The icon is back...

VW recently launched its new Beetle here in Malaysia. It's dubbed as a 2012 model but was actually introduced in other mature markets last year.

The 2012 VW Beetle (Yahoo image)

The picture below shows the reinterpreted Beetle from 1997. It of course started the trend among car manufacturers to revive iconic models by keeping the retro lines but injecting contemporary design cues. The BMW followed suit with its MINI One in 2001. Six years after in 2007, Fiat did it with its super cute 500. As usual, the Italian carmaker is always late in the game.

The 1997 VW Beetle (Yahoo image)

Meanwhile, somewhere off Balastier Road in Singapore there was a two-toned Beetle looking every bit as authentic as can be. It's amazing that the car seemed to be as tall as the Matrix behind it.

The car was solid and chunky (Apple iPhone 4s)

Do vote for your favourite Beetle in the poll ok.