Skip advert
Advertisement

Volkswagen Beetle review (1999-2011)

Now firmly established, the Beetle may exhibit many of the hallmarks of the original, but is, in fact, completely different

Volkswagen Beetle
Overall Auto Express rating

1.0

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

Now firmly established, the Beetle may exhibit many of the hallmarks of the original, but is, in fact, completely different. It is much larger, something you will only appreciate seeing old and new side-by-side, but most importantly the engine is not in the boot, but in the front, for beneath the surface the new millennium Beetle is based around the Golf.

Originally only available with the 2.0-litre GTi engine, a cheaper 1.6 followed. Two new higher performance versions are now also available, powered by either a 150bhp 1.8T, or 2.3-litre V5 with 170bhp. Buyers wanting diesel power will have to wait until early 2002 when a 105bhp TDi PD engine will be made available. While the small engine seems a bit underpowered, all the other engines give the Beetle some real get-up-and-go. The higher performance versions are visually little different to the 1.6 and 2.0-litre, though gain bigger alloy wheels, driving lights and rear spoiler above the rear window that raises at speed. Despite being a hatchback the boot is small, and getting things in and out is back wrenching. As are the back seats, headroom being particularly tight, but space and comfort for those in the front, is ample.

Engines, performance and drive

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

Interior, design and technology

Practicality, comfort and boot space

Reliability and Safety

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,773 off RRP*Used from £14,995
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,450 off RRP*Used from £11,895
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £12,200
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,919 off RRP*Used from £14,800
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch is on the way to the UK
Toyota GR Corolla - front cornering

Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch is on the way to the UK

The success of the GR Yaris has persuaded Toyota that there’s room in its UK range for the high performance Corolla
News
19 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Blistering BMW M135 for a bargain £301 a month
BMW M135 xDrive - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Blistering BMW M135 for a bargain £301 a month

Not many hot hatchbacks are as complete as BMW’s recently updated M135. It’s our Deal of the Day for 19 June.
News
19 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: a potent 335bhp Volkswagen ID.7 GTX for a rock bottom price
Volkswagen ID.7 GTX - front static

Car Deal of the Day: a potent 335bhp Volkswagen ID.7 GTX for a rock bottom price

GTX Plus gives some extra punch to an already excellent electric saloon. It’s our Deal of the Day for 20 June.
News
20 Jun 2025