Skip advert
Advertisement

Volkswagen Beetle 1.2 TSI

Is the new VW Beetle still an attractive choice with a smaller engine?

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Volkswagen Beetle
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The VW Beetle 1.2 TSI offers the same retro charm and great handling of the more potent Sport model. Yet it’s also more efficient and affordable, and doesn’t lack polish or driving enjoyment. It still can’t match the Golf for practicality, plus it needs steering-wheel shift paddles and the DSG gearbox isn’t perfect. There are more efficient cars for the money, too, but it outshines them for character and individuality.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Volkswagen Beetle 1.2 TSI is expected to be one of the most popular versions of VW’s latest interpretation of its classic model. It has the smallest engine in the range, and will be available in two trim levels: entry-level Beetle and Design.

Beetle spec is well equipped, including 16-inch alloy wheels, ABS, electronic stability control, hill hold and dual-zone air-conditioning.

Our Design trim car adds 17-inch white and chrome alloys, body-coloured mirrors and front foglamps outside. Inside, there’s Bluetooth connectivity, an integrated touchscreen, plus a leather flat-bottomed steering wheel and shift knob.

The new VW Beetle also gets twin gloveboxes (the top one opens upward) and exposed metal along the door tops and dashboard. The driver enjoys the convenience of steering-wheel-mounted trip computer and stereo controls, as well as a central armrest and comfortable cloth-trimmed seats.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

A-Class

2023 Mercedes

A-Class

29,427 milesAutomaticPetrol1.3L

Cash £19,025
View A-Class
Corsa

2022 Vauxhall

Corsa

44,218 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £10,600
View Corsa
Micra

2022 Nissan

Micra

33,280 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £9,800
View Micra
Puma

2023 Ford

Puma

4,666 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £17,000
View Puma

We’ve already praised the 158bhp 1.4-litre twin-charged version of the new Beetle for its excellent dynamics and drivability. The smaller-capacity, 104bhp single-turbo engine offers better fuel economy and lower purchase price, but is it as good to drive?

It’s not as punchy as the 1.4-litre, but the 1.2 TSI has a great exhaust note and is refined on the motorway, although there’s a little wind and tyre noise above 60mph. Like the previous model, this new Beetle is built on the class-leading Golf platform, and it’s just as well mannered as the popular family hatch on the road. The larger alloy wheels don’t diminish the ride quality, which remains soft and absorbs bumps with minimal fuss.

The DSG twin-clutch gearbox isn’t perfect – it’s occasionally hesitant to respond and can be clunky during three-point turns and other low-speed manoeuvres. It’s better at higher speeds, like when you’re cruising on the motorway, and manual mode is the best choice for having fun on a twisty road. But if you really dislike DSG, a six-speed manual gearbox is also available.

The 1.2 TSI Beetle’s 47.9mpg economy and 137g/km CO2 emissions improve on the 1.4 TSI’s 42.8mpg and 153g/km. It also falls into insurance group 11E, while the 1.4 TSI sits in the higher 18E bracket. Plus, with prices for the 1.2 estimated to start around £16,000, it’ll be cheaper to get one on your driveway in the first place.

Yet the VW Beetle 1.2 is not a bare-bones, economy-focused hatchback with no driver appeal: it’s a great car, with plenty of power and distinctive looks to boot. It goes on sale later this year.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,161 off RRP*
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,575Avg. savings £2,614 off RRP*Used from £7,850
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £10,195
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £3,068 off RRP*Used from £12,089
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

MG Cyber X will morph into a mini-Mercedes within two years
MG Cyber X design render - front

MG Cyber X will morph into a mini-Mercedes within two years

Boxy small SUV is gearing up for production, and our exclusive images show how the model might look
News
30 Aug 2025
New BMW i1 will cram big EV tech into a small package
BMW 1 Series render - front

New BMW i1 will cram big EV tech into a small package

The all-new BMW i1 will rival the all-electric Audi A3 and new Mercedes CLA when it arrives in 2027
News
28 Aug 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Racy and retro Renault 5 for only £188 a month
Renault 5 - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Racy and retro Renault 5 for only £188 a month

The Renault 5 is taking the market by storm – and at this price it’s easy to see why. It’s our Deal of the Day for August 30
News
30 Aug 2025