Used Volkswagen Beetle Hatchback (1999 - 2010) Review Review by David Ross on 24 Sep 2009 Last Updated: 16 Jun 2011 3 The 'new' Beetle was the car that started the retro trend when it was introduced in 1999, two years before the MINI came along. In terms of looks, it's very much in the same vein as the original model with a similarly distinctive rounded profile. Latest Volkswagen Beetle Hatchback review Summary Driving & Performance Equipment Comfort Costs Safety & Reliability Buying & Selling Owners' Reviews Also Consider Facts & Figures Gallery Instantly recognisable, funky image, low running costs, available with a TDI engine Very cramped in the back, small and awkwardly shaped boot, dated looking interior New price range: £11,460 - £18,560 Used price range: £324 - £3,634 View all used prices Summary Parkers Rating: 3 out of 5 The 'new' Beetle was the car that started the retro trend when it was introduced in 1999, two years before the MINI came along. In terms of looks, it's very much in the same vein as the original model with a similarly distinctive rounded profile. It's not the most masculine of designs, but it's friendly looks have still made it a popular choice, especially among female buyers.However, the unusual shape does compromise interior space and the boot isn't very useable, so it's not a great choice as a family car. There's a decent choice of engines available, all of which offer reasonable running costs, in particular the 1.9 TDI. In September 2005 the model was mildly facelifted with new lights and bumpers. Parkers Ratings Overall 3 out of 5 Performance 3.5 out of 5 Handling 3 out of 5 Comfort 2.5 out of 5 Practicality 2 out of 5 Behind the wheel 3 out of 5 Safety 3.5 out of 5 Reliability 3.5 out of 5 Running costs 3.5 out of 5 Green credentials 2.5 out of 5 Buying used 3.5 out of 5 Selling 3 out of 5 Equipment 3 out of 5 What owners say... “ Decent boot space, fairly reasonable fuel consunption, great leg room, head hight and spaciousness at the front even for very tall people, reliable, feels really solidly built.. ” 4 out of 5 Andrea Pescarolo , 06 Aug 2013 ... read more “ Nothing really, it's heavy, underpowered, unstable when cornering (typical of the VW/Audi Golf/Bora/Beetle/A3 floorpan and chassis). ” 1 out of 5 Richard Sharpe , 04 Jul 2011 ... read more “ I can just about justify having it as a family car. Even though it's a 3 door, there's plenty of room in the back and I have no problem getting in and strapping 2 small children into car seats. The... ” 4 out of 5 Mrs P , 01 Dec 2009 ... read more See all Owners' Reviews Read the full facts and figures about this car Compare this car to other cars Next steps View 47 used Volkswagen Beetle Hatchbacks for sale Get an Insurance QuoteRead 53 owners' reviews Tweet Other Volkswagen reviews Continue to: Driving & Performance
“ Decent boot space, fairly reasonable fuel consunption, great leg room, head hight and spaciousness at the front even for very tall people, reliable, feels really solidly built.. ” 4 out of 5 Andrea Pescarolo , 06 Aug 2013 ... read more
“ Nothing really, it's heavy, underpowered, unstable when cornering (typical of the VW/Audi Golf/Bora/Beetle/A3 floorpan and chassis). ” 1 out of 5 Richard Sharpe , 04 Jul 2011 ... read more
“ I can just about justify having it as a family car. Even though it's a 3 door, there's plenty of room in the back and I have no problem getting in and strapping 2 small children into car seats. The... ” 4 out of 5 Mrs P , 01 Dec 2009 ... read more