakes, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. In Edmunds brake testing, a Beetle Turbo with 18-inch wheels came to a stop in 129 feet -- disappointing for a sporty small car. Surprisingly, a regular 2.5 model stopped in 122 feet, which is a bit better than average.
In government crash tests, the Beetle received four out of five stars for overall crash protection, with four stars awarded for overall frontal protection and five stars for overall side-impact protection.
Driving
How the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle drives largely depends on the engine you choose. The base five-cylinder is respectably powerful, but it sounds unrefined and gets disappointing fuel economy. Despite its less sophisticated underpinnings, handling of the non-Turbo Beetle is quite good, with crisp turn-in and minimal body roll in quick transitions. As a result, enthusiasts will likely be happy about that but wish for stronger performance.
The Beetle Turbo, on the other hand, has plenty of punch, sounds great and gets better mileage than the disappointing base engine. The six-speed manual is quite possibly the most easily shifted do-it-yourself transmission around, while the sophisticated DSG gearbox is a nice compromise for those who want the simplicity of an automatic with the performance and control of a manual. Handling surprisingly isn't really better than the regular Beetle, with its overall abilities and steering response that are well short of what you'll get from a GTI or a Mini Cooper S.
Interior
The 2012 VW Beetle has a cabin that draws design inspiration from the original flower-power model, yet includes the same features, controls and construction of modern Volkswagens. The cutesy flower vase, expansive dash and cramped backseat of the '90s-era New Beetle are things of the past, yet this next-generation Beetle still has plenty of character. The trim that runs across the dash and doors can be painted the same color as the exterior, while the Turbo gets secondary dash-top gauges and available two-tone seats.
It's a pretty cool passenger environment, and unlike a Mini Cooper, it doesn't suffer for its coolness with head-scratching and/or frustrating ergonomics. The optional navigation system is easy to use, though its small screen limits usefulness. The premium Fender sound system, on the other hand, is well worth the extra price and provides impressive sound quality.
Despite its lower roof line, the 2012 Beetle still provides plenty of room for both the heads and legs of even tall drivers. The backseat is also significantly more spacious, though it's certainly not as roomy as the related Volkswagen Golf. The 15.4-cubic-foot trunk is actually bigger than the Golf's with the 50/50 split-folding seats raised, though if you lower them, the Beetle only provides 29.9 cubes of maximum space versus the Golf's 46 cubes.
2012 Volkswagen Beetle models
The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is a two-door, four-passenger hatchback available in Beetle, 2.5L Beetle and Beetle Turbo trim levels.
The base Beetle comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, full power accessories, air-conditioning, cruise control, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cloth upholstery, a trip computer and an eight-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. The 2.5L Beetle adds heated windshield washer nozzles, heated and height-adjustable front seats (with lumbar adjustment), leatherette premium vinyl upholstery, a second glovebox, floor mats, Bluetooth and an iPod interface.
The Sunroof package adds a panoramic sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, a multifunction steering wheel, a front center armrest, an upgraded trip computer, satellite radio, a touchscreen audio interface and a six-CD changer. The Sunroof, Sound & Navigation package adds the above package plus 18-inch wheels, a navigation system integrated into the touchscreen interface and a premium Fender audio system with a subwoofer.
The Beetle Turbo additions to the 2.5L Beetle's equipment include 18-inch wheels, foglights, a rear spoiler, sport seats, Turbo-specific cloth upholstery and alloy pedals. The Sunroof and Sound package adds the same items as the 2.5L's Sunroof package along with the Fender audio system and shift paddles (when equipped with the DSG transmission). The Turbo's Sunroof, Sound and Navigation System adds a navigation system to the above package along with leather upholstery. Bi-xenon headlamps and 19-inch wheels can be added to this package. A sport-tuned suspension is optional on all Turbo models. VW will also be offering an array of customizing dealer-sourced accessories, such as exterior graphics, themed badges and special retro wheels.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average
#19 out of 46 among Compact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Volkswagen Beetle from 2008-2022.$425/yr
vs. $416/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.03x/yr
vs. 1.01x/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).10.7%
vs. 10.4%
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
5 star(40%)
4 star(24%)
3 star(16%)
2 star(12%)
1 star(8%)
25 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.38 out of 5 stars
Great compromise Car
htree11, 03/20/2012
2012 Volkswagen Beetle 2.5L PZEV 2dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl 6A)
Had this car 5 days will update later.
105 miles with approximately 5 gals used. I have been using it as a commuter car 20 miles average per day. 1/2 interstate the other Blvd/city driving.
There is a driver side window issue.
will not come up all the way all the time.
It will work afar several attempts.
Plan to take it back to the Dealer.
Dealer was asked about the problem prior to … purchased.
However vaguely acknowledged it existed.
The only problem...Yes.
The 2.5L is a blast to drive good exceleration, large cabin for two, equipment works fine.
I have bluetooth (easy to setup), iPod connectivity (works without instructions) and the radio sounds great (no Fender).
1 out of 5 stars
Too many issues
Anne, 07/07/2019
2012 Volkswagen Beetle 2.5L 2dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl 6A)
This is a beautiful car, its zippy, cute, and has a great sound system. Though the cost of keeping the car running will bring tears to your face. I purchased this vehicle about 3 years ago with 50,000 miles on it. At first there were small problems but now with about 80,000 miles on the car I have a new expensive issue every 4 months. Overall, in these three years I have spent over 5,000 … dollars to keep the car running from issues with a malfunctioning throttle body, to a breaking AC fan, to even an engine leak. Last time I visited a dealership they told me I have a bad axle boot, which will be about another 350.00-450.00 dollar fix when I just fixed the broken AC fans about a month ago. Please stay away and buy something that won't put you in an uncomfortable situation.
3.25 out of 5 stars
VW Knew about the Window problems
bink11, 08/14/2012
2012 Volkswagen Beetle 2.5L PZEV 2dr Hatchback w/Sunroof, Sound, Navigation (2.5L 5cyl 5M)
VW knew about the window problems, because the Convertible Bug had been plagued with them the entire run of the line.
I traded in my 2004 Convertible Beetle for the new one because it seemed like the only way to fix the window problem once and for all.
Now, here I am day one and I don't have my new car because it is back at the Dealership being "fixed".
I'm lucky apparently because the … Dealership I use has a great staff who really do their best to solve problems, but when the problem is the manufacturer... All I can say is avoid VW's.
If anyone stops to ask me about the car, it isn't going to go well for the company.
2 out of 5 stars
Unbulllllyvable !!!
Labbaga, 07/23/2015
2012 Volkswagen Beetle 2.0T Turbo PZEV 2dr Hatchback w/Sunroof, Sound, Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Today I was so close to tears with my Red VW Turbo Beetle. I had all the problems stated from the reviews below... from the windows having a mind of their own the moment I got them from the dealership... up to injection fuel pump issues and being stuck only to have the same problem all over again in a week, after it's supposed to have been fixed... and some loose screw coming out of … nowhere under the hood... Too many problems, if you ask me, from a supposedly brand new car. CRY !!! It's almost like being bullied by all these issues...by my own car.
I head to leave my car in the dealership for a whole month (or more)... and this was with the car being less than 3 years. Also, my car has this odd stink coming from the vent... could it be me ? I dare not admit. Even the media jack inside the glove compartment had issues right from the beginning.
This is my second VW Beetle and I am switching to another brand. The only thing that I enjoyed was the Fender sound system...
2012 Beetle Highlights
PZEV
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $18,995 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $168/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.4 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Beetle include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
4 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover10.5%
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