Volkswagen Beetle review (2012-2018)
Volkswagen’s retro-looking Beetle first appeared in 1997 when the 60s and 70s were back in style, and it proved an immediate hit. It was later revamped in 2011 and came as a four-seat hatchback or a convertible with a folding fabric roof. Better than a Golf? Keep reading for our full Volkswagen Beetle review.
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Pros
- Iconic looks
- High-quality interior
- Punchy engines
Cons
- Basic models lack some kit
- Only two rear seats
Interior
Our rating: 8/10
The Beetle’s retro exterior styling is mirrored by the interior with the dashboard fascia, tops of the door trim and steering wheel inserts getting the same paint as the exterior – it certainly helps to brighten things up.
There is a trio of analogue instruments ahead of the driver, a 6.5-inch touchscreen in the middle of the dash and controls for the ventilation below that.
Most striking are the gloveboxes – that’s right, more than one.
One is located on the painted portion of the dash (as on the ‘classic’ Beetle) and the other is below it, where you’d normally expect to find it.
Tech and features
The entry-level trim gives you electric windows, air-con, Bluetooth, electronic stability control, 6 airbags, a digital radio, USB port and hill hold assist (which makes hill starts easier).
Parking sensors, climate control, sporty trim and cruise control are added by higher trims.
The standard sound system is good enough, but you’ll find some cars have an upgraded Fender set-up that brings an eight-speaker, 400-watt stereo with a sub-woofer.
Driving position
The Volkswagen's front seats are comfortable and offer plenty of leg and headroom; things are a little tighter in the rear two seats because of the curved roof – so these are best reserved for the kids.
Parents will appreciate the standard Isofix mounting points for child seats, too.
Performance
Our rating: 7/10
Handling and ride comfort
Just like the VW Golf on which the Beetle is based, comfort is the name of the game here. The suspension is set up to deal with rugged road surfaces.
It doesn’t give the Beetle the handling prowess of, say, the Mini Hatchback, but the VW still handles pretty well, with little body roll on roundabouts and twisty country roads.
Engines and power
Petrol engines include a 1.2, a 1.4 and a 2.0-litre unit. Choose the 1.2 if your motoring is done mostly in town and the others if you make motorway journeys.
The 2.0-litre diesel engine comes with two power outputs – the more powerful version is best for longer journeys, but both are good choices.
Practicality
Our rating: 6/10
Storage solutions
As well as the gloveboxes, you get somewhere to put your phone, courtesy of a small tray in front of the gear lever, and some cars get a tray on top of the dash.
There are pockets in the front doors but proper bins for the rear occupants, while there are 2 cup holders up front and 1 in the rear, plus pockets in the backs of the front seats.
Boot space
Boot space is better than you’ll find in the Mini Hatchback – there is enough room for a handful of holdalls.
The rear seatbacks are split 50:50 and fold to allow you to fit in larger loads such as a couple of suitcases.
Running costs
Our rating: 8/10
Fuel economy
The 2.0-litre diesel engine is the most economical motor in the Beetle, rewarding you with more than 50mpg on average on longer journeys.
You may be able to just squeak 40mpg in the 1.2 and 1.4 petrol, but bear in mind that the 1.2 needs to be worked harder on faster roads, which is when economy will suffer.
Reliability
This manufacturer has a strong reputation for reliability and durability – it’s why the Beetle’s brand has endured for so long – so maintenance costs should rarely be a worry.
By now, the standard three-year warranty will have ended on even the newest used models, so you might want to consider cinchCare for added peace of mind.
The verdict
Interior
8/10
Performance
7/10
Practicality
6/10
Running costs
8/10
We love the Beetle’s styling. It’s as trendy as the Mini and Fiat 500 and also raises a smile from others as you pass them on the road.
It’s nice to know it’s based on tried-and-trusted tech as seen in the Golf and gives you a choice of petrol and diesel power, depending on your motoring needs.
It’s well suited to new drivers, young families and anyone who likes to get noticed when they’re on the road.
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