A car for the people: 2012 VW Beetle

car review, hitler, Issue 20, Ryan Inouye, Volkswagen beetle, Entertainment - By Ryan Inouye on Thursday, March 1, 2012 - 02:45

The Volkswagen Beetle is perhaps one of the most easily recognizable cars on the road today. Its bubble-like shape and perfectly circular headlights make it subject to much criticism and laughter. Where did this unusual vehicle come from, and who is responsible for its unconventional design?

In a meeting between Adolph Hitler and Ferdinand Porsche, an engineer from Porsche Automobil Holding, the infamous dictator revealed sketches of a car that he stole from a Jewish engineer, who he later discredited. Hitler wanted Porsche to create a vehicle that the average working person in Germany could afford—a price of 1,000 Reichsmarks, the equivalent of about $238—had an air-cooling engine, could travel at speeds of at least 60 miles per hours, and could hold at least two adults and three children.

Porsche argued that creating such a vehicle was not economically possible, but the Nazis forced him to design the automobile anyway. Thus, the Volkswagen Beetle was born.
I have never been a big fan of the Volkswagen Beetle. In my opinion, I always thought it looked like a toy a young child would play with. It was a vehicle that looked too much like a clown-car—a piece of machinery that is not to be taken seriously. The fact that the vehicles were sold with a built-in flower vase was a feature that would only further deter most male car buyers. For reasons unbeknownst to me, this strange-looking vehicle had not undergone any significant changes in many years.

Finally recognizing that their beloved Beetle was in dire need of a makeover, Volkswagen finally released its new and improved 2012 model late in 2011. It has a completely re-designed body, giving it a much sportier appearance. The car’s general shape has transformed from a perfect sphere to a much more appealing oval shape. Although the 17” stock rims look extremely out-of-date, the rest of the car’s exterior is a masterpiece. The interior of the vehicle is not the most impressive, but it still boasts a very neat orange-lit dashboard and multiple glove compartments. The leatherette-material seats are also a very nice touch.

Packing 170 horsepower on its base model, test driving this vehicle was very fun, but this car is definitely not meant for those with a need for speed. However, it drove very comfortably and I felt very safe in it at all times.

Despite its dark origins, I have to admit that the Volkswagen Beetle has made leaps and bounds since it first began production in 1938. The new model is so different that I encourage everyone to forget about their current perceptions of the vehicle and take the time to get to know the new and improved Beetle.