New Car Reviews / Volkswagen / Volkswagen Beetle Review
Volkswagen Beetle Review & Road TestReview by www.new-car-reviews.co.uk
Drivers
You are unlikely to buy a VW Beetle for its driveability and it is clearly a style statement rather than a serious sporty coupe. The Beetles choice of engines includes competent 1.6 and 2.0 litre petrol engines, a 1.8 Turbo, 1.9 diesel and the smooth 2.3 V5. The 1.8T and 2.3 V5 engines return similar performance figures. In common with the Golf, the Beetles ride is firm and when pottering around town or cruising at speed it soaks up bumps reasonably well. However the Beetle does suffer from body roll and bounce when pressed. Steering is quick and responsive. Two downsides to the Volkswagen's Beetles body shape is that the car is a little susceptible to crosswinds and parking is a little tedious (judging where the front and back of the car end takes practise). The Beetle does come with seat height adjustment and two way adjustable steering.
Passengers
Front seat passengers are well catered for in the new Beetle, good headroom and legroom and seats are supportive. Rear seat passengers do not fare as well and even average sized adults will feel cramped. Getting into and out of the rear of the Beetle is also difficult to manage gracefully, despite the wide doors and the fact the front seats tip up and forwards. At higher speeds wind noise can get intrusive and the turbo diesel is also quite audible when pushed.
Practicality
In common with the Mini Cooper, the VW Beetle should really be considered as a two plus two coupe. The Beetles body shape also limits the cars boot space, however rear seats do fold forwards to provide more flexibility. Cabin storage for oddments is reasonable and includes that essential flower vase.
Equipment
The Volkswagen Beetle comes with a good radio/cassette with RDS. CD players are optional in all but the 2.3 V5 which has a CD multi-changer in the boot as standard.
Safety & Security
The Volkswagen Beetle scored four stars in the NCAP crash tests and is equipped with driver and passenger airbags, ABS, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), alarm, immobiliser and remote central locking as standard.
Quality & Reliability
Along with its VW Golf stable mate, the VW Beetle is built to last and finished extremely well. The interior of the car has a number of painted metal surfaces that add to the retro feel.
Owning
The Beetle's running costs tend to be slightly higher than the Golf primarily due to slightly higher insurance ratings. Depreciation was very limited when the Beetle was first released but second-hand prices are coming down to sensible levels. The petrol engines return average consumption figures.
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