We say Not practical, not cheap, not good to drive. The Beetle's iconic looks are, arguably, a positive but there's little to recommend.Performance The most powerful engine available with the Beetle is a 2.5-litre V5 unit that clears 60mph in 8.4 seconds thanks to its 167bhp output. That makes it nippy but astronomical in terms of emissions, fuel economy and running costs.Emissions The V5 returns range high emissions of 214g/km and returns just 31mpg which is on a par with some of the worst executive estates and shows its age. The 1.9-litre TDi, 98bhp diesel unit is a much better choice, returning 53mpg and emitting 143g/km. It’s still not great but it’s an improvement.Driving Good ride but the handling is questionable with lots of body roll borne from its bulbous design and relatively high sides for a hatchback. It’s based on the Golf so generally its a solid car on the road it’s just not particularly exciting.Feel The steering is light on the Beetle which gives it a jittery edge however its suspension set-up is soft and supple and it absorbs bumps and potholes with relative ease, The flipside however is it also takes a while for it to settle down afterwards as well. Engines can be noisy, but the Beetle is pretty well refined.Space Space for four little ones and a small amount of luggage, though the rear seats do fold down increasing the load space from a respectable 209-litres in the segment.Equipment Alloys, CD player and remote central locking are standard. Chilled air and cow skin are more expensive. There is a storage unit for flowers inside.Price Depreciation should be OK, running costs will be expensive because of poor petrol mileages. List prices start from around £11,000 but rise to almost £19,000 as you move up the specification range.Quality The interior was decent at launch but now it is showing its age massively. It looks old, staid and boring and lets the Beetle down in terms of design given the distinct design on the outside. It’s drastically in need of an update. Engines should be strong and reliable.Safety Four airbags, traction control and ABS are standard at base spec. Four NCAP stars.Pros Generally, the positives that surround the Beetle focus on its individual looks and styling. It stands out from the crowd and is instantly recognisable.Cons Whether the fact that it stands out from the crowd is good or not we’re not sure because people will immediately know that you’ve paid over the odds for a hatchback that’s nowhere near as good as the Golf.Alternatives MINI Cooper
