Only one word describes the Volkswagen Beetle. And the word is iconic!

The original Beetle was a post-WWII product which renewed a project which had begun some years beforehand. Production of the Beetle was authorised by the governing British military officials in a Germany which was in the early stages of a post-war re-establishment programme.

The VW Beetle was a big hit on the world's sales charts. It was that success which provided, in the end, the iconic status which the model so richly deserved. That success was measured over a period of several decades, with millions of Beetles being sold around the world. To maintain the ownership attractiveness, Volkswagen introduced many evolutionary updates during the model's 'lifespan'. Production of the old Beetle took place at numerous locations throughout world, including Australia at one time. The Beetle provided its owners with an economical and enjoyable car to drive. It was as durable as any other car on the market, but much more durable than most. To reinforce this point, just consider how many old Beetles are still motoring along the road today!

But that was then and this is now.

Volkswagen, in its wisdom, came up with the idea of providing a new Beetle for a car hungry world. The concept, devised some years ago, was to cater for the, seemingly, endless demand for nostalgia. Catering for this demand, numerous retro-styled cars have been marketed around the world. One of the most successful is the Volkswagen Beetle. And it's the new Beetle that we review on this occasion.

The test car, a 1.6 litre, manual, Volkswagen Beetle 'Miami' features styling which clearly identifies it as today's Beetle. That syling is certainly a modern day rendition of a real classic. The windscreen is positioned well-forward and this assists in providing a roomy aspect for the interior, which is in fact, quite roomy for two people upfront. Headroom is excellent. In the rear, there is room for two more people, without quite as much space though.

The new Beetle is currently priced from $25,990 (RRP). An automatic version of the new Beetle is available from $27,990 (RRP). Volkswagen has the 1.9 litre diesel-engined Beetle on the Australian market from $28,490 (RRP). Also available is a Beetle cabriolet from $36,990 (RRP). This model is fitted with a 2.0 litre engine and a 5-speed manual transmission as standard, although a 6-speed auto is optional for $2,300. Options for the new VW Beetle include leather trim, metallic paint, front fog lights and a sunroof (sedan only).

The test car was fitted with the easy to operate optional sunroof ($1,890) and the leather trim package ($2,990). Therefore, the total price of the test car, a VW Beetle Miami (which is the base model Beetle for the Australian market), was $30,870 (excluding the traditional on-road costs).

Standard equipment for the Beetle Miami includes 4 airbags, air conditioning, power windows, remote central locking and an MP3 compatible CD player is included with the audio system. The steering wheel is both height and reach adjustable (always a great idea). Numerous storage facilities are built in, including a reasonably sized bin with a slightly expandable net on the each door.

There is no cruise control available. Alloys wheels are available on the cabriolet, but not the sedan.

But the attraction of the Beetle is, of course, the modern-day 'Beetle' styling. You just cannot mistake it for any other car! Nostalgia abounds with this car, too. For example, the interior window sill is painted in the body colour, just like the original.

But one thing is missing. There is no chaff-cutter sound eminating from the exhaust. In fact, today's Beetle is just like any other small 4-cylinder car when it comes to its exhaust note. To add 'character' to the new Beetle, my suggestion (and it's a serious suggestion) is to add a discreet electronically controlled chaff-cutter sound which raises its volume when the engine revs are up. Silly idea, I know, but I believe it would be a plus for such a car and add real 'character' to its nostalgic appeal.

On the road, the new Volkswagen Beetle doesn't feel as good as the new Volkswagen Golf, it just feels like another new 4-cylinder car. In saying that, the meaning I am conveying is that the new Beetle is just like driving a Honda Civic or Mazda 3. Nothing exciting, just honest motoring without involvement. But it isn't as plain as a Toyota Corolla though, and that is good news.

In considering a new Beetle, the image projected by the iconic Beetle nameplate is paramount. This car has endearing appeal, just like the original Volkswagen Beetle from years long gone. And that is why the Beetle is with us today, because the styling theme is endearing and so too is the 'character' of such a car.

And with a fake flower mounted on the dashboard, who could resist such a novel means of transport?