What’s new: VW‘s second take on the ‘new’ Beetle is just as retro as its predecessor and provides an interesting, if a little twee, alternative to mainstream lower medium models. We’ve tested the diesel variant.
Excellent: It’s a kitsch thing but if the looks do it for you, they’ll be the highlight. VW has also revived nostalgic features such as the upper glovebox, with a flat lid that faces the front passenger.
Good: Volkswagen‘s 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine is as robust as ever and, in 140hp tune, pulls strongly throughout the rev range. It’s reasonably refined, too.
Average: Fuel economy and emissions are reasonable but not the class best. You’re looking at 129g/km and 57.6mpg with a cost per mile figure of 45.7ppm. A cleaner and less powerful and more frugal 1.6 diesel is available.
Poor: If the looks don’t do it for you then it’s a no-go area and the Beetle is only available as a three-door, which limits its appeal to fleets.
Verdict: The Golf will always make more sense for discerning fleets, but the Beetle offers a colourful, if less practical, take on a lower medium VW.
