• Summary

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What does this car say about you?

    You buy the car you want, not what everyone buys or the motoring press tells you is best. But being a VW it's not a stupid or reckless choice.

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    The majority absolutely love it and show outward affection to it. It makes most people smile.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Yes

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Who knows - just bought this.

  • Buying experience

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Franchised

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £16,700

    When did you buy the car?

    May 2013

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    Who knows? It was a good deal to me.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    Revised new Beetle is now worthy of nostalgia.

    What was the dealer like?

    Excellent - upgraded the Infotainment system to spec we wanted and provided a well sorted ex-demo car.

  • Driving it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What's it like to drive?

    It feels a little hard from the back but the steering has good feel and manual gearbox works with overall handling to be a really enjoyable drive. It puts a smile on yourself.

    What's it like to park?

    It's wider than you may expect but turning circle is very good and although the car has got front and rear parking sensors, which I think I'd still spec, the impression is of a car that manoeuvres well without depending on them.

  • Living with it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Driven 1,000 miles on top of the 2,000 put on as a demo car. No problems so far.

    What's most practical about your car?

    Practical! Does one buy a Beetle for practicality? But as it happens the boot is big enough for two medium suitcases and the odds and sods of a family going on a short trip away. It's big enough for a full weekly shop. The two front seats are great and the two rear are good enough for two larger kids and, I suspect, adults.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    The Fender Sound System with the RNS 510 Infotainment system offers a great sound and options of Bluetooth audio, hard drive audio, SD card audio, and CD.