Used Volkswagen Beetle (Mk2, 2011 - 2019) review and buyer's guide
A full used buyer’s guide on the Volkswagen Beetle covering the New Beetle Mk2 (2011-2019)
Used forecourts are awash with sensible family hatches, but if you want something that stands out, your options are relatively few and far between. In many cases ‘characterful’ can mean flawed and, while the Beetle certainly isn’t perfect, it strikes a pretty good balance of form and function. You get all the usual VW characteristics such as decent quality, efficient engines and excellent ergonomics, plus hatchback usability. Sure, the back seats are tight for space and the Beetle isn’t the last word in handling finesse, but it’s easy to drive and safe. It’s not the cheapest family hatch but when bought used, it’s not exorbitant, either.
Volkswagen’s original Beetle is the biggest-selling car of all time, with 21.5 million examples finding homes across the globe. When the first Golf-based Beetle arrived in 1999, it was known as the New Beetle – and VW was initially inundated with demand. Although the excitement eventually died down, this didn’t stop the company from coming up with a sequel.
Sadly for VW, the Beetle’s time had already come and gone by this point and, as a result, sales weren’t as strong – which was probably just as well, because supply problems meant it wasn’t easy to get hold of a Mk2 New Beetle for quite a while. However, the final iteration of the model is the one to have because it’s got the best engines, is the nicest to drive, looks the smartest and is made to the highest standard. What’s not to like?
Models covered
- • Volkswagen New Beetle Mk2 (2012-2019) - Modern version of classic model makes a funky hatchback alternative
Volkswagen New Beetle Mk2
History
The second-generation New Beetle reached UK showrooms in April 2012 with 1.2 TSI or 1.4 TSI petrol engines and a choice of Beetle, Design or Sport trims. Within three months there was a 197bhp 2.0 TSI engine, along with a 138bhp 2.0 TDI diesel unit; then in January 2013, a 1.6 TDI was added.
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Cash £15,399An all-new Beetle Cabriolet arrived in April 2013 with 1.2 TSI, 1.4 TSI, 2.0 TSI, 1.6 TDI or 2.0 TDI engines. Two months later, VW dealers could sell you a sporty Beetle GSR, although only 100 were available, each with yellow paint and a 207bhp 2.0 TSI engine.
The Dune that followed in May 2016 had off-road-inspired looks, sat 10mm higher and used 1.2 TSI or 2.0 TDI engines. That August, a facelift brought R-Line spec, styling updates, upgraded trim and a revised dash.
Volkswagen New Beetle Mk2 reviews
Volkswagen Beetle in-depth review
Volkswagen Beetle 1.2 TSI review
Volkswagen Beetle 2.0 TSI review
Volkswagen Beetle 2.0 TDI review
Volkswagen Beetle Dune 1.2 TSI review
Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet 1.4 TSI review
Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet 2.0 TSI review
Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet 2.0 TDI review
Which one should I buy?
Some naturally aspirated engines were offered on the first-generation New Beetle, but all second-generation models have a turbocharger, so even the 1.2-litre unit is fine, if unexciting. The 197bhp 2.0 TSI is very quick, but the Beetle’s chassis isn’t quite good enough to do the motor justice. We’d opt for a 1.4 TSI, or one of the diesels.
All cars have climate control, DAB radio with eight speakers, electric windows and hill-hold assist. Entry trim has 16-inch steel wheels, but move up to Design and 17-inch alloys are included, along with extra chrome trim for the cabin and exterior. Sport Beetles get 18-inch alloys, sport suspension and dual-zone climate control, plus privacy glass, cruise control and all-round parking sensors.
Alternatives to the Volkswagen Beetle
There’s no shortage of similarly sized hatchbacks available, but few have the style of the Beetle, and if you want a convertible, there are even fewer alternatives. The MINI is the closest, in that it’s well made, has retro looks and comes as a soft-top or hatch. The chic Fiat 500 has similar talents, although it’s smaller and not as well built as the VW.
Another car that’s stylish and available in hatch or convertible forms is the DS 3, but like the Fiat 500C, the open-topped DS isn’t a true convertible because it has merely a full-length, sliding cloth roof. Meanwhile the VW Golf, Renault Mégane, Mazda 3 and Ford Focus offer more practicality, but less style.
What to look for:
Windows
Some early cars could suffer from failure of the window-regulator mechanism, especially on the passenger side.
Electrics
The window electrics can play up, so make sure the glass goes all the way up and down; sometimes it can stop short in either direction.
Emissions
Some diesel Beetles were caught up in the VW emissions recall; check any potential purchase at tinyurl.com/y7nhdtht.
Drop-top motors
The earliest convertible roof motors can fail, but from summer 2013 a redesigned part was fitted. This is more reliable.
Interior
After the exterior, the Beetle’s cabin is a bit of a letdown because it’s rather low-key – although it’s well made and easy to use. The sculpted rear seats are comfortable, but there’s space (and belts) for only two occupants, which is reflected in the fact that the backrest has a 50:50 split instead of the usual 60:40. Boot space is 310 litres, or 905 with the seats down; the drop-top can hold just 225 litres.
Running costs
Beetle owners can choose fixed or variable servicing, with the former set at 12 months or 10,000 miles. The latter allows up to two years or 20,000 miles. Once a Beetle turns three, cut-price maintenance makes a minor service £179, and a major £349. Most engines have a timing belt; replace every five years or up to 140,000 miles, at £494 including a new water pump.
The brake fluid needs renewing after three years, then every two years, at £69. Long-life coolant shouldn’t ever have to be replaced. The air-con ought to be serviced every other year, at £139, alternating with a £29 refresh.
Recalls
This Beetle has been subject to four recalls. Cars made from April to August 2014 need work for possible fuel leaks. Rear-axle damage and loss of steering control can affect models built before August 2013. Diesels up to November 2011 with stop/start may have a starter fault that can lead to a fire. Some Beetles built in April and May 2018 were fitted with sub-standard rear brake calipers.
Driver Power owner satisfaction
The Beetle is too rare to make it into our Driver Power surveys, but the Golf Mk6 on which it’s based came 38th in our 2018 Used Car Survey. It rated mid-table for most categories, with practicality, running costs and reliability the low points. This provides some idea of the Beetle’s weaknesses. Our sister title Carbuyer gave the Golf 3.3 out of five, but owners reckon the Beetle is worth 4.3.
Volkswagen Beetle (2011-2019) review: What we said
Extracts from our in-depth road test of the VW Beetle in 2019...
The second generation Volkswagen Beetle is greatly improved over the car it replaced. The styling is dramatic and contemporary, there’s more of a premium feel inside and out, and it’s even more fun to drive thanks to the better dynamics of the Mk VI Golf platform on which it’s built.
With a reasonable level of practicality – as long as you don’t expect too much – and low running costs, it’s a style statement that doesn’t demand too much in the way of compromises.
Its ageing platform lacks some of the latest VW Group safety and comfort technology though, and by many objective standards the MINI is a better choice. But if you’ve got to have a Beetle, you shouldn’t be disappointed.
There are some eight decades and roughly 22 million sales between the original ‘People’s Car’ Volkswagen Beetle and the current model. What is more significant, though, is that the Beetle of today is more of a style accessory than a vehicle designed to mobilise a nation.
When the modern Beetle was launched for the first time in 1997 it began a new era for carmakers, as it combined new running gear with a stylised exterior and retro design elements carried over from the original Beetle. The template has been copied by many rival car makers, with cars such as BMW's MINI and the Fiat 500 tasting success with the same formula.
The New Beetle - as it was called - lasted until 2011 when it was replaced with the second generation version. This Mk2 dropped ‘New’ from the name, and underneath the reworked body it shared the same platform as the VW Golf Mk6 as well as that car’s range of petrol and diesel engines.
Facing competition from the MINI and the Fiat 500, the Beetle is also a rival to the DS 3 and Audi A1 in the premium supermini sector. If you’re happy to sacrifice some practicality to get your hands on a more distinctive look, then the Beetle is also an alternative to the VW Golf or other conventional hatchbacks.
The Beetle range comprises the standard car followed by Design and R-Line models, while VW has previously offered Turbo Black and Turbo Silver special editions, to name but a couple. There's also a Beetle Dune version, which adds jacked-up suspension, decals and wheels that are colour-coded to the bodywork. All models come with air conditioning, bluetooth and a DAB digital radio as standard, with keyless entry and a panoramic sunroof among the options on the higher trims.
An update to the range in 2016 reduced the number of engines available in the Beetle to three. Two of those are turbo petrols, producing 104bhp and 148bhp from 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre units respectively, and the other is a 109bhp 2.0-litre diesel. All Beetle models - with the exception of the basic-spec edition - are come with the option of a DSG twin-clutch gearbox in place of the normal six-speed transmission.
As well as a three-door hatchback, customers also have the option of the Beetle Cabriolet, which carries a premium price hike over the standard car. It's offered in the same trims as its sibling, with identical engine and gearbox options.
Engines, performance and drive
The Volkswagen Beetle largely shares its underpinnings with the previous generation Mk6 Volkswagen Golf, so you can expect it to drive well. The chassis offers plenty of grip, reasonable body control and well-weighted steering, all of which help to keep the Beetle well ahead of smaller cars such as the Fiat 500.
Ultimately though, the Beetle can't compete with the MINI or DS 3 for agility or fun, as it quikcly loses composure in faster driving. The sporty-looking R-line models do little to alter that conclusion, while the jacked-up Dune's bigger wheels also harm the ride quality. At least all are reasonably refined and acceptably good cruisers.
• Volkswagen Beetle LSR review
The turbocharged 109bhp 1.4 TSI petrol engine is refined and responsive, while the 148bhp 2.0 TDI delivers a great mix of economy and punch. Both are offered with a six-speed manual gearbox, while the slick six and seven-speed twin clutch DSG transmissions are available as an option. The DSG box changes gears smoothly, but its responses can feel a little slow at lower speeds.
Engines
There are four engine options for the Beetle, the least exciting of which is a 1.2-litre petrol TSI unit with 104bhp and 175Nm of torque. It will top out at 112mph and does 0-62mph in 10.9 seconds though, so feels lively enough for an entry-model.
Next up is a 1.4 TSI with 109bhp and 185Nm that does 0-62mph in 8.7 seconds, while the 2.0 TDI diesel has either 109bhp or 148bhp. The former manages 0-62mph in 11.0 seconds and the latter takes 8.9 seconds to do the benchmark sprint. Top speeds are 113mph and 125mph respectively.
MPG, CO2 and Running Costs
The 1.2 TSI petrol, is relatively cheap to buy and can return 51.4mpg and emit 127g/km of CO2, and so is likely to find favour with private owners looking for an economical option. The mid-range 1.4 TSI petrol is pleasingly efficient too, returning 47.9mpg and 136g/km of CO2.
The 2.0 TDI can return up to 61.4mpg while emitting a relatively low 119g/km, although the DSG gearbox option drops economy to 58.9mpg while CO2 rises to 127g/km.
Interior, design and technology
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.
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.
If you know it’s built on a VW Golf platform, it will come as no surprise to learn the Volkswagen Beetle earned a five-star Euro NCAP rating – but it was tested back in 2013 when the NCAP regime was a bit less rigorous.
Still, all Beetles come with six airbags, electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes fitted as standard, but you won’t find exotic extras like adaptive cruise control or city brake assist - even on the options list. Post collision braking is standard, however, along with electronic stability control.
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.
Practicality, comfort and boot space
The Volkswagen Beetle will never be as practical as traditional family hatchbacks, but it does a good job of out-performing rivals such as the MINI in this area, which is where it matters. The interior boasts plenty of stowage areas, including centre console cup holders, two glove compartments and deep door bins.
It’s comfortable up front too, with supportive seats and a plenty of adjustment so all sizes should be able to find a suitable driving position. The pedals and steering wheel are all evenly weighted, and visibility is good in all directions.
The controls are presented simply and the layout will be familiar to anyone used to other models in the VW range. The only real issues are a shortage of headroom due to that aggressive roofline, and body curves that mean close-quarter parking manoeuvres occasionally require an element of guesswork.
Size
At 4,278mm long, the Beetle is a little longer than a three-door Golf which measures up at 4,255mm. It’s also wider - 1,808mm versus 1,790mm.
The MINI three-door is quite a lot smaller at 3,822mm long and 1,727mm wide.
Leg room, head room & passenger space
If it wasn’t for the drastically sloping roofline adults might have half a chance of getting comfortable in the back of a Beetle. As it is, unless you’re ferrying kids about – Isofix child seat mounts are standard in the back and optional on the front passenger seat - the rear bench is best saved for your shopping. Access to the rear isn’t brilliant either, thanks to the three-door format – so in spite of its hatchback rear end it’s probably best to think of the Beetle as a lifestyle coupe, with occasional ‘plus-2’ seating.
Those after a Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet should bear in mind that the back-seat passengers get even less space.
Boot
The Beetle offers 310 litres of boot space, which is 50 litres more than the latest MINI. The back seats are capable of splitting 50:50, and when they're folded, boot space is extended to 905 litres. Sadly though, the seats don’t fold entirely flat which makes the space less useful than it might otherwise be. There's a space-saver spare wheel rather than just a repair kit, which is a definite bonus.
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