Model tested: VW Beetle 1.6
Price:£12,635 (£11,695 - £20,475)
Date tested: September 2008
Road tester: Adrian Higgins

Overall rating: 73%
The new Beetle first hit European roads ten years ago; since then it's become a familiar sight with many motorists tempted by its affordable style and VW Golf underpinnings. We spent a week with the car with a vase to see how it shapes up.

1. Looks
The Beetle is a stylish piece of retro design. Revisions in 2006 included sharper edges for the bumpers and wheelarches with restyled headlights. The cabriolet version of the car was also launched the same year.
8/10

2. Looks inside
There's bags of space, huge amounts of headroom and lots of light. The information display is dominated by the large, circular speedo, which in line with other VW models is backlit blue at night to contrast with the red needles.
8/10

3. Practicality
While headroom for front seat occupants is superb, for rear passengers it's reduced by the sloping hatch. Access to the 201-litre boot is compromised, but bulky items can be stored by flattening the rear-seats.
5/10

4. Ride and Handling
The Beetle shares the MkIV Golf's platform and offers the same combination of good handling and comfortable ride. Motorway cruising is no problem but it's a fun town car too.
7/10

5. Performance
The 1.6-litre petrol engine powers the car from 0-62mph in 11.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 11mph. Maximum power is produced at 5,600rpm and peak torque at 3,800rpm.
8/10

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6. Running Costs
The 1.6-litre Beetle produces 180g/km (tax band E £170), returns 37.7mpg and falls within group 7 insurance.
7/10

7. Reliability
The VW Beetle has a good history of reliability with repairs reasonably cheap to make. It's based on the VW Golf Mk IV platform with other parts tried and tested in other models too.
8/10

8. Safety
All models feature six airbags, anti-lock brakes and ESP. The Beetle scored four stars in EuroNCAP tests.
7/10

9. Equipment
The Beetle matches trim to engine size with Luna the entry-level model for the 1.4 and 1.6-litre engines. The Luna comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, heated door mirrors, CD/radio with six speakers and six airbags.
7/10

10. X-Factor
Affordable style. OK, it's not the most practical car in the world and if you want style and great driving in one package the Mini offers more. But the Beetle's package of affordable style, light roomy interior and surprisingly enjoyable dynamics puts a smile on your face.
8/10