I’m not much of a runner, but there was a time when I easily could have challenged the four-minute mile. It was a couple of years ago when this huge, nasty boxer – that’s the dog kind – got out of his pen and raced over to chew my leg. The point is that we run a lot faster when we’re being chased. And that’s what’s happening at Volkswagen.

Feeling the hot breath of America’s new subcompacts on its rear bumper. VW has increased its model line-up for the coming year and added some interesting new features.

The big news is the Super-Beetle, a slightly larger version of the ol’ reliable bug. Although both models are look-alikes in the Beetle tradition, the Super version boasts a brand-new front suspension and Jimmy Durante-type nose that provides nearly double the front trunk space of the standard model. Both models share a 60-horsepower, air-cooled engine. That’s an increase of three horsepower over last year’s model. And the Super-Beetle’s new front suspension reduces its turning circle by about four feet.

So 1971 finds us with a VW that turns a tighter circle, holds more in its trunk, moves a little faster, but still looks and feels like a Beetle. Available colors for the ’71 Super-Beetle include Shantung Yellow, Iberian Red, and Sapphire Blue. Most of VW’s colors for this year are very bright and crisp. VW’s unique diagnosis service, introduced last year, is back again for ’71. If offers buyers a free mechanical diagnosis at 6,000-mile intervals during the first 24,000 miles they drive.

Yes, indeed, they’re running a bit harder at Volkswagen for ’71. They’ve ruled the subcompact roost in this country for many years. And now they’re hoping that the new, improved Super-Beetle will help them stay on top.