Volkswagen Beetle 1.4 TSI Design 160PS

Car review by Paul Myles

What is it?

LATEST attempt to modernise the iconic Beetle but, this time, much less female focused with, mercifully, no dashboard flower vase.

Sharper styling and a return to a distinctly longer bonnet and roof line to mimic the original. The VW Beetle range will include 1.2, 1.4 and 2.0 petrol engines, plus a 1.6 and 2.0 diesel and three trim levels – Beetle, Design and Sport. Prices start from £16,490 for the 1.2TSI engine, but the model currently on sale is the sparky 158bhp 1.4 TSI costing from £19,740 for the Design trim tested here.

What’s hot?

• Performance from the 1.4TSI is impressive with a 0-62mph time of 8.3 seconds and 129mph top speed

•  Longer bonnet line gives distinct frontal image echoing the old icon

• Quality reworked interior makes most of ergonomic design

• Extra dash-mounted glove compartment again harks back to the classic

• Handling potential thanks to XDS electronic differential lock on the 1.4TSI far exceeds performance and delivers excellent ride quality

• Slick six-speed manual is a joy to use to keep the engine spinning

• A boot capacity of 310-litres swells to more than 900-litres with the rear seats folded

• Huge choice of customised options for colours and trim to please the fashion conscious and the business car driver who wants something a bit different

What’s not?

• Body styling gobbles up interior space and rear passengers are especially cramped

• The turbo/supercharged 1.4TSI is particularly easy to let dip below 30mpg because it requires a lot of revs to deliver its performance

• Longer and wider, the car feels big and poor sight lines makes for a difficult park in urban environments

• Rear access styling limits the loading potential and the rear seats do not fold flat

• Fashion costs and the price is steep –  £19,475 for the 1.4TSI

• Drives and feels like a Golf with less interior space, so only fashion victims would choose this instead!

• Benefit in kind company car tax is worse than a Golf too – £3,623 plays £4,070 for a similar engined 1.4TSI Golf five-door

Volkswagen Beetle 1.4 TSI Design 160PS – the low-down