Review Volkswagen Beetle hatchback

“The Volkswagen Beetle offers strong dynamics, build quality and value for money in a fashionable package.” The Volkswagen Beetle is a stylish hatchback that mixes modern mechanical parts with a look inspired by the big-selling original from the sixties. It's only offered as a three-door model and comes in standard, Design and top-spec Sport trims. There are two petrol engines available – a 1.2-litre turbo and a 1.4-litre with turbo and supercharger. The Beetle shares its mechanical components with the Volkswagen Golf hatchback, but has a more flamboyant look. It's larger and dynamically superior to its predecessor, and VW has replaced the previous Beetle's cartoon-like looks for a more masculine design. Drive 4.0 /5 The latest Beetle is far better to drive than the previous edition The Volkswagen Beetle drives brilliantly, even with the entry-level 106bhp 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine and seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox. The engine is efficient and responsive, while the DSG gearbox shifts smoothly, but can be hesitant at low speeds. The suspension is comfortable and steering is sharp, while the larger 18-inch wheels on Sport models improve the car's grip. The 162bhp 1.4 TSI petrol engine offered in Design and Sport trims provides more power, yet remains smooth and refined. The 1.4 comes exclusively with a smooth shifting six-speed manual. Comfort 3.5 /5 The front seats are very comfortable The Volkswagen Beetle has supportive seats, and you even get leather trim on Sport models. All versions are well built and have logical, high quality switchgear. Design trim adds chrome detailing, while the Sport has gloss black finish across the dash, steering wheel and the tops of the doors. The Sport also has dual-zone climate control and heated front seats. The steering wheel and pedals are all evenly weighted, while all-round vision is excellent. Options include a touchscreen sat-nav as well as an upgraded stereo by guitar manufacturer Fender. Reliability 4.5 /5 The Beetle has stability control and ABS as standard As it uses the same platform as the VW Golf, the Beetle should prove to be reliable. Both engines have been well proven across VW's range, so the components that make up the Beetle already have a solid track record. Essentially, this is a Golf with a new body, but it's manufactured at VW's factory in Mexico, rather than in Europe. The Beetle has stability control, ABS and integrated head and side airbags as standard equipment, and it comes with a three-year/60,000-mile warranty. Practicality 3.5 /5 The Beetle can be tricky to park in tight spaces The Volkswagen Beetle is more of a two-seater than a four: only small children will fit in the rear seats, and the curved roof line cuts into headroom compared to a normal hatchback. Vision out is good, although the curved bodywork does drop away from your field of view, which can make parking tricky. Simple, intuitive switchgear will be familiar to anybody who has driven a VW recently. The rear seats split 50/50, which raises boot space from 310 to 905 litres, but the loading area is not flat. The cabin has centre-console cup-holders, two gloveboxes (one large, the other more to show off the upwards folding retro-lid), while the door bins aren’t as large as a Golf's. Value for money 4.0 /5 The Beetle is certainly not overpriced Prices for the VW Beetle start from £16,600, rising to £21,000 for the Beetle Sport. Even the entry-level model includes integrated driver and side airbags, Isofix child seat mounts in the back, stability control and ABS. The Sport is a similar price to the less equipped and less economical three-door Golf GT, and is an interesting alternative to the Vauxhall Astra GTC and Renault Megane Coupe GT Line TomTom. The Volkswagen badge attracts a premium over its rivals in the used-car market, so the Beetle should have lasting appeal as a second-hand proposition. Running costs 4.0 /5 Similar to the VW Golf's The 1.2-litre turbo Beetle is capable of 47.9mpg and has emissions of 137g/km. This isn’t far off many diesels, and with petrol costing less per litre, makes a persuasive case. The 1.4-litre turbo-supercharged engine in Design and Sport models has figures of 42.8mpg and 153g/km. The fact the Beetle shares components with other VW products reduces servicing costs, which should be in line with the Golf's. There is also a fixed-price servicing which offers three-years of servicing for £329.