Everywhere we went the new VW Beetle won the sort of attention few other cars in my experience have even approached. So, being thoroughly modern egomaniacs on wheels, we ended up doing many an unnecessary journey just for that special tingle of turning heads.

At the same time let me say this: the Beetle is a little darling but I wouldn't buy it. I'll explain why later. I have no doubt several would.

You are talking phenomenon here. It has that indefinable element called star quality. It is an indiscernible mix of nostalgia, retro-trendiness and wannabee-ism. Most of the people who get involved in enthusing about this car were not even born when the old Beetle was in its heyday.

It is cheerful and chirpy - that can be said about many a car. But somehow they have spirited in an indefinable charm. The car looks a bit like the old one but does not, as Mark 1 did, stand for cheap motoring and the bare essentials.

Where it was cool to own one, now air conditioning keeps the temperature as cool or hot as you like. The old one was rear engined, air cooled and could be downright quirky at times, but this is front engined, fast, water cooled and a sharp, predictable handler. The old one was thrifty but this is one for those who can afford to own a car with fairly hefty price tag and a 2-litre engine. And that means taking into account skimpy rear seat space which would permit two twelve-year-olds a modicum of comfort but no more.

Practical considerations aside, however, no one can fail to succumb to the little car's charms.

The body is fully galvanised, there are twin airbags, all sorts of high technology appliances, air conditioning, ESP. And yet there is that charming factory fitted flower vase.

The 2-litre 112bhp engine has pep and the new Beetle handles a lot better than the old one. But the most intriguing thing about it is how they kept the 'spirit' of the old one. Even today, despite being on our roads for quite a while, it is still turning heads.