Volkswagen Beetle
Used Car Review

Overview

Thinking about a car that makes you smile every time you see it? The Volkswagen Beetle might be exactly what you’re looking for. This iconic retro hatchback combines unmistakable style with modern engineering, offering a unique driving experience that’s both nostalgic and contemporary. It’s the car for people who want something different from the ordinary hatchback crowd.

From the moment you see it, the Beetle commands attention. Its distinctive rounded silhouette and cheerful personality make it stand out in any car park. While rivals like the Ford Fiesta or Hyundai i20 focus on practicality, the Beetle prioritises character and style. The interior feels modern and well built, with Volkswagen’s typical attention to detail evident throughout. You get the sense that this car was designed to be loved, not just driven.

Driving the Beetle is a surprisingly refined experience. The range of engines provides good performance for everyday use, while the ride quality is comfortable and composed. It handles predictably and feels solid on the road, giving you confidence in all driving situations. While it may not be the most practical choice in its class, the Beetle offers something that spreadsheets can’t measure – pure driving joy and the ability to express your personality through your car choice.

What's the Volkswagen Beetle Like to Drive?

The Volkswagen Beetle offers a decent range of petrol engines that prioritise smoothness over outright performance. The entry-level 1.2 TSI produces around 105 horsepower and feels adequate for city driving and light motorway work. The more popular 1.4 TSI delivers 150 horsepower, providing sprightly acceleration that makes overtaking safe and confident. For those wanting more punch, the 2.0 TSI delivers 200 horsepower with genuine hot hatch performance credentials.

Where the Beetle really impresses is in its road manners. The steering is light and precise at parking speeds, making urban driving effortless. At higher speeds, it weights up nicely, providing good feedback and confidence through corners. The suspension setup strikes an excellent balance between comfort and control. It absorbs road imperfections well while maintaining good body control through bends. This makes the Beetle an engaging yet comfortable compact hatchback that feels planted and secure in all driving conditions.

How Comfortable Is the Volkswagen Beetle?

Step inside the Beetle and you’re greeted by a cabin that successfully blends retro charm with modern functionality. The dashboard design is clean and uncluttered, featuring high quality materials throughout. The infotainment system is responsive and user friendly, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Physical controls for climate and audio are well positioned and operate with typical Volkswagen precision. The overall ambience is cheerful yet sophisticated.

The front seats are comfortable and supportive, offering good adjustment range for drivers of different sizes. Visibility is excellent thanks to the upright driving position and large windows. The cabin feels airy and bright, creating a pleasant environment for daily driving. Road and wind noise are well controlled, making the Beetle a relaxing companion on longer journeys. Higher specification models add premium touches like ambient lighting and upgraded upholstery that enhance the special feeling even further.

The Volkswagen Beetle succeeds in its primary mission of being a characterful and distinctive alternative to conventional hatchbacks. It offers solid build quality, engaging driving dynamics, and a premium interior that feels special every day. The range of efficient engines provides adequate performance, while the refined ride quality makes it comfortable for all types of driving. The iconic styling ensures you’ll never lose your car in a car park.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Is the Volkswagen Beetle Expensive to Run?

The Beetle’s running costs are reasonable for a characterful car, though not class leading. The efficient TSI engines deliver real world fuel economy in the mid 40s MPG, helping keep fuel bills manageable. Insurance groups are moderate, typically ranging from groups 12 to 18 depending on engine choice. The initial purchase price reflects the Beetle’s unique appeal, commanding a premium over more conventional rivals like the Seat Ibiza or Toyota Yaris.

Reliability is generally good, with most issues being minor electrical glitches rather than major mechanical problems. Regular servicing at Volkswagen dealers helps maintain the car’s dependability, though independent specialists can offer competitive rates. Depreciation is reasonable thanks to the Beetle’s desirability and limited production numbers. For those considering finance options, car finance packages can make ownership more accessible. Overall, while not the cheapest car to run, the Beetle’s unique character helps justify the premium.

Volkswagen Beetle Practicality & Boot Space

For a style focused car, the Beetle is surprisingly practical for everyday use. The 310 litre boot is reasonable for the class, easily accommodating a weekly shop or weekend luggage. The rear seats fold to expand cargo space when needed, though the opening itself is quite narrow. Inside the cabin, you’ll find adequate storage spaces for phones, drinks, and other daily essentials, though not as many as more practical focused rivals.

Where the Beetle shows its limitations is in rear passenger space. The sloping roofline and compact dimensions mean headroom and legroom are tight for adult passengers. It’s perfectly fine for children or occasional adult use, but regular rear seat passengers might find it restrictive. For couples or those who primarily use the front seats, the Beetle offers enough space for comfortable daily driving. Its compact size is actually an advantage in urban environments, making parking and manoeuvring much easier than with larger used Volkswagen cars.

The Volkswagen Beetle carves out a unique niche in the competitive small car market by prioritising character and style over pure practicality. It successfully combines retro charm with modern engineering, creating a car that feels both nostalgic and contemporary. The high quality interior, refined driving experience, and iconic styling make every journey feel a little more special than it would in a conventional hatchback.

You choose the Beetle because you want a car that expresses your personality and brings joy to everyday driving. Its distinctive looks, solid build quality, and engaging road manners create a compelling package for those seeking something different. While it may not be the most practical or cheapest option, the Beetle offers intangible benefits that are hard to quantify but easy to appreciate, especially when considering cars under £10,000 for excellent value.