Volkswagen Beetle Hatchback (99-10) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Last Updated: 16 June 2011
The 'new' Beetle was the car that started the retro trend when it was introduced in 1999, two years before the MINI came along. In terms of looks, it's very much in the same vein as the original model with a similarly distinctive rounded profile. It's not the most masculine of designs, but it's friendly looks have still made it a popular choice, especially among female buyers. However, the unusual shape does compromise interior space and the boot isn't very useable, so it's not a great choice as a family car. There's a decent choice of engines available, all of which offer reasonable running costs, in particular the 1.9 TDI. In September 2005 the model was mildly facelifted with new lights and bumpers.
3 out of 5

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3 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£11,610 - £19,085

Used price range:

£1,034 - £12,362

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Instantly recognisable, funky image, low running costs, available with a TDI engine

Very cramped in the back, small and awkwardly shaped boot, dated looking interior

The 'new' Beetle was the car that started the retro trend when it was introduced in 1999, two years before the MINI came along. In terms of looks, it's very much in the same vein as the original model with a similarly distinctive rounded profile. It's not the most masculine of designs, but it's friendly looks have still made it a popular choice, especially among female buyers. However, the unusual shape does compromise interior space and the boot isn't very useable, so it's not a great choice as a family car. There's a decent choice of engines available, all of which offer reasonable running costs, in particular the 1.9 TDI. In September 2005 the model was mildly facelifted with new lights and bumpers.

For the review of the latest Volkswagen Beetle Hatchback click here

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    3.5 out of 5

    "The Beetle isn't designed as a performance car and most of the engines offers reasonable rather than..."

  • Handling

    3 out of 5

    "As it's based on the 1997 Golf hatchback, the Beetle is easy to drive, albeit not particularly..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    2.5 out of 5

    "While the distinctive styling helps the Beetle stand out, it has a knock on effect on cabin space -..."

  • Practicality

    2 out of 5

    "This is another area where the Beetle suffers. The boot is not only small - with 209 litres it has..."

  • Equipment

    3 out of 5

    "The entry-level model is the Luna which is available with 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre engines. It comes..."

  • Behind the wheel

    3 out of 5

    "While the Beetle may look funky from the outside, the interior is a bit of a let down. It's fairly..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    3.5 out of 5

    "The engines in the Beetle range are all fairly economical and even the 2.3-litre V5 will average a..."

  • Green credentials

    2.5 out of 5

    "The Beetle performs reasonably on the eco front, but there is no low emissions Bluemotion model and..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    3.5 out of 5

    "In official Euro NCAP crash tests the Beetle scored four stars - a respectable result for a car..."

  • Reliability

    3.5 out of 5

    "The 1997 Golf that it's based on wasn't the most reliable of Volkswagen so you might find some..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    2.5 out of 5

    "While the Beetle created a stir when it was first launched, this has died out now so you will more..."

  • Buying used

    3.5 out of 5

    "In the first year, there were a lot of left-hand-drive cars and parallel RHD imports on the market."

  • Selling

    3 out of 5

    "This is a well recognised model and there should be few problems selling one, although with plenty..."

Gallery

  • Interior Volkswagen Beetle Hatchback (99-10)
  • Exterior Volkswagen Beetle Hatchback (99-10)
  • Exterior Volkswagen Beetle Hatchback (99-10)
  • Exterior Volkswagen Beetle Hatchback (99-10)

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