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by Matt Prior 25 January 2012 Follow @matty_prior Share
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Volkswagen launched the pseudo-retro ‘new Beetle’ back in 1998. Helped by a couple of minor mid-life facelifts, it sold more than a million units before being discontinued in 2010.
Despite its global sales achievements, however, it failed to deliver much of a dynamic thrill, and instead relied on diluted nostalgic appeal to secure sales to a predominantly female customer base.
This version of the Beetle is designed to appeal to a wider audience than beforeVicky ParrottDeputy reviews editor
This, then, is the all-new ‘new Beetle’, a ground-up reworking of the people’s car concept that draws heavily on both the iconic original and its more contemporary replacement. With a revised exterior design, larger dimensions, extensively reworked interior, greater space and more modern underpinnings, Volkswagen is also hoping to attract a greater number of male buyers to the Beetle fold than before.
From an exterior design standpoint the new Beetle does impress, and from the first glance you’re aware that more time and thought has gone into perfecting its appearance. Step inside and you’re confronted by an unusually high dashboard that has been styled to replicate that of the original Beetle, complete with an old fashioned glovebox compartment in the fascia.
There are currently four engine choices for British Beetles. The range starts with the 1.2-litre TSI that is shared with the various VAG group superminis. In the Beetle, it offers 104bhp, 47.9mpg and 126g/km. Next in the petrol line-up is the ‘Twincharger’ 1.4-litre TSI. Combining both a turbo and a supercharger produces 148bhp, with economy and emissions rated at 42.8mpg combined and 132g/km respectively. Overall, the Twincharger unit is a hard engine to fault. It’s economical and revs freely and progressively to its post-6000rpm redline. It doesn’t feel particularly punchy, but then with an 8.3sec 0-62mph time, few would expect it to be.
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A diesel addition has been recently introduced to the Beetle range with the familiar 2.0-litre TDI engine, which is available in two outputs – 108bhp and 148bhp. When we tested it with the optional DSG twin-clutch transmission (£1595), we found the diesel engine to be as sprightly and free-revving as in other installations. Unfortunately, it is not as efficient as when installed in the Golf, the diesel’s 52.3mpg and 140g/km now looking slightly behind the times.
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There is also a cabriolet Beetle range which uses the same set of engines as the normal 3-door bug.
Ride quality is not up to Volkswagen’s usual high standards. The new Beetle fails to deliver the overall composure of the Golf over a wide range of surfaces. Gentle undulations and general B-road or motorway surfaces are handled well, with the damping keeping the car composed. But then around town the Beetle is noticeably firm and fidgety over a lot of urban roads.
The steering, a new electro-mechanical arrangement, also lacks precision off-centre. The steering is quite heavy by normal hatchback standards, but this adds no real sense of connection. Rather it makes the Beetle feel artificially ‘sporty’, and that disappointing sensation continues through most aspects of the car.
The Beetle does hang on well in corners. Grip is vastly improved over the old model, a result that can be attributed not only to the widened tracks but a decision to provide the new model with larger wheels and tyres boasting greater contact area. In this respect, Volkswagen’s claims of added sportiness are well warranted.
All Beetles get multilink suspension up front and a torsion beam at the rear.
There are four trim levels to choose from for both the Beetle and the Cabriolet – Beetle/Cabriolet, Design, R-Line and a rugged Dune trim. Opt for the entry-level and the Beetle comes with 16in steel wheels, halogen headlights, electric front windows, hill-hold assist and a post-collision braking system. Inside there is semi-automatic climate control and a 6.5in touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, USB port and DAB radio.