The Volkswagen Beetle remains one of the most iconic cars in history with almost 22 million Beetles built. The new car was buoyed by its fun-loving looks, and this latest version of the Beetle continues that theme, albeit in a slightly more grown up way to its predecessor. The latest Beetle, which is based heavily on the VW Golf, aims to improve on its predecessor by offering more equipment and a generally more practical package.

Longer, wider and lower, it packs a more aggressive and masculine appearance and could compete across a range of cars from the MINI Hatch to Volkswagen’s very own Scirocco coupe.

Performance

We tested the nippy 1.4-litre TSI with 158bhp, reaching 0-62mph in 8.6 seconds with a top speed of 128mph, which is 1.3 seconds slower than the range-topping 2.0-litre TSI delivering 207bhp. The MINI Cooper hatch with 136bhp achieves the benchmark sprint in 7.9 seconds, while the Scirocco using the same 1.4 TSI engine is also faster at eight seconds flat.

It might be off the mark of its competitors, but has sufficient torque, happy around town or on dual carriageways. It struggles a little mid-range, which means you’ll need to rev it out to see results, having a knock-on effect to fuel economy.

The Beetle comes available with a choice of manual or automatic DSG ‘boxes. Our choice would be to opt for the DSG gearbox, it is one of the best units on sale at present. 

The 2.0-litre TSI petrol unit changes the Beetle from a refined motorway cruiser into a racy little number and it comes with the exhaust noise to boot giving the car additional character.

Ride and Handling

It might be off the mark of its competitors, but has sufficient torque, happy around town or on dual carriageways. It struggles a little mid-range, which means you’ll need to rev it out to see results, having a knock-on effect to fuel economy.

We tested the nippy 1.4-litre TSI with 158bhp, reaching 0-62mph in 8.6 seconds with a top speed of 128mph, which is 1.3 seconds slower than the range-topping 2.0-litre TSI delivering 207bhp. The MINI Cooper hatch with 136bhp achieves the benchmark sprint in 7.9 seconds, while the Scirocco using the same 1.4 TSI engine is also faster at 8 seconds flat. It might be off the mark of its competitors, but has sufficient torque, happy around town or on dual carriageways. It struggles a little mid-range, which means you’ll need to rev it out to see results, having a knock-on effect to fuel economy. The Beetle comes available with a choice of manual or automatic DSG ‘boxes. Our choice would be to opt for the DSG ‘box, it is one of the best units on sale at present.  The 2.0-litre TSI petrol unit changes the Beetle from a refined motorway cruiser into a racy little number and it comes with the exhaust noise to boot giving the car additional character.

Interior and Equipment

The original design was penned by Ferdinand Porsche (the founder of Porsche cars).

Beetle interiors are great – because they have the quality and class of all Volkswagens – but have the odd quirky design detail which make them, well, far less boring than you’d find in the Golfs of the world. All models are packed with equipment. Even the entry-level model comes with air conditioning, DAB digital radio, alloy wheels, a leather steering wheel, connections for MP3 players, electric windows and mirrors, one-touch indicators, a trip computer, a CD player and remote central locking.  We tested the top of three trims, Sport, which includes cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, DAB digital radio and Bluetooth, while our car had some extras such as a panoramic sun roof (£985) and electrically foldable door mirrors (£105). Boot capacity stands at 310 litres – that’s 20 litres more than the supermini Ford Fiesta, infinitely more than the MINI at 211 litres, and almost identical to the Scirocco.

Cost

The lowest-emitting in the range is the 1.6-litre TDI 104bhp.

Prices start from £15,385, with our model costing £22,085. With the 1.4-litre TSI petrol unit we tested, CO2 emissions for the Beetle are at 153g/km while official combined fuel economy is 41.5mpg. The 104bhp 1.2-litre TSI records lower emissions, reduced to 137g/km or 139g/km with the DSG gearbox. While the petrol units costs are respectable, the diesel engine selection is considerably more fuel efficient and produce less emissions. For instance, the 138bhp 2.0-litre TDI emits 129g/km. The lowest-emitting engine in the range is the 1.6-litre TDI 104bhp at 113g/km with fuel economy of 65.7mpg.

Our Verdict

The Beetle is much improved, with the punchy turbocharged and supercharged 1.4 TSI suiting the fun, sprightly nature of this infamous car. For most, it will be a matter of style, but behind the wheel is far better, making this a more appealing proposition than ever before. If you're in the market for a hatchback and practicality is a main priority, then the car which the Beetle is so heavily based on, the Golf, is really a more sensible option. However, there's enough practicality and performance offered from the Beetle nowadays to make it a decent buy for those that really want something that stands out more on the road in terms of style.