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Volkswagen Beetle 2011 road test report

2011

It may be only the third generation of new Beetle in 73 years, but the latest model is a much more appealing proposition than its immediate predecessor. Still based on the Golf, the new Beetle is sportier, better looking and has a wider attraction, so it forms a much more core element of Volkswagen’s range. Just like the original, then.

Road Test Reports Says 4 star rating
A front-facing image of the Volkswagen Beetle 2011

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ALISDAIR SUTTIE SAYS

Performance Performance - 4 stars

To begin with, Volkswagen is offering a 104bhp turbocharged 1.2-litre engine coupled to a seven-speed DSG double clutch gearbox and a 158bhp 1.4-litre petrol with turbo- and supercharging that uses a six-speed manual transmission. To follow are a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine with 197bhp that is effectively the same engine as in the Golf GTI but with a little less poke and a 104bhp 1.6-litre turbodiesel as seen in a broad range of other VW products. The diesel will come badged as BlueMotion, so expect 65.7mpg and 114g/km emissions. The smaller petrol engines should deliver performance much the same as found in the Gold range from which they are borrowed, while the 2.0-litre turbo petrol is keen, revvy and has a surprisingly bass and deep bellow to its exhaust when pushed hard. A six-speed manual is standard for the 2.0-litre but it can also be had with a DSG twin-clutch six-speeder ’box that rather suits the Beetle’s newfound sportiness. With the latter gearbox, the Beetle sees off 0-62mph in a brisk 7.5 seconds and offers a top speed of 139mph. At the other end of the spectrum, the 1.2-litre petrol engine provides 0-62mph in 10.9 seconds and 113mph flat out, though this is still a more than respectable set of figures for a car of this size and power.

Ride & Handling Ride & Handling - 3 stars

Gone are the wobbly handling and vague steering of the previous Beetle and in come sharpness and precision. It’s a welcome change for the Beetle and its dynamic abilities certainly live up to the looks. Thanks to sitting 84mm wider than the last Beetle, the new car feels very secure in corners and goes round them with little lean or fuss. The steering is not as pin-dot accurate as a Golf GTI’s, and nor is the throttle response, but the Beetle can more than hold its head up high among the sportier models from its key rivals, the MINI and Fiat 500. Where the VW loses out is in ride quality, and it’s enough to wipe a star off of what would otherwise have been a very sound four-star result. The cars we’ve driven all came on 18-inch alloy wheels and the ride was simply too firm and jolting on even smooth-ish roads. This was also in cars using the standard suspension set-up and not the optional Sport suspension that further firms up the springs and shock absorbers. We’ve yet to try a car on the standard 16-in alloy wheels, but we strongly suspect this and the 17-inch wheels will be the better bet for those who value comfort over exterior style.

Build Quality & Reliability Build Quality & Reliability - 4 stars

Much of the Beetle’s undergarments are taken from the Golf, so there are no concerns with reliability or longevity. The same message can be applied to the quality of the fit and finish on the Beetle as you look at panel gaps and alignments on some of its complicated shapes and curves. The cabin is generally very well put together, if a little too reliant on the VW parts bin for its switchgear instead of something more bespoke. Our only disappointment was the glovebox lid, which is designed to look more like the Herbie-era original’s, but just feels a little insubstantial next to the rest of the interior fittings.

Safety & Security Safety & Security - 4 stars

The Beetle comes with driver, passenger and side airbags, but no curtain airbags are on offer. There are twin three-point belts in the rear seats, while ABS anti-lock brakes and ESP stability and traction control are fitted to all models. The top spec Sport model of Beetle also comes with parking sensors. Security is taken care of by an alarm, immobiliser and deadlocks.

Space & Practicality Space & Practicality - 3 stars

The big news here is Volkswagen has dumped the hippy-nod flower vase and brought back a flip-up glovebox lid á la the original air-cooled Beetle. Okay, so it’s a small nod to the past, but it blends in well with the painted surfaces of the new car’s dash and the slightly retro looks of the interior. There’s nothing old fashioned about the driving position thanks to a height adjustable driver’s seat and two-way movement for the steering column, and headroom is excellent even if the new Beetle is styled to have more of a coupe-like roofline. The same cannot be said of the rear seats, which are lacking in legroom for adults and headroom is tight for taller occupants because of that sweeping roof style. Access to the rear two seats is a little tricky as the gap between the front seat and door pillar when the front seat is slid forward is still quite narrow, and there’s also the low-slung roof to contend with. However, the boot of the third generation Beetle is only slightly smaller than the Golf hatch’s, trialling by a mere 40-litres at 310-litres. Unlike the previous Beetle, the rear seats can be folded down to expand the load space up to a maximum of 905-litres, which is enough for most needs.

Ownership & Value Ownership & Value - 5 stars

The Beetle earns a top rating here because, quite simply, it’s set to be one of the most desirable cars on the road, regardless of price. VW has finally got on terms with MINI and Fiat and that means the new Beetle’s resale values will be much stronger than its predecessor. The arrival of VW’s latest range of petrol and diesel engines also means the new car has something to tempt every driver, including a proper hot hatch version. Running costs will be no more than for a Golf and the 1.6-litre turbodiesel model offers 65.7mpg average economy and 114g/km carbon dioxide emissions to also make it an appealing choice for company drivers looking for something with a bit more panache than the average small hatch. Volkswagen will offer the new model in three trims: Beetle, Design and Sport. As mentioned above, be sure you can live with the firmer suspension of the Sport model, but otherwise all are well equipped with air conditioning, DAB radio and electric windows. The Design trim adds alloy wheels, multi-function steering wheel, Bluetooth connection and colour-coded door and dash panels, while the Sport has climate control, parking sensors and black wing mirrors to denote it intentions. VW is keen to push a raft of personalisation options with the Beetle, so buyers can choose from simple wheel choices right up to a panoramic sunroof and additional gauges that sit on the dash-top.

Submitted: 29/07/2011 08:28:33

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