Retro glory in the Volkswagen Beetle

The 21st Century Volkswagen Beetle is just the third take on the hatchback since it was launched in the 1930s

There’s always a little bit of fear when you first sit in to what is a modern take on an iconic car (or even the latest version of a much loved car) – Will it live up to expectations? Have they ruined a classic? Could they possibly have improved upon an absolute gem?

Thankfully the Volkswagen Beetle doesn’t disappoint.

The Beetle has been around since the 1930s and at one stage it was assembled in Dublin. This is only the second remodelling in its history.

Like its predecessors, the 21st century model has a very distinctive looking bubble shape – but it’s sleeker and less muscular looking than the more girlie looking car it replaces.

I was driving the very peppy 1.4litre 160hp petrol Beetle Sport.

Inside, the headroom in the well appointed and comfortable cabin was excellent – both in the back and in the front.

The cabin in the Volkswagen Beetle is nicely designed and well laid out

Legroom was also excellent in the front of the four-seater, and quite adequate in the back for someone of my height (5’5”), sitting behind a driver of my height.

Visibility is great in this car, with large windows all round – including the very large boot, which, unlike the original, is at the back of the car.

The cargo space can be made even bigger by lowering the rear seats. This was easily done – but the seats don’t lie flat.

I found the massive boot door quite heavy to lift, but it closes by itself with a slight tap.

There’s nice detail both outside and inside the new Volkswagen Beetle.

I liked the indicators on the wing mirrors as well as the elasticated bands on the doors – allowing items such as bottles to be safely stowed.

In fact, there are loads of little storage cubbies throughout the cabin – such as the retro style top glove box. I also liked the anti-roll base on the dashboard storage area.

Boot space is massive in the Volkswagen Beetle

I am also a fan of the sports style flat-based leather steering wheel.

The Sport variant also has cruise and hill hold control, air conditioning, rain sensor, electric front windows, front sport seats and front fog lights as standard.

Optional extras in the test car included Bluetooth, a Beetle badge on the tailgate and a lovely touch screen infotainment unit, which included radio/CD/MP3 and an aux port.

The Volkswagen Beetle is an absolutely beautiful car to drive – on any route.

I spent my time with it on a combination of city streets, urban motorway and winding country roads – and it handled beautifully on all.

The six-speed Beetle has a lovely responsive engine, with great acceleration at the lights. It’s also a real head turner – people notice this car and it was on the receiving end of quite a few comments and admiring glances.

I also liked the large dials on the instrument panel and the digital speed read-out.

Overall, I really enjoyed the new Volkswagen Beetle. It’s a really fun, youthful, feel-good car that looks good and is a pleasure to drive.

The Volkswagen Beetle is available now, with prices starting from €20,195. The Sport model I was driving costs from €26,585, with the optional extras on the test car bringing the price to €27,694.

Tech Spec
Engine: 1.4TSI 160hp (petrol)
Acceleration: 0-100kph in 8.3seconds
Maximum Speed: 208kph
Combined fuel consumption: 6.6l/100km
CO2 emissions: 153g/km
Annual road tax: €390 (Tax Band C – 2013)

Visit the Volkswagen Ireland website or its Facebook page for further details.

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