Jeremy Clarkson: 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will be a tough sell
Us enthusiasts can always rely on some entertaining reads from the Top Gear crew, especially Jeremy Clarkson. And although he can be rather brash, biased and extreme with some of his opinions, he can make some valid points.
For example, Mr. Clarkson decided to share his piece of mind on the new and upcoming 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, which he predicts will be a tough sell. That said, I can’t help but agree with him.
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Although there is decent interest in the Beetle, most of them tend to either be women, hippies, enthusiasts or just plain socially confused. Other than that, there’s not much appeal to the Bug to allow for its expansion. And VW claims that the next Beetle will be far sportier than Beetles of the past.
What do you readers make of the new Beetle? Do you agree or disagree with Clarkson’s take on the Beetle? Let us know in the post comment section.
Click here for more news on the Volkswagen Beetle.
Refresher: The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is offered with three powertrain choices including a 2.5L gasoline 5-cylinder, 2.0 TDI Clean Diesel and a 2.0L TSI turbocharged gasoline unit. While a 6-speed manual is standard on the 2.0 TDI and 2.0 TSI, Volkswagen’s DSG 6-speed dual-clutch automatic is available. A 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic is available on the 2.5L models. The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle 2.4L 5-cylinder model produces 170-hp / 177 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 5-speed manual, fuel-economy comes in at 22/31 mpg (city/highway) and 22/29 mpg when mated to a 6-speed automatic. The Beetle 2.0 TSI is the sportiest Beetle and is powered by a 2.0 4-cylinder turbo making 200-hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. The 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel, is known as the most fuel-efficient Beetle ever. Power comes from a 2.0L 4-cylinder diesel engine making 140-hp / 236 lb-ft of torque. Estimated fuel-economy comes in at 22/40 mpg or 33 mpg combined. Prices start at $19,765.
– By: Chris Chin
Source: TopGear
