30 Days Of 2013 Ram 1500: Gas Mileage, So Far
As we roll through our 30-day road test of the 2013 Ram 1500, we're ready to file our first report... Read More
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QUALITY | 7 out of 10
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The roof is flatter on top, with a peak that's shifted rearward to improve the headroom for rear-seat passengers. Indeed our 6-foot 2-inch test pilot actually fits in the backseat now without need to cant his cranium like a confused collie.
Inside Line
There's also a nifty little "kaferfach," or Beetle Bin, essentially a small second vertical glove box located in the same spot as in the original. Sadly, the iPod cable still resides in the less-accessible lower glove box. Even though the roof's been flattened, there's still a shocking amount of headroom, even with the sunroof.
Motor Trend
the Beetle’s interior still offers a spacious front seat. Even in a car with a sunroof—his mortal enemy—this six-foot, seven-inch scribe fits comfortably behind the wheel.
Car and Driver
Cargo room has skyrocketed in the rear to 15.4 cubic feet with the seats up, and there's a full 29.9 cubes with them stowed. It's too bad that the 60/40 split seatbacks don't fold quite flush with the floor, but we appreciated the copious space all the same.
Autoblog
As before, there's plenty of headroom -- in front, at least. The more cab-rearward layout allows for good front legroom, and the wider body makes for a roomier-feeling interior.
Automobile
The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has grown into its more masculine shape, as if it's been exposed to some insectile growth hormone. It's 3.3 inches wider than it was in its more girlish figure, and it's a full half-foot longer.
Much of the extra room relieves passengers of the old, cramped seats from the old New Beetle. Volkswagen says the extra length goes to flattening out the roofline, which extends the roof peak farther back along the Bug's body, which is the primary reason tall adults can actually fit into the front and back seats with some headroom to spare. The optional sunroof can't dampen that victory, even.
Front passengers get some flat-bottomed seats on base Beetles. Count the sport seats in Turbo versions as a win; their horizontal seat stitching works retro magic, and even though it's pure vinyl seating with no leather option, the bolstering and supple cushions really lack little in comfort. It's even easier to reach the Beetle's seat-height lever and knob adjuster for seatback angle, when you have to--a power driver seat is available. In front, leg room is up two inches and shoulder room grows by 2.5 inches. As in the Jetta, the elbow room comes mostly to the left of the driver: sitting off of center, you'll make knee contact with the center console, but will have to reach to rest on the door panel.
The back seat may have almost a half-inch more head room and more leg room, but it's still tight for adults. With the shallowed dash, front passengers can scoot closer and leave more foot space for those in back, but it's still better reserved for small adults and kids.
Small-item storage has been carved into most of the available nooks and crannies. The traditional glove box is deep enough, once you ditch the thick owner's manual. The available kaeferfach box has a lovely aluminum pop-out lever, but it's pretty shallow and tall, and pretty un-useful. The shallow dish on the dash is practically made for an aftermarket GPS mount, and your smartphone will fit nicely in the bin ahead of the shifter. Pens and Post-Its are about all you'll wedge into the available armrest bin.
On paper the Beetle's trunk is bigger, up to 15.4 cubic feet of space, but the sloped hatchback means only a pair of roller bags and some soft-siders will fit unless you fold down the rear seats. Bonus: they lay nearly flat, and expand the cargo area to just under 30 cubic feet.
While Volkswagen has made the Beetle a quieter place for European customers, North Americans get versions with thinner glass, and it's evident in the way the Beetle, especially the Turbo, reverberate with drivetrain and wind noise. The engine's turbo burble and four-cylinder gurrs are fine, and actually make us want to push that Beetle around more roughly. We can't say the same for the tire noise at highway speeds, or the high-velocity wind whistles that come off the mirror housings.
Conclusion
A classic 2+2, the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has lots of head and elbow room, but rear leg and trunk room are still a bit skimpy.
