Premium Features
The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will be available in two trim lines: “Design” and “Sport.” Each has a unique character. The Beetle can also be customized with a wide choice of optional features. Key features include:
- Radio-CD and radio-navigation systems. Standard in the Beetle is the RCD 310 sound system with 8 speakers (includes dual tuner). The premium VIII top audio system is the RCD 510 with integrated CD changer, interface for SD cards and touchscreen. For the first time ever, navigation will be offered in the Beetle, with the RNS 315 featuring a 5-inch touchscreen, CD player and SD card slot.
- Panoramic roof. The transparent, panoramic tilt/slide glass sunroof is 80 percent larger than on the previous model. The insulating glass blocks 99 percent of UV radiation and 92 percent of heat energy.
- Fender Premium Audio System. The 2012 Beetle will also offer concert-quality sound with an optional Fender Premium Audio System equipped with an additional subwoofer and 400 watts of output power. Embedded in the vehicle design is proprietary Panasonic® speaker technology. The system covers the cabin with directional sound from front door speakers that generate imaging beyond the capabilities of traditional speaker designs. It cuts through the noise and other distractions with front dual voice coil speakers, with extended range for all musical genres. Those choosing this sound system also receive adjustable interior ambiance lighting.
- Keyless Access. Volkswagen’s automatic keyless entry and starting system, which allows the driver to operate without a door or ignition key, is appearing for the first time in the Beetle. When one of the front door handles is touched, the system detects access authorization from a transmitter, then unlocks the Beetle and starts the engine with the push of a button.
- BI-XENON™ headlights and LED daytime running lights. For the first time, the Beetle will be offered with Bi-xenon headlights. These will be available on future Beetle models, framing the xenon module on the outer perimeters of the headlights and serving as the daytime running lights and parking lights.
Safety
The 2012 Beetle features both active and passive safety. It includes Volkswagen’s advanced Intelligent Crash Response System, which initiates automatic safety protection in some types of collisions — the electrical supply to the fuel pump is shut off, the doors unlock and the hazard lights switch on. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is standard, as are driver and front passenger airbags and Side Curtain Protection® airbags in front and rear.
The 21st Century Beetle is also covered under the no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program. All scheduled maintenance is covered for the length of the New Vehicle Warranty — three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Additionally, all current Volkswagen vehicles use synthetic oil, which, when combined with state-of-the-art German engineering, eliminates the need for a 5,000 mile oil change, and allows owners to go farther between scheduled oil changes.
Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. VWoA sells the Eos, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2011 Volkswagen vehicles come standard-equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC). This is important because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new vehicle safety technology since the safety belt. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or www.media.vw.com to learn more.
Key facts summary
- Name: The Beetle
- World debut: April 18, 2011
- Market launch, North America: September / October 2011
- Market launch, Europe: October / November 2011
- Market launch, Asia: February 2012
- Equipment lines: “Design” and “Sport”
- Engine specifications: 2.5L 5-cylinder (170hp/177lbs.-ft); 2.0L TDI (140hp/236lbs.-ft); 2.0L TSI (200 hp/207 lbs.-ft)
- All US engines fulfil BIN5 / ULEV PZEV
- Fuel economy (combined) USA: 33 mpg* (2.0 TDI® Clean Diesel) [Manufacturer’s estimate. EPA estimates not available at time of publication.]
- Designers: Walter de Silva (Group), Klaus Bischoff (Brand), Exterior: Marc Lichte (team leader), Cris Lesmana, Nisan Kucam. Interior: Tomasz Bachorski (team leader), Ingo Brückmann. Colour and trim: Oona Scheepers (team leader), Susanne Gerken
- Exterior dimensions: 168.4 in. Length; 72.1 in. Width; 58.5 in. Height; 99.8 in. Wheelbase
- Original Beetle US sales: 1949 – 1979
- Total Original Beetle US sales: 4,988,350
- New Beetle US sales: 1998 – 2010
- Total New Beetle US sales: 477,347
- Total units built to date worldwide: more than 22.5 million
Apparently, 60% of the previous generation Beetle were sold to women. Now that the flower vase is gone, will sales of the 2012 Beetle increase for the men?