Skip advert
Advertisement

VW Beetle vs rivals

Muscular new VW Beetle aims to build on the sales success of previous cars. But can it see off its MINI and Vauxhall rivals?

VW Beetle vs rivals

Since the legendary air-cooled original revolutionised family transport in 1938, more than 21 million VW Beetles have found homes around the world. Now an all-new version is set to continue the success story.

Promising to be fun to drive and packing more aggressive looks, the latest model aims to steal sales from premium superminis and classy coupes.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Compared to the VW, the MINI is a relative newcomer. The legendary British model first hit the headlines in 1959, while the latest version arrived in 2006.

With its combination of cheeky looks, fun driving dynamics and upmarket appeal, the MINI still sets the retro car standard. What’s more, a recent update has given the engines more power and lower CO2 emissions.

Our final challenger is the Vauxhall Astra GTC. It doesn’t have a premium badge or pay homage to a famous ancestor, but the rakish three-door is one of the most head-turning models on sale, while its roomy cabin delivers family hatch practicality.

So which of our contenders has the winning blend of desirability, fun and value for money?

Verdict

Many buyers will choose one of these cars on looks alone. Yet there’s more to them than that.

The new Beetle is a vast improvement on its predecessor. Sleeker styling, a more upmarket cabin and sharper driving dynamics mark it out. Plus, it’s extremely well equipped, offers decent residuals and should be cost-effective to run. As a result it narrowly beats the rakish Astra.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

XE

2017 Jaguar

XE

58,940 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £9,800
View XE
Mokka

2018 Vauxhall

Mokka

73,300 milesManualPetrol1.6L

Cash £6,500
View Mokka
Fiesta

2020 Ford

Fiesta

99,000 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £7,250
View Fiesta
Golf GTI

2015 Volkswagen

Golf GTI

108,229 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £9,400
View Golf GTI

The Vauxhall is boldly designed, extremely practical and surprisingly engaging to drive. But high CO2 emissions, poor residuals and more costly servicing count against the sleek GTC. Neither car can match the MINI in the final reckoning, though.

Advertisement - Article continues below

While the Cooper S suffers from a cramped cabin and firm ride, in every other respect it leads the way in this test. It’s great fun to drive and provides scorching performance, while its cast-iron residuals and comprehensive tlc service pack help minimise running costs. The fact it’s also the cheapest to car buy here is the icing on the cake.

Winner
MINI Cooper S ★★★★

Advancing years and familiarity haven’t diminished the MINI’s appeal. In Cooper S form it’s fast, fun and surprisingly good value. Plus, the endless personalisation options mean it’s still possible to make your car stand out. The biggest fly in the ointment is the poor practicality.

2nd
VW Beetle ★★★★

The new Beetle has clearly been aimed squarely at the MINI. More aggressive styling, composed driving dynamics and a classy cabin make the VW a much more desirable choice than its predecessor. Yet it’s more expensive than the Cooper S and will cost you more to run.

3rd
Vauxhall Astra GTC ★★★

The Vauxhall was the joker in this fashionable pack, and finished closer to its rivals than our result suggests. Good looks, strong refinement and a composed drive mark out the GTC, while its cabin is the most spacious here. Yet it’s costly to own for private and company users alike.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,795 off RRP*Used from £11,800
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £3,214 off RRP*Used from £10,395
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £8,886
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,935 off RRP*Used from £13,135
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 grant for new EVs sold
News
15 Jul 2025