The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle

Maybe it was the flower. It's hard to have a car that appeals to a wide demographic range when there's a flower vase next to the steering wheel. Of course, it's "cuteness" factor was what made the original New Beetle such a hit when it was introduced in 1997. Scores of women suddenly found a car that their boyfriends and husbands wouldn't try to borrow -- especially if the Beetle was equipped with daisy wheel covers and of course, the ubiquitous matching flower in the dashboard.

2012 will see a different version of the New Beetle appear, however. With a lower roof line and more aggressive styling, this new version of the New Beetle is sure to garner looks of appreciation from anyone. It's a car that guys wouldn't be afraid to be seen running to the grocery store in, particularly if the Beetle's engine just happens to be one of the more powerful TDI or turbocharged versions. So, sure, it's still got a bit of a throwback styling to it, particularly when it comes to the big, flared wheel wells, the headlights, and a few other parts, but the beauty of the reinvented 2012 Beetle is that it's classic without being kitchy. It only took a few years of seeing all the vintage wannabee New Beetles running around for them to become dated and frankly laughable. Pulling up next to even the most powerful Volkswagen New Beetle in the most underpowered micro car still made you feel like you could spank the car when the light went green.

Volkswagen appears to have taken that personally. Sure the car's going to retain that special appeal for the ladies, but there's more to it now. Rather than adding a bunch of junk that the car doesn't really need (but you can still get anyway, if you like,) It just takes on a newer, more mature character. This is particularly evident in the interior of the 2012 Beetle. The seating surfaces are more reminiscent of upscale GTIs and the Jetta as opposed to the original New Beetle's relatively sparse interior. You'll find all the tech goodies you'd expect from Volkswagen laid out in a comfortable, easy-to-reach position.

The base price for the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is supposed to start at around $19,000, and if you can't wait to get your hands on one, you can sign up on a waiting list to be one of the very first to drive one home. They should begin arriving in showrooms in late 2011, but you'll have to bring your own flower if you just have to have one.