I don't know about you, but I wasn't that blown away by the New Beetle when it was launched some years ago. I was like: oh cool, a car my granny might like. I mean look at it, it was boring. Your eyes would slip off of it and wouldn't want to go back. While the new 2012 edition doesn't look much different at first glance, it takes a while for your brain to scrub away the previous version, but when you do, you will see it's a vast improvement. The lines are crisper and the car has a more substantial feel to it. You know that upside down smile Michael Shumacher uses before he answers a question? I would be like that and thinking Mmm... this isn't half bad!

It gets even better, there are rumours VW will be showing off a R version at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and if it's anywhere near as powerful as the 198KW Golf R it will be bound to set your socks on fire.

Plus it was one of Oprah's favourite things of 2012. That's right, each audience member got keys to a new one! Insane or what?

For those who like to cruise with the top down, there's even a chance they will be making R version cabriolets. Although I'm more of a convertible fan I think it's going to look quite sexy. For the car industry I think 2012 will mark the true return of the icon of the 60s. In fact it has woken up my inner hippie. Love and peace to all!

- Autoboy