Volkswagen Beetle (2012-2018) Review

The VW Beetle needs almost no introduction, it’s that familiar a name. It even looks familiar, though this version came many decades after the original. This version is a sportier, more attractive-looking variation on the original car than its immediate predecessor. Retro-rivals include the smaller Mini hatchback and the, much smaller, Fiat 500. Just like the original Beetle, there’s a cabriolet version for open-top motoring too.

The Beetle is a three-door hatchback that’s based on an olde version of the VW Golf. Like that model it’s good to drive thanks to direct, well-weighted steering, comfortable suspension and a good spread of punchy but economical engines that suit most wallets and driving styles. The fly in the ointment is poor over-the-shoulder visibility, which can make it difficult when changing lanes on the motorway.

Without a doubt, the Golf is the more practical car. It’s roomier in the back, where the Beetle feels cramped due to its sloping roof and more limited legroom, and the Golf's boot is larger at 380 litres compared with the Beetle’s 310. Drop the split-fold rear seats and that space expands to 1,270 litres in the Golf and to just 907 in the Beetle.

The Beetle also has a much higher boot lip making it awkward to lift bulky loads into the car. Still, few people are going to buy a Beetle for practical reasons, so what space and practicality there is will probably be a bonus.

Instead, for these people, buying a Beetle is all about buying into a style icon and lifestyle, and here the car doesn’t disappoint. Just as the current Mini plays on memories of the original model, so does the Beetle. Like the original, the dashboard is coloured to match the exterior of the car, at least on Design trim models and upwards. There’s a vertical glovebox, too, just like the original Beetle.

It’s not all style and little substance, though. The seats are comfortable with a good range of adjustment, and in the front, the doorbins are deep and well-shaped. Controls are all logically placed and easy to use, too. In all, the Beetle is an easy car to get along with.

The recent redesign has given the model a lower, more confident look which sporty R-Line trim exploits to great effect. Dune trim brings a touch of SUV to the Beetle with a raised ride height and body protection. However, attractive though these versions are, they raised Beetle prices to around £25,000 new. For that money you could have had a five-door Golf in GT Edition trim, and with a greater choice of engines. However, when buying new these once-pricey Beetles make much more sense.

The most basic Beetle, and the cheapest by a long way, captures the spirit of the old car quite well. It has steel wheels but enough equipment that you don’t feel as if you’re driving a super-basic value-focused model. It’s available only with the lowest powered engine, though. The sweet spot in the range is Design trim. This plays to the retro theme with good attention to detail, a wider choice of engines and reasonable prices.

Key facts

Warranty	3 years
Boot size	310 litres
Width	1825mm
Length	4288mm
Height	1488mm
Tax (min to max)	£30 to £130

Best Volkswagen Beetle for...

Best for Economy – VW Beetle 2.0 TDI 110 BMT Design

Really, there’s not much between the two diesel engines but this 110 version just pips the 150 with a figure of 65.7mpg in manual form. The DSG auto version does 62.8mpg. Each costs £30 to tax.

Best for Families – VW Beetle 1.4 TSI 150 Design

We’d usually recommend a diesel but the Beetle’s 1.4 petrol is great to drive, reasonably frugal (49.6mpg) and around the same price as the slower but more economical 2.0 TDI 110. Road tax is £130, though. Design trim brings the kind of design touches that’ll delight occupants young and old.

Best for Performance – VW Beetle 2.0 TDI 150 BMT R-Line

This version is almost as quick as the 1.4 TSI in the 0-62mph sprint but punchier when overtaking, which is much more useful. R-Line trim brings suitably sporty touches. You can have it in this or Dune trim; neither is cheap.

History

Understanding Volkswagen Beetle names

Engine 2.0 TDI 150 BMT

Beetle engines comprise a choice of diesel (called TDI) and petrol (TSI) engines. The first number (for example, 2.0) refers to their size, in litres. The second number (for example, 150) refers to the engine’s power measured in horsepower, which can also be written as PS. ‘BMT’ is VW’s shorthand for BlueMotion Technologies, a suite of technologies (Iow-rolling resistance tyres, engine start/stop and turbocharged engines) designed to boost efficiency, and reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

Trim level R Line

There are four trim levels with different levels of standard equipment.

Gearbox DSG

The standard gearbox is a manual with, depending on the engine, five or six speeds. You can specify an optional automatic, too, with six or seven speeds, again depending on the engine. VW calls this gearbox a DSG (short for direct-shift gearbox). It’s more efficient than a conventional automatic.

Volkswagen Beetle Engines

Volkswagen Beetle Trims

Volkswagen Beetle Reliability and warranty

Used Volkswagen Beetle