VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE HATCHBACK FULL REVIEW

Volkswagen Beetle Hatchback full 9 point review

Performance

4 out of 5 stars

The top of the range 2.0 TSI has plenty of low and mid-range urgency, and is hot-hatch-quick when revved. There’s also a 103bhp 1.2 TSI and a 158bhp turbo and supercharged 1.4 TSI. This version produces plenty of power and its pretty flexible but you do notice some steps in the power delivery as it piles on the revs. Two diesels - a 103bhp 1.6 and a 138bhp 2.0 - are also available
Ride & Handling

3 out of 5 stars

The Beetle features two different rear suspension setups. The range-topping 2.0 TSI model uses the multi-link arrangement from the Golf GTI. In this form, body sway is well controlled and there’s plenty of sideways grip. Lesser Beetles, which have a less sophisticated arrangement, aren’t as composed when encountering mid-corner bumps. The ride is firm on all models at low speeds and the steering is quite heavy and slow to react.
Refinement

3 out of 5 stars

The Beetle is generally refined, although the frameless doors generate quite a bit of wind noise. Those turbo engines also generate quite a bit of induction roar. The manual gearbox is quite notchy and although the optional six-speed semi-automatic DSG gearbox is generally smooth, it can be quite jerky during low speed manoeuvres.

Buying & Owning

3 out of 5 stars

The Beetle is not cheap to buy and discounts from VW dealers certainly won’t be massive. The polarising affect of that outlandish styling also means a Beetle won’t retain all that much of its original value after three years of ownership. At least insurance rates are affordable and fuel consumption on most models is pretty impressive, too.
Quality & Reliability

3 out of 5 stars

Some of the Beetle’s interior trim feels surprisingly cheap. There’s no soft-touch dashboard like you’ll find in a Golf, for example, and the plastics on the centre console and around the front centre armrest are disappointingly hard and scratchy. At least most of the switches and controls feel reassuringly weighty. Underneath, the Beetle shares most of its parts with the Golf, so reliability should be good.
Safety & Security

4 out of 5 stars

The Beetle received a five-star rating from Euro NCAP, which is hardly surprising as there’s plenty of safety kit to keep you out of harm’s way and to protect you if you are unlucky enough to hit something. All models in the range have electronic stability control and six airbags as standard. On the security front, you get an alarm. deadlocks, a visible VIN and plenty of marked parts.

Behind The Wheel

3 out of 5 stars

The Beetle’s dashboard has been inspired by the original’s, which means it’s taller than in most modern cars and has a squared-off front. You can go even further with the retro vibe and have the dash painted the same colour as the car. Thankfully, VW has stuck with modern controls and switches, which means everything is clearly laid out and easy to operate.
Space & Practicality

3 out of 5 stars

The Beetle has only four seats. There’s plenty of room in the front for people of all shapes and sizes, but the two back seats are cramped. However, the boot has a decent 310 litres of room – almost as much as you’ll find in a Golf. The sloped bootlid makes it difficult to carry tall items, though.
Equipment

3 out of 5 stars

The Beetle comes in either Design or Sport trim. Design models get a body-coloured dashboard and comfort seats, alloys, Bluetooth telephone preparation a multifunctional steering wheel and a touch-screen DAB radio system. Top-of the-range Sport versions get a carbon fibre-effect dash, sports seats a three-spoke leather steering wheel, bigger alloys plus front and rear parking sensors.