2016 Volkswagen Beetle Reviews

THE world is catching the bug again. Volkswagen has gone viral, rebounding with a new, new Beetle that despite a silhouette as old as pre-war Germany, is fresh and very unlike its predecessor. It's a changed car because it's aimed at all markets, all ages and more pertinent, at both sexes. VW says 66 per cent of previous Beetle buyers were female and now expects a 50:50 split as it appeals to more men.The outgoing New Beetle was successful, but very specifically in the US market. By comparison, it was coolly received in Europe as it came under threat from the Mini. What is new is that it is much closer in engineering to the Golf. That immediately makes it a better drive (see Driving below) but also allows Volkswagen to share components and therefore reduce the price.VALUEClearly Volkswagen has Mini in its sights, but the Beetle also fires at Citroen's DS3 and intrudes into premium Euro coupes such as BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. Based on the European pricing and that of rivals, the Beetle is likely to be priced from $25,000 (1.2-litre) to $42,000 (2-litre GTI). The DS3 is about $35,000; the BMW 120i Coupe at $53,000; and the Mini Cooper S at about $50,000. But - and it's a big but - the Beetle is very well equipped (again, I've based this on Euro-spec models) and quality of the Mexican-built bubble is almost up to German standards. Let downs include the dashboard of hard plastic.DESIGNIconic. It's a total change from the New Beetle. It grows in length and wheelbase and width and track, but is lower and has a flatter roofline. Things reminiscent of the 20th Century Beetle are subtle but visible - the protruding lower sills that look like running boards; big, round headlights (now the only VW with these); no discernible grille; and on the inside, a glovebox styled on the 1960s model (there are actually two gloveboxes) and a sling grip on the B-pillars. There is more room - four adults can fit and the boot is almost three times the size of the older model - and better access, including the now frameless glass on the doors and a wider hatch. The vase for the flower has gone but may return as an option.TECHNOLOGYIt's all Golf under the body, with a 50mm slice taken out of the platform. Components are shared across the VW brand and the VW Group. The front-wheel drive gets engines from 1.2-litre to the detuned GTI 2-litre turbo engine with 147kW. I drove only the 147kW with the six-speed DSG automatic transmission. Australia may get two petrols and one diesel and maybe miss out completely on a manual transmission.The rear suspension is tuned to the Beetle and is an upgraded version of the Golf unit. Steering is electric-hydraulic. Crazy but despite all this, my most memor able feature is the subtle sound of the exhaust that has been artificially tuned - by way of a sound amplifier up against the firewall - to resemble the offbeat pulse of the old air-cooled engine.SAFETYVolkswagen claims a EuroNCAP five-star crash rating, six airbags and stability and traction control, following the lead of the Golf.DRIVINGImmediately, the driving position feels like the perfection of the Golf. Gone is the enormous distance from the driver to the windscreen that typified the outgoing Beetle. The controls fall to hand easier and the instruments and switches are better placed. The engine note is very quiet - better at cruising speed - and when off the throttle, that discreet air-cooled chuff-chuff becomes a muted backdrop.In 147kW guise it's a quick car. The six-speed DSG - not seven speed - can be manually operated by the gearshift. Paddle shifters are optional. The most impressive change is the handling. The wide track - up 63mm at the front and 49mm at the rear - just grips the road so tightly that it feels glued to the bends.Ride comfort tends to firm. I drove the optional sports suspension and it felt equally as competent through the corners as the standard set-up but choppier over mid-corner bumps. Wheel choice is critical here and the 18-inch are probably the best for enthusiasts while city folk, wanting more comfort, should go for the 17-inch wheels. Visibility is its weak point (no news here) and park sensors are an advised option, unless it b ecomes standard spec.VERDICTThis is a really good car. It's a hard car to fault because it sits in a market segment where buyers traditionally forgive function in the name of fashion. But pragmatic buyers may discard style and look at the Golf and see more flexiblity and five-door convenience.

NEWS flash: Beetles aren't accomplished skaters on the polished stone surface of a Berlin street. Putting a 1958 model against the next model showed that.Built in the days when traction control merely meant being alert enough to avoid ice patches on the footpath, the 1958 Volkswagen Beetle perfectly reflects its origins in a simpler era.Few cars embrace simplicity like Volkswagen's Beetle and even fewer dive into the comparative starkness of a 1950s model.It only takes one drive through a traffic-clogged Berlin CBD during a rainstorm to recognise how quickly cars have advanced - in safety, performance, comfort and pretty much everything else except weight - and how lucky I am that I don't have a car from the 1950s as a daily drive.Which is ironic because my first car was a 1959 Beetle, with semaphore indicators, a wooden stick with graduated marks for a "dip and read" fuel gauge, a cabin heater operated by a screw valve on the floor and a 6-volt electrical system that decided when it felt like operating. The original valve radio took about five minutes to warm up, timed to coincide with me closing the choke lever.So it makes me laugh at claims that the 1950s Beetle and the 2012 Beetle share a bloodline. Even the Volkswagen badge and the curved body panels wouldn't convince a sharp lawyer arguing a case against awarding inheritance.1958 Volkswagen BeetleThe 1958 arrives in the allotted carbay in pristine condition, in regulatory cream paint over a cabin with red leatherette upholstery. The steering wheel is on the wrong side but it's the same deal as my car, right down to the dull clunk of the gearshifter in its socket, the half-hearted action of the wire-thin wipers on the flat glass, the coolness of the white, thin-rimmed plastic steering wheel and the odd feel of the bottom-hinged clutch pedal.The noise from the 1.2-litre engine is the same, the steering is as firm and direct and the forward motion is an odd collaboration of an eager engine note and ridiculously low first gear ratio. And it feels so fragile.It could have been quite an enjoyable ride. But thrust into traffic, alone and without the reassurance of a GPS or a map - the instructions were to "go around the block" which turned out to be more than a simple series of right turns - or an indicator that anyone could see. Or, as the first corner taught me, brakes.These brakes had two actions - off or on - controlled by a pedal that had a 5mm movement and felt like stomping on concrete. You can easily lock the brakes on the cobblestone sections of the street, especially if a bus pulls out in front - as one did.2003 Volkswagen BeetleThe silhouette is practically the same and the detail - removable mudguards, foot runners and clamshell boot and bonnet lids - is similar but the 2003 Beetle steps up in comfort and roadholding.Ending a run of more than 21.5 million, this is the last aircooled Beetle ever made and its importance means the Brazilian is now part of Volkswagen's collection in Germany.With water-cooled, front-wheel drive platforms firmly cemented in Volkswagen's manifest by 2003, the last Beetle represents the end of a the longest-running car of a single design platform.Which is a good thing. I admire Beetles and could have one tomorrow, but their limitations in handling, safety, cabin space, ergonomics and a trail of other things, demands they be driven at their designed pace. Which is slower than modern traffic.The light-beige 2003 sits firmly on the road and the fuel-injected 37kW 1.6-litre engine is responsive and willing. Bulky black plastic padding unseemly covers the original metal fascia and there are seatbelts - the 1958 had none - and form-fitting, high-backed seats.There are still four forward gears and the pattern is the same - including the push-down and forward movement for reverse - but this time the steering and the brakes are lighter and have more feel.But cabin room is only marginally better than the older model, regulating the rear seat to children. It feels as new as when it was made eight years prior but while the packaging is fresh the contents still clearly show their origins.2012 Volkswagen BeetleIt's easy to follow the thread from 1958 - indeed, from the first Volkswagen of 1938 - through to the Brazilian-built finale of 2003. Then it's a generational step into 2012.This isn't a real Beetle. It's a Golf shaped like a Beetle and though it's roomier and quicker, has more power and far better roadholding than the New Beetle that preceded it, it's not much more than a design exercise.But it is a rewarding drive, especially the 147kW version that uses a detuned Golf GTI engine and a seven-speed DSG.It is more about driving and practicality. Compared with the outgoing New Beetle, the boot is almost three times the size and the driving position has returned to "normal" - gone if the huge distance between the steering wheel and the windscreen.Volkswagen in July debuted the Beetle in Berlin saying it will be about 10 per cent cheaper than the Golf - so start-up will be about $25,000 - but it won't get here until early next year.After a production period of 77 years, the Beetle may be again worth the wait.

IT was originally the “people’s car’’ and now Volkswagen wants to get closer to the mandate laid down in the late 1930s.In bringing back the Beetle - incidentally, for the third time - Volkswagen says it’s learnt from errors with the outgoing New Beetle (1998-2010) and is promising cheaper prices, more room, more performance and yet retaining the car’s historic fun aspect.“The previous model’s problem was that it couldn’t attract the mainstream consumer,’’ saysVolkswagen Group spokesman Christian Buhlmann in a rare admission that the New Beetle was a bit hit and miss.In the US it was a big hit and was the main reason for global sales tipping over one million. In Australia, a bit more than 8700 - including the convertible - found buyers from 2000. There’s still a few left at dealerships though production stopped last October.But Buhlmann is excited about the Beetle (the “New’’ has been dropped) and - like Volkswagen Australia - expects a much greater audience.“It’s more for the driver but it’s also a lot more practical (than the outgoing model,’’ he says.“The boot is almost three times the size, there are greater convenience features, it is better to drive because the driving position is now more “normal’’ and it has excellent handling and performance characteristics.’’Volkswagen this week debuted the Beetle in Berlin saying it will be about 10 per cent cheaper than the Golf. It will go on sale in Europe in September but Australia is a long way off - one estimate is late 2012 and another is “about mid year”. When it gets here, expect prices from about $25,000 and up to about $42,000 for the 147kW turbo-petrol model. That could, however, change and that also applies to the final specifications.VW says 66 per cent of previous Beetle buyers were female and now expects a 50:50 split as it appeals to more men.VALUEClearly Volkswagen has Mini in its sights, but the Beetle also fires at Citroen’s DS3 and intrudes into premium Euro coupes such as BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. Based on the European pricing and that of rivals, the Beetle is likely to be priced from $25,000 (1.2-litre) to $42,000 (2-litre GTI). The DS3 is about $35,000; the BMW 120i Coupe at $53,000; and the Mini Cooper S at about $50,000. But - and it’s a big but - the Beetle is very well equipped (again, I’ve based this on Euro-spec models) and quality of the Mexican-built bubble is almost up to German standards. Let downs include the dashboard of hard plastic.DESIGNIconic. It’s a total change from the New Beetle. It grows in length and wheelbase and width and track, but is lower and has a flatter roofline. Things reminiscent of the 20th Century Beetle are subtle but visible - the protruding lower sills that look like running boards; big, round headlights (now the only VW with these); no discernible grille; and on the inside, a glovebox styled on the 1960s model (there are actually two gloveboxes) and a sling grip on the B-pillars. There is more room - four adults can fit and the boot is almost three times the size of the older model - and better access, including the now frameless glass on the doors and a wider hatch. The vase for the flower has gone but may return as an option.TECHNOLOGYIt’s all Golf under the body, with a 50mm slice taken out of the platform. Components are shared across the VW brand and the VW Group. The front-wheel drive gets engines from 1.2-litre to the detuned GTI 2-litre turbo engine with 147kW. I drove only the 147kW with the six-speed DSG automatic transmission. Australia may get two petrols and one diesel and maybe miss out completely on a manual transmission. The rear suspension is tuned to the Beetle and is an upgraded version of the Golf unit. Steering is electric-hydraulic. Crazy but despite all this, my most memorable feature is the subtle sound of the exhaust that has been artificially tuned - by way of a sound amplifier up against the firewall - to resemble the offbeat pulse of the old air-cooled engine.SAFETYVolkswagen claims a EuroNCAP five-star crash rating, six airbags and stability and traction control, following the lead of the Golf.DRIVINGThe engine note is very quiet - better at cruising speed - and when off the throttle, that discreet chuff-chuff becomes a muted backdrop. In 147kW guise it's a quick car.The most impressive change is the handling. The wide track - up 63mm at the front and 49mm at the rea r - just grips the road so tightly that it feels glued to the bends. Ride comfort tends to firm. I drove the optional sports suspension and it felt equally as competent through the corners as the standard set-up but choppier over mid-corner bumps.VERDICTThis is a really good car. It’s a hard car to fault because it sits in a market segment where buyers traditionally forgive function in the name of fashion. But pragmatic buyers may discard style and look at the Golf and see more flexiblity and five-door convenience.

Raised in the digital age, they expect to have 24/7 accessibility to their friends and family as well as the must-have iPods and internet savvy smart phones.  Their needs also extend to their cars. They want the latest in-car gadgets but in many cases are not prepared to pay for it, according to a JD Power survey published in the US last year.The survey of more than 19,000 car buyers also found that today's buyer expects standard features but may not necessarily use them.  About half of car owners surveyed us an auxiliary input jack for their portable digital music player in their vehicle, while about 20 per cent use a wireless FM transmitter.Almost two-thirds want the ability to listen to a portable digital music player through their vehicle's speakers, while 27 per cent say they want ‘smart’ phone music capabilities mated to the car stereo.Other findings show that 68 per cent of owners use their vehicle's in-car Bluetooth, compared with 47 per cent who have this feature but do not use it.Entertainment and connectivity related devices are among the most desired technologies for buyers, leading to companies like Ford introducing Bluetooth and voice activation controls as standard in its Fiesta LX and Zetec.To test the JD Power theory, Carsguide gave four Gen Y buyers an opportunity to try out several cars specifically aimed at them.  After spending a few days checking them out, they came back with some surprising findings.What Gen Y wants in a carSteering wheel mounted audio controlsPowerful amplifierSub-wooferMood-lightingMetallic finish dashboardPrivacy glassPersonalised seat trimAirbagsiPod connectivityUSB/CD/MP3 connectivityVolkswagen Beetle CabrioKatherine FirkinThis car looks so cute I easily got as much enjoyment out of seeing it parked in my driveway as I did actually driving it.  With its chic exterior and sleak styling, the VW Beetle Cabrio looks more like a fashion accessory then a practical mode of transport.Getting behind the wheel for the first time is a bit daunting, unless you're used to driving in a bubble.  The curved dashboard seems to stretch out endlessly, making it difficult to perceive the distance between yourself and the car in front of you.And like every good fashion accessory, what it adds in looks and style, it lacks in practicality.  The biggest shortfall is the size of the boot. The compartment is so small you'd be struggling to ever pack more then a plane's hand-luggage allowance, and trying to wiggle your bags in and out of the compartment is a nightmare.The visibility is also poor.  While you do eventually get used to guessing how much space is left in front of you, don't even try to reverse the car when the top is down.With the top lowered, rearward vision is almost totally blocked - which possibly explains why the car has such an outrageously loud horn.  Even with the roof up, over-the-shoulder visibility is still poor.Lowering the roof is also not as easy as you'd expect. It was disappointing to discover you have to muscle the roof on and off with a twist-and-rotate action - not the easy click-of-a-button motion I was expecting.But for all the difficulties getting the roof lowered, the drive well and truly makes up for it.  The Cabrio is relatively smooth and easy to drive.  Cruising along an open road with the top down is magic, and you can't help but notice admiring glances from other drivers.The stereo has good sound quality, and I was relieved to find an AUX port for my iPod and other bits and pieces.  The car also feels sturdy and safe, and seems to be fairly fuel efficient.The driver's seat is comfortable, although the same can't be said for your passengers - who'll either be squashed against the glove box in the front, or have their legs cramped in the back. It's certainly not the most practical car, but it sure is fun.  And if you value looks and personality over practicality - and who doesn't? - you'll be hard-pressed not to fall in love.LikesThe overall look and feelThe sound systemThe easy manoeuvrabilityDislikesThe tacky plastic flowers that come as standardThe poor visibility, especially when the top is downThe slight groaning noise the car often makes when you take your foot off the breakVolkswagen Beetle CabrioPrice: From $37,700Engine: 2.0-litreEconomy: 8.8 litres/100kmFeatures: Dual front and side head airbags, anti-skid brakes, air conditioning, electronic stability control, vase with flower, 10-speaker CD stereo, iPod adaptor, electric windows If you like this try this: Peugeot 207CCNissan MicraNathan Mawby‘THAT'S so cute’ are not words most guys want to hear about their car.  If the veiled snickering from the men I showed it to and universal adoration from the women are anything to go by, the Nissan Micra is definitely marketed at young female drivers.Having said that, guys, if you're prepared to embrace your inner-woman (just borrow a Dirty Dancing soundtrack before you hit the road and you'll be right) this is a car that will grow on you.  A ‘make-up’ mirror in the driver's side sunvisor left my hair looking the best it has in years and a surprisingly gutsy 1.4-litre, four cylinder engine (hello, fuel economy!) was versatile enough to zip around the city and hit the freeway.The first thing to note is that the Micra is tiny, microscopic even.  Perfect if you're going to be driving around the city, or inner suburbs - not so good if you're the designated driver and need leg room to stop back-seat fights.Meanwhile responsive steering helps with maneuverability in traffic, narrow lanes, the fast food drive-through and parking.  I even found myself seeking out the dreaded reverse parallel park in heavy traffic just for funsies!Thanks to clever design you can see everything going on outside the car - unfortunately that also means everything inside is on display.  Nissan balance this with clever hidey holes: a sliding tray under the passenger seat and the boot is completely concealed from the outside world.But if like many Gen-Y's you run your life from your iPhone, hiding the AUX port in the back of the glove box could present a problem when you have to sift through it to find your phone.  But no matter what you listen to, a robust sound system means you can listen to it loud - a necessity for Australia's iPod affected youth.There are few basic issues, sacrificing your masculinity aside, that give you pause, however.  No tachometer, having to hit a button to see the time (how many Gen-Y's actually wear a watch?) and no obvious temperature gauge probably won't bother the targeted drivers.The absence of side and curtain airbags as a standard feature should (they are available as part of the City Collection Option, though).  Sure there are "blokier" options out there - but if you picked one of them you'd probably have to give back that Dirty Dancing soundtrack...LikesManoeuvrabilitySound systemVisibilityDislikesNo tachometerNon-standard side and curtain airbagsGender biasNissan MicraPrice: From $15,990Engine: 1.4-litreEconomy: 6.8 litres/100kmFeatures: Four-speed automatic, Dual front airbags, anti-skid brakes, air conditioning, MP3 player input, CD stereo, front seat storage draw If you like this try this: Holden BarinaKia SoulTravis KennedyTaking a brand new Kia Soul for a spin was easy to accept - especially given the fact my regular drive is an old Honda Legend with 300,000km on the clock and the squeaks and creaks that goes with the longevity. I'm very much an A-to-B type of driver.  I rarely venture into long drives, unless I have to. The Soul is not the type of car that would normally appeal to me -- a bloke in his early-twenties, who would probably call it "a bit of a girl's car".  It's just not the type of car most hot-blooded young men would choose if part of the buying criteria was to turn the collective heads of the opposite sex.It won't: But I swallowed my pride and hit the road. Without overstating the obvious, the car is a bit of a box.  It's almost as if it has an identity crisis -- on one hand it looks like a 4WD and, on the other, it has small car aesthetics.It makes a bold impression on the road with its unique look and, interestingly, I noticed many drivers paying it quite a lot of attention.  The Soul is the perfect commuter, giving great flexibility moving in and out of bumper-to-bumper traffic.Parking is a cinch, but beware blind spots caused by chunky rear end of the car. They can be dangerous, especially when reversing.  The 1.6-litre diesel engine makes a noticeably loud chugging sound, but all is forgiven by its excellent fuel economy. The Soul handles well on the open road.It does lack a little instantaneous grunt, especially when on the freeway, but it's still zippy for most regular traffic situations.  The lack of cruise control is a little annoying.Inside, there is a surprising amount of room for the driver, but back seat passengers may struggle for leg room. The boot is small, but the rear seats fold flat to open up reasonable amount of space for most items.  Tech-savvy buyers will love the interior features - the inbuilt USB port for iPod connectivity and the rather punchy sound system are impressive.I like listening to my music loud and this system more than met my expectations.  The speakers also have red lights that pulse to the beat of the music or can be toned down to a softer-mood setting -- a little bit tacky, but it makes night driving more interesting.The Soul won't appeal to everyone and, being a young man, I feel it's more suited to the female market or middle-aged singles looking for a nippy, economical car.  It's a bit of a grower, though -- the more I drove it, the more it won me over.LikesHandles very wellEasy to parkEconomical dieselDislikesRear blind spotsNo cruise controlRear passenger leg room is less than generous.Kia Soul Price: From $20,990Engine: 1.6-litre petrol or dieselEconomy: 5.2 litres/100kmFeatures: Dual front, side and curtain airbags, anti-skid brakes, air conditioning, central locking, MP3 CD stereo with six-speakers, Aux/iPod input If you like this try this: Fiat 500Honda JazzAntonia MageeBeing at the upper end of Generation Y, I knew the Jazz VT-i was not for me as soon as I pulled onto Swan St, Richmond in pouring rain on a Friday night only to see several saturated people stop and stare as I drove past in the blazing yellow vehicle.I know that is just the colour, but I am part of an apparently fickle generation and the way the car looked was important to me.  On first glance inside though, the Jazz had everything a Gen Y driver would be looking for.The extra windows, huge windscreen and big dashboard made me feel as though I was in a much bigger car, the back seat was roomy and the boot was much larger than it looked.  The technology was on the pulse, with a MP3 plug for one's iPod and a quality stereo and CD player.And as one would expect from any car in the new generation of excessive paraphernalia, the storage space was excellent.  There are several pockets and holders for coffees, phones, CDs, iPods and sunglasses.It was also extremely nifty driving around the streets of the CBD and parking in a tight spot was a dream.  But the real test for me was when it was pushed to its upper limits.Four months after selling my own car I was, finally, able to hit the open road without relying on someone else to pick me up and drop me home.  After the impressive feel while driving around the city, the car was a tad unimpressive on the freeways of Melbourne. The problem was once I hit 100km/h.That is the speed limit, I hear you say, but the VT-i just didn't feel completely comfortable going even that fast.  The 1.5-litre four felt a little buzzy and in need of a sixth gear to cope. It made me feel like I was straining the car.There is no doubt it is fuel efficient around town - Honda says the 1.5-litre manual VT-i will sip 6.4 litres for every 100km - but the little hatch ran out of legs while out on the open road.  This could be a problem for a young person doing a long daily commute, but for a student or worker not having to travel too far, you would be hard pressed to go past the Jazz for a zippy, modern city car.It felt just a tinge tinny, but to be fair it ticks all the boxes for a $18,000-plus car. All in all, this would be a great inner-city run around vehicle.LikesExtremely spacious for a small carGreat for parkingiPod accessDislikesGrunt- just didnt have anyFuel efficiencyLack of legroom when driver seat pushed backHonda JazzPrice: From $16,990Engine: 1.3-litre or 1.5-litreEconomy: 5.8 litres/100km (VTi/VTi-S 6.4 litres/100km)Features: Dual front airbags, anti-skid brakes, CD stereo with MP3, auxiliary jack, air conditioning, 10 cupholders If you like this try this: Suzuki Swift

Recreating a classic model from the past like VW did with the new Beetle is a huge gamble. It can be a huge hit and the company’s decision makers can look like heroes, or it can be an abject failure and those who made the decision can end up looking like zeroes.The problem with retro cars like the new Beetle, and the new BMW-built Mini, is they can often be subject to the fickleness of fashion. They can be the in-thing one day, but out the next.In 2000 when VW launched the new Beetle we were going through a period of motoring nostalgia, and many companies were tapping into the charisma of past models to sell their new ones.Thankfully few reproduced the past, most carmakers were able to distil the essential elements of what made their classics popular and tastefully incorporated them into the new models leaving the flaws of the old cars behind.While the old Beetle is very charismatic, few people today would accept its rattly rear-mounted engine and the dubious handling that went with it, and its bare bones interior. It might have been fine in the ’50s, but it’s not good enough for the noughties.MODEL WATCHVW’s designers knew enough about the appeal of the old Beetle to know that it was the cute looks that makes us all dewy eyed today. They understood that time heals all motoring ills and, apart from enthusiasts, few of today’s motorists really knew much about the old Beetle at all.All they saw was the cute shape that made the old model stand out in the post-WW2 years, and they were smart enough to modernise the original curves into a shape that is just as appealing today as the old was one 50 years or more ago. The connection to the old model ended with the shape as there was nothing else that really reflected the original Beetle. That’s certainly true of the platform and mechanical package, which was thoroughly modern and nothing like the original.The original Beetle had an air-cooled flat four-cylinder engine mounted behind the rear axle. It was quite an economical unit and gave quite respectable performance for the times, but it was noisy and being mounted behind the rear axle acted like a pendulum when cornering.If that wasn’t enough it had a swing axle rear suspension arrangement which would have you spinning into the shrubs if you lifted your foot off the accelerator at the wrong time while in the process of negotiating a curve. The new Beetle had none of that. It was built on a sensible front-drive platform like that used in the Golf.The engine was water-cooled, mounted at the front, and drove the front wheels like every other modern small car, which is what it was under the classic skin. With a capacity of 2.0 litres the Beetle’s four-cylinder engine had a single overhead camshaft, was fuel-injected and put out 85 kW at 5200 revs and 170 Nm at 2400 revs. There was a choice of a five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed auto. When the manual was chosen the new Beetle would rush to 100 km/h in 10.9 secs, the auto took almost two seconds longer for the journey. Top speed was in excess of 180 km/h for both, a speed that was well beyond the old Beetle.The new car’s suspension was also a revelation, with MacPherson Struts at the front and a torsion bean at the rear. The handling woes of the old car were a thing of the past. Brakes were also a huge leap forward, with discs all round, and ABS and electronic brake force distribution standard features.While the new Beetle bore a striking resemblance to its older cousin, it was quite a bit bigger. Unfortunately it wasn’t so roomy inside, where back seat passengers found themselves a little cramped. The new Beetle wasn’t aimed at anyone simply wanting a basic set of wheels, there were more affordable, less stylish cars for them. The new Beetle was aimed at those wanting to make a fashion statement, those who could afford to pay for the privilege, so it was also packed with features from the factory.There were power windows, power mirrors, power steering, remote central locking, adjustable steering column, six-speaker CD sound, fog lamps and floor mats. A Sunshine model was launched a few months after the hatch, and that had bright yellow paint, leather trim on the steering wheel and gearshift knob, and front seat heating.IN THE SHOPThe earliest cars delivered would be approaching 80,000 km so will be in need of a major service within two years. Check service records and make sure the car you’re considering buying has been serviced regularly. Cars that are bought because they are fashionable can be neglected by owners who want to keep up appearances, but aren’t so keen on upkeep on the maintenance side.They are often left parked outside in the street, left under power lines and trees where birds can leave unwanted, paint damaging deposits, and left unwashed. Generally the VW engines, gearboxes and suspensions are well proven and give little trouble if serviced.IN A CRASHConfident handling gives the new Beetle a huge edge over its old cousin, but the safety picture improves with ABS standard, along with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, which adds up to a competent primary safety package. Dual front airbags, seat belt pretensioners and seat belt force limiters make up the secondary line of crash protection.LOOK FOR• cute classic styling• stand out looks• modern mechanical package• reassuring front-wheel drive handling• well equipped• zippy performance• cramped rear seatTHE BOTTOM LINECute retro styled hatch that happily marries the past with the present without any of the old-time blues.RATING80/100

The humble Beetle was able to do something Adolf Hitler couldn’t, it conquered the world. The Beetle was Hitler’s idea to give his people a cheap and cheerful car, but by the time it went out of production in the 1990s more of them had been built than any other car, the Ford Model T included, in history. While it was conceived as an affordable car for the masses, and served that purpose very well, it also became an icon.In the 1950s it was admired for its toughness in winning a number of Round Australia trials that tested the ultimate durability of cars of the day, in the 1960s it became a very visible symbol of the peace movement. All along it was highly regarded for its reliability and frugality. It was basic transport delivered in an endearing package.MODEL WATCH The VW Beetle, while conceived by Hitler in the 1930s, was designed by Dr. Ferdinand Porsche, one of the most gifted automotive designers of all times. Porsche responded to Hitler’s brief by designing one of the simplest, most efficient cars that has ever put rubber to road. It had to be cheap and cheerful if the public was to be able to afford it.Remember it was conceived in a time when cars were still out of the reach of most people, the VW was to be Hitler’s gift to his people. It was to put the German people on wheels much like the Model T Ford did for Americans, and many other people, in the early part of the 20th century.Porsche’s design was based on a simple platform chassis, at one end of which was a rudimentary torsion bar independent suspension, while at the other end was an engine and gearbox with a swing axle independent suspension which also featured torsion bar springing.The engine was an air-cooled overhead valve flat four-cylinder engine of a capacity of 1.1 litres, although this would steadily increase over the years. The engine’s output was a modest 19 kW in the first instance, and while this would increase with the passage of time it was always quite modest. Porsche linked the engine to a four-speed manual gearbox, which was slung from the rear of the engine and would contribute to the Beetle’s reputation for being an awkward handling vehicle, at least in the early years.Most drivers of the time were more accustomed to cars powered by an engine at the front and driven through the rear wheels, a combination generally conducive to safe understeer, that’s when the front wheels want to steer a wider arc than the rear wheels and the car tends to run wide, and many were caught out by the Beetle’s habit of oversteering when the driver lifted their foot of the gas pedal while cornering.Stories are legend of Beetles flipping over or spinning off the road after drivers were surprised by this less than endearing habit. Once it became known and drivers were aware of it, and knew how to combat it, it was less of a concern.The Beetle’s body is perhaps the most endearing part of the car. It looks cute, even today when it’s still one of the most recognised cars on the road, but more importantly to Porsche it was also aerodynamically efficient. With just 19 kW on tap aerodynamic efficiency was important when one of Hitler’s demands was that the Beetle be capable of returning 8.1 L/100 km while capable of a top speed of 100 km/h.Inside, the Beetle was equally austere with few frills to make life on the road comfortable. There was a basic heating system with heated air from the engine compartment directed into the cabin through ducts in the floor, but little else.On the road the Beetle had quite good performance for the time, and it improved over the years as more power was extracted from the engine, it was economical, and there was a characteristic rattle from the engine.IN THE SHOP The great thing about the Beetle is that maintenance is relatively easy for a novice or home mechanic, and it makes a great vehicle on which to learn the basics of automotive mechanics if you’re so inclined. Parts are generally available from VW specialists who can also provide expert advice and servicing if you don’t feel inclined to do your own work.Like all old cars condition is the key thing to consider before purchase. A car in run down condition, particularly in the body, will cost a small fortune to refurbish and won’t be worth the cost of investment when you come to sell it. On the other hand if you buy a car in good general condition that doesn’t require much work to bring it up to good roadworthy condition it won’t put a strain on the budget and your final investment shouldn’t exceed the value of the car on the used car market.Check for rust in the doors and the rear quarter panels, and look for signs of water leakage from the windshield, which suggests rust around the windscreen flange. Also check the floors, front and rear, for rust, and lift the rear seat as water can accumulate there and lead to rust in the floor.Mechanically the Beetle is a fairly simple package and fun to work on. Look for vague steering, which could indicate wear in the front-end, steering gear, or shot shockers. The engine is quite robust and hard to kill, but look for oil leaks and the condition of the oil to reassure yourself it’s been serviced. Likewise the gearbox has a reputation for being indestructible, but check to make sure it doesn’t jump out of gear and gears can be selected without baulking. If either of those problems are noticed, the gearbox needs attention.IN A CRASH The Beetle was built before the advent of things like airbags and other safety systems fitted to modern cars, so you have to rely on the body structure itself to protect you in a crash. It’s quite a sturdy little car so there’s reasonable crash protection. Carefully inspect any seat belts that might be fitted and replace them if they show signs of wear.OWNERS SAY Twenty-year-old Jessica Begovic has owned her 1968 VW Beetle 1500 since she was 16 and has spent quite a bit of money on it renewing the exhaust, brakes. door and rear window seals, repairing some oil leaks and repainting it. Even though it is older than most other cars on the road, lacks the performance of a modern car, the engine sounds like a lawn mower in the back seat, it doesn’t have air-conditioning, and the ride isn’t very smooth she loves her car and wouldn't trade it for anything. Overall she says it is a reliable, if not cramped and quirky little car, with tons more character and personality than anything put on the road since.LOOK FOR • Cute styling• Modest performance• Great fuel economy• Admirable reliability• Body rustTHE BOTTOM LINE Great classic car that is still capable of being driven daily.RATING: 75/100

The Volkswagen Beetle is one of the most significant cars of all time.

The VW Beetle, while conceived by Hitler in the 1930s, was designed by Dr Ferdinand Porsche, one of the most gifted automotive designers of all time.

I can't help feeling we will look back at the era of the four-wheel-drive and cringe. It is a triumph of marketing that a car so ill-suited to city living has been adopted by so many.Meanwhile, it's easy to imagine that in 30 or 40 years, Volkswagen will be releasing another version of this snappy motor.It has everything going for it when it comes to zipping around town or – unless you are planning an outback safari – going farther afield. We are led to believe we need more of everything these days – more car, more house, more kitchen appliances than you can fit into a VW.As the driver of a family station wagon, I was interested to see whether life would be dramatically altered in a two-door. My husband, Chris, whipped the toddler seat into the Beetle in a moment.From there, it was a cinch installing our 15-month-old daughter, Cecile. The seats slide forward and back via a lever at about waist height on the side of the chair, allowing you to step inside to strap in. Cecile looked pretty happy with the whole thing. With the passenger seat set back to within an inch of her toes, there was plenty of leg room up front, which Chris enjoyed too. One of the first things I noticed was the weight of the doors.Like the rest of the unit, they are incredibly sturdy, giving you the sense you are driving a car and not a tin relic from your child's toy box.The seats are comfy, the CD stereo clear as a bell and the rear boot big enough for a stroller or a small family who know less is more when going on holiday. On the futuristic side, the unusually deep dash and blue illuminated instrumentation made me feel like Princess Leia.It was, however, touches of the old Beetle, like the mounted vase and looped grab handles, that won me over. When I was six months old, in a time before baby capsules, my parents popped me in a bassinet on the back seat of their brand-new Beetle and drove to Queensland.Dad remembers plugging a jug into the cigarette lighter to warm my bottle along the way. It is interesting to note the new Beetle has two lighter attachments - ``to percolate your coffee and blow-dry your hair at the same time'', a female colleague assured me.I loved it. If I was single, I'd buy one tomorrow. If my boss agreed to double my salary, I would buy one today. And I'm sure if Cecile could say more than ``ta'', she would be with me all the way.LOVE IT OR LEAVE ITVolkswagen Beetle 1600 AutomaticPrice: $29,700Driveability: Smooth, comfortable and good in the hills.Interior: Grey fabric interior. Blue instrumentation. Height adjustable front seats and seat belts.Exterior: Great range of colours – ours was Techno Blue. The distinctive rumbling exhaust is missing. You can't have everything.