Powered by a four-cylinder 1.4 TSI twin-charged engine – yes, this little bad boy has a supercharger and a turbo – it pushes out a respective 118kW and 240Nm and comes, standard with a 6-speed manual gearbox and an option for a 7-speed DSG. Not a bad choice, with prices starting at around R240 000 for the entry-level 1.2 TSI / 77kW model, but I will let you use Google to acquire more info on that model. The 1.4 TSI, however, will set you back over R300 000. Now with some of the tech-talk out of the way, we can get down to business.

When launched late 2012, I was very keen to see what Volkswagen would come up with. Would it be another “girly” car aimed at young women and housewives? Or would it be a gigantic leap towards a larger target market. As it turns out, it is neither of those and would rather appeal to a smaller, though perhaps more diverse, market. The new model finally has a sharper and more masculine appeal than the "cutesy" facade of its older family member - and one can only be thankful for the lack of that little plastic flower pot on the dashboard of the second generation Beetle. Even as a gay man I found that the bubble shape and that pointless vase a tad too “Paris Hilton-esque”.

However, as a typical boy racer/stylish young man (or so I would like to think), this did impress me more than I first suspected it would. With retro styling inside and out and a flat-face interior accented by modern oversized dials, it has received that modern touch that is up to date with today’s cars. While this 21st century Beetle is definitely a step-up from the older model it is still lacking in certain areas; for example, practicality. Interior storage space is limited and unless you are a skinny hobbit you will not want to be a passenger if you’re going on a road trip. On the other hand it is much more spacious than its rivals; the Fiat 500 and Mini Cooper.

During my drive around town the new Beetle did turn quite a few heads, though. Hipsters seemed to love it and two elderly gentlemen (wearing sweatbands and running shorts and looking like they belonged in an Austin Powers movie) gave me a thumbs-up while power-walking past me on the road. It does have a certain presence to it and draws attention wherever you go. There is a certain iconic feel it and I, for one, can’t help but smile when I see one on the road.

Volkswagen always refer to their vehicles as "people's cars", but, in my opinion, the Beetle is something different. It isn't something people want, or something they need. But is something that stands out. Would I like to own one? Yes. Would I buy one? No.

Taking it all into account, there is a certain level of iconicity about the Beetle and I, for one, can’t help but smile every time I see one.

For more info go to: Volkswagen SA or visit your nearest VW dealership.

© 2013 Stiaan Jordaan