Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Volkswagen Beetle (2011-2019) review - Interior, design and technology

More aggressively styled and more premium – the Beetle has upped its game

Interior, design and technology rating

3.9

How we review cars

It's easy to trace the Volkswagen Beetle’s looks back to the rear-engined original. Despite this, it's undergone numerous styling changes to help it compete with modern, premium rivals such as the MINI. In particular the Mk2 is 84mm wider, 12mm lower and 152mm longer than its immediate predecessor the New Beetle, which has helped to give the latest generation car a much more aggressive, muscular look.

The curves of the old car have also been replaced by a flatter bonnet and sharper roofline, although in spite of the changes you could never mistake the latest Beetle for any other car on the road.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The pumped-up Beetle Dune adds 10mm to the ride height, as well as sporty-looking sills and a spoiler on the back. There's no extra off-road ability, but the styling changes will be enough for most - it looks different, distinctive and characterful. We doubt that it will be to all tastes, though.

Inside, the cabin now has more of an upmarket feel, with high-grade materials and excellent build quality, although the latest MK7 Golf has since upped the standard again – the Beetle is based on the previous generation Golf. In typical VW fashion it's not as quirky or stylish as rivals, but it gets the job done well.

The Beetle is available in three primary specifications - Beetle, Design and R-Line. Entry-level versions do without alloy wheels, but the range-topping R-Line model gets two-tone 18-inch rims, a body-coloured rear spoiler and tinted rear windows which add a dash of pizazz.

Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

The Beetle is available with a 5-inch touchscreen situated in the middle of the dashboard as part of a navigation/audio system that includes a CD player and an SD card slot. An optional Multi Device Interface allows you to hardwire your MP3 player, iPod or USB stick to the car, and DAB digital radio and Bluetooth connectivity for your phone are also available.

Audiophiles will enjoy the 400 Watt, eight-speaker Fender sound pack complete with sub-woofer. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Flawed hybrid car efficiency data to stifle UK EV sales and propagate pollution
Connecting charger to Hyundai Tucson PHEV

Flawed hybrid car efficiency data to stifle UK EV sales and propagate pollution

Half a million extra PHEVs could reach UK roads by 2030 in place of cleaner EVs due to changes surrounding the ZEV Mandate
News
19 May 2025
New Ford Fiesta: latest details on supermini’s potential return
Ford Fiesta exclusive image

New Ford Fiesta: latest details on supermini’s potential return

The Ford Fiesta could be coming back as an electric car, and here’s everything we know so far
News
20 May 2025
Kia is returning to its 'Keeping It Affordable' roots
Opinion - Kia

Kia is returning to its 'Keeping It Affordable' roots

Mike Rutherford thinks new cars are simply too expensive, but some manufacturers are starting to do something about it
Opinion
19 May 2025