With its lower profile, longer front hood and angled windshield, the 2012 “New Original” Beetle is sleeker and sportier than its bubbly predecessor. And now that it comes without the iconic bud vase, it’s decidedly more masculine too. Upping the Beetle’s appeal to male consumers was a conscientious part of the design process. Last year, 60% of new Beetle buyers were women. With this more ‘macho’ redesign, VW hopes to encourage sales amongst men.
When it was unveiled at the recent New York Auto Show, the two New Originals on display had very manly black and red paint jobs – no lime green, orange or yellow Beetles in sight. In fact, when it becomes available in the US in October 2011, it’s still unclear as to whether the New Original will even be offered in colors on the lighter side of the spectrum, besides white, of course.
I bought a used New Beetle during college, so as a former owner I’m more than a little partial to this car. What’s more, I love the changes VW made to it. I think the lower profile and more streamlined look is big step up. That said, I lament the loss of the bud vase in an attempt to appeal to men. Men love the bud vase! Once a man even left me flowers on my windshield “for your bud vase,” the note said. It’s a pity to lose this piece of history for the sake of sales. Besides, it’s not like you have to keep flowers in it. Dudes should feel free to use it to display their manliness with pride. Tuck a jock strap inside or use it as storage for beer bottle caps – but there’s no reason to shy away from a harmless little flower.
