which acts almost exactly like an automatic but gets slightly better mileage. In mixed driving, I returned about 25 miles for every gallon while still having a good time. (See the Vital Statistics page for additional vehicle details.)

One look at the new car, and it's obvious VW tried to make this vehicle appeal to men. The lower roofline and wider stance give the 2012 Beetle a more sporting appearance than the New Beetle. Designers of the driver-oriented interior eliminated the famous bud vase and filled out the instrumentation more fully.

From the outside, the body has been pushed back on the chassis, increasing the length of the nose and shifting the greenhouse over the rear wheels a bit more. Instead of the New Beetle's omnidirectional look, the 2012 model aggressively points forward. From its familiar grille-less face to the Super Beetle-like taillights, the 2012 Beetle has made the leap.

No longer a "chick car," the 2012 Beetle can draw buyers from both genders. Where its predecessor was a cute little bubble on wheels, the 2012 edition harkens to the days when men liked air-cooled Volkswagens--but this time around, it comes with heat and power. A woman will enjoy driving and/or owning the new Beetle, and a man won't be embarrassed if he's caught driving "his girlfriend's car"... even if it's actually his own.