Sidebar: Road-Trip Ready?

Good news for weekend road-trippers with smaller families than mine in that VW's 2012 Beetle has gained plenty of room in the trunk. A problem with the New Beetle, space in the rear is 50 percent greater in the 2012 edition, made even more accessible by the larger hatchback. Still a four-seater, one of the kids was forced to sit out on each joy ride, although they did attempt to negotiate ways for three children (plus friend) to enjoy the "punch buggie."

A certain 11-year-old even tried out the driver's seat. She didn't look out of place, giving pause to a father not quite ready for his children to be piloting their own vehicles. In the meantime, we can breathe a little easier knowing that with crumple zones, airbags, and ABS, the 2012 Beetle is worlds safer than the old Volkswagens we desired in our youth.