Used Volkswagen Beetle Hatchback 1999 - 2012 review

Category: Family car

Section: What is it like?

1999 - 2012 review
Volkswagen Beetle Hatchback (99 - 12)
  • Volkswagen Beetle Hatchback (99 - 12)
  • Volkswagen Beetle Hatchback (99 - 12)
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What's the used Volkswagen Beetle hatchback like?

The original VW Beetle may have been designed in the 1930s for the Third Reich, but this latest version is really a VW Golf in a bug's clothing. Ironic really - the Golf was originally designed to replace the Beetle.

What you get in this modern classic is a well-built, solid car with a nicely controlled ride and responsive steering, allowing you to tackle corners with confidence. The problem is that those classic lines cause a classic problem: visibility isn't particularly good, and it's hard to see the car's corners when parking. At least wind and road noise are kept to a minimum.

In theory, the Beetle can seat four, but the reality is that's it's only for two. The slope of the roofline makes sitting in the back difficult if you're an adult, although it should be fine for children. The boot is small, too, but if you don't need the rear seats they can be folded down to increase your luggage space.