Overview & Reviews

Over the years, the design of the Volkswagen Beetle has evolved from its functionality-driven origins to the irrepressibly cheerful face of the previous-generation New Beetle. More recently, the folks at VW dropped the "New" in the car's name and gave this latest-generation Beetle a more aggressive look. But it's still unmistakably a Beetle.

Contributing to the newest Beetle's more masculine stance is a body that's longer, lower and wider than the previous generation. Inside, the friendly flower vase and distant windshield (which resulted in a massive dash top) have been replaced by a more vertical windshield and a color-keyed dash that's more handsome than cute. The increased dimensions also give this Beetle a roomier interior, especially in the backseat. Its underpinnings, which are shared with the previous-generation Golf, make it more fun to drive than you might expect, especially in the Turbo/R-Line and TDI models. Put it all together and you have a very enjoyable and distinctive small car.

Current Volkswagen Beetle
Volkswagen offers its Beetle hatchback in four main trim levels. The base trim will be known as the 2.5L until the engine that name refers to is replaced, resulting in a change of name to 1.8T. Equipment will be the same, though. Other trims include the R-Line, diesel-powered TDI and the GSR, which is essentially a loaded R-Line with a unique color scheme. The convertible version of the Beetle is reviewed separately.

The 2.5L comes with a 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder with 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, while a six-speed automatic transmission is optional. Its 1.8T replacement has a 1.8-liter turbocharged four with 170 hp and 184 lb-ft. The TDI version features a turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel four (140 hp and 236 lb-ft), while the sporty R-Line and GSR models get a turbocharged 2.0-liter four (210 hp and 207 lb-ft.) Transmission choices for the TDI and R-Line include a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch automated manual (DSG).

Even the base Beetle comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, air-conditioning, leatherette (vinyl) upholstery, heated front seats, 50/50-split-folding rear seats, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker sound system with an iPod interface. Also standard is VW's Car-Net telematics system. The TDI further includes keyless ignition and entry, satellite radio, a touchscreen audio interface and a performance gauge package. Highlights of the R-Line include 18-inch wheels, foglights, a rear spoiler, a sport-tuned suspension, sport seats and performance gauges. The GSR is essentially an R-Line with a sunroof, a larger rear spoiler, an upgraded audio system and a navigation system along with a unique yellow-and-black color scheme. Major options include a sunroof, xenon headlights, a touchscreen navigation system, a rearview camera and a Fender premium sound system.

Regardless of which Beetle you get, chances are you'll be impressed with how attractive the cabin is, with its clean lines and the color-matched dash panels on select models. There are a few more hard plastics than you'll find in its Golf sibling, however. Despite its seemingly low roof line, the Beetle still provides plenty of room for tall drivers. The backseat is also fairly spacious, though not as roomy as that of the Golf. One item we're not fond of is the optional navigation system. While it's pretty easy to use, its small screen limits the amount of information that can be displayed.

How the Volkswagen Beetle drives largely depends on the engine you choose. The base five-cylinder is respectably powerful, but it sounds unrefined and gets unremarkable fuel economy. We'd make sure to get its 1.8T mid-year replacement instead. It's a significantly superior engine in terms of power delivery, refinement and efficiency. The TDI offers incredible mileage -- we've seen real-world 40 mpg fuel economy. The Beetle R-Line, meanwhile, has plenty of punch and sounds great.

In terms of handling, the Beetle's steering and handling are not especially engaging, falling more in line with the less engaging Jetta rather than the sportier, more European-feeling Golf. The R-Line handles better, but not dramatically so. If you're looking for a VW GTI with more interesting styling, you'll be disappointed.

Used Volkswagen Beetle Models
The Volkswagen Beetle debuted for the 2012 model year. In that first year, VW offered a base trim level for the Beetle. It was cheaper than the 2.5L, but it came with the manual transmission only and lacked certain features such as Bluetooth. That year also saw a couple of special "Launch Edition" versions of the Turbo trim (equivalent to today's R-Line).

The following year brought a few additions to the lineup. The TDI and its turbocharged diesel debuted, along with its conservative EPA fuel economy estimate of 32 mpg combined. In the real world, this car could average closer to 40 mpg. The convertible also debuted that year, as did the one-year-only Fender signature version that featured a dash treatment inspired by the finish seen on the company's popular guitars.

These Beetles are similar to the current offerings apart from lacking the telematics system, the GSR version, the availability of a rearview camera and 10 fewer horsepower for the Turbo trim (Its name changed to R-Line for 2014).

For used car information on the previous-generation model (produced from 1998-2010), please see our review of the New Beetle.

User Reviews:

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  "German Engineering" If thats the case, i want American Engineering back - 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
  By texasbulldog - July 10 - 1:54 pm

  Had it 3 weeks now. 4 miles after we "owned it" the windows failed and they dont go back up. They want over $400 for an Armrest. It only comes with the Moon-roof/"Leatherette" (vinyl) option. It Rattles and has HORRIBLE turbo lag and to top it off, real life mileage isnt that good. I wish we didnt buy it but my wife fell in love with the style. VWs solution right now for the window is to either not roll it down to tape it up because they dont have a fix for it. The Boost Gauge doesnt read like a traditional gauge and basically lying to the driver. The Electronic Steering really fights you if you turn sharp and the brakes are really mushy. German Engineering made in Mexico.

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  GREAT! - 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
  By buggin - June 6 - 3:12 am

  Very nice VW, handles well, plenty of room, plenty of horses, decent fuel, Fender stereo.....like no other, panoramic moonroof lets the sun in and no heat, very comfy for my 1:45 commute. Tons of trunk space. We have had Audi, Volvo, etc, this is our favorite.

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  Dont buy one. - 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
  By bob491 - December 3 - 4:54 pm

  Purchased a new 2012 Turbo Beetle 3 months ago. Although the car is a blast to drive, I have been experiencing problems with the drivers and passenger windows. They go down fine but stop and go when you close them. The car has been in three times so far for the same repair and I am doubtful that VW will ever be able to correct the problem. Since the dealership has been working on the problem, I now have wind noise and other issues with the windows that I did not have before. My intent is to force them to take the car back since the car and many others like it share the same problem.

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  Just junk. - 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
  By Rachel Tolar-Nixon - September 16 - 7:20 am

  This car has had many problems. Windows have mind of there own.You want them up the car wants them down. Had to go back to dealer many times to get if fixed. The a/c does not blow cool just cool. Dealer never fixed call VW and of course no help there. Guess VW just cant build a car with good a/c. Speakers and the tray in the hatch had to be replaced after they fell apart. The foam in the seats has been falling out since the car was new. We told them under warranty but of course you guessed it never replaced and again no help from the manufacturer. If you take the back seat out you can see where the floor of the car has burned the foam in the back seat. The car now needs a fuel pump at 800

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  Loaded Beetle w sun sound nav - 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
  By chowchow - March 24 - 3:47 am

  Like the first generation CCs- this car was not designed to resemble a bar of soap and so the design immediately captured my interest and that of wife and well the interior was as nice as our CC and it had a hatch like our old SAAB and a turbo as well so out went the SAAB 2.0 4 cylinder turbo and in went the premium feeling VW Beetle - some would say 28K for the care was a lot loaded - but my 1999 SAAB 9-3 was 27K and was argubaly a much less refined ride with an interior and sound system that did not compare. The Fender sound system in the Beetle really rocks - wish I had it the 2012 R Line CC. The seats in the Beetle are very upright like chairs and very comfortable like those in SAABs.

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  I Like the Car, Just Did not Like the Experience I had with the Dealership and VW Customer Care - 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
  By nola17 - May 17 - 5:47 pm

  Purchsd vehcl in Feb & it has ben @ the dlrship 1/2 the time I have owned it. After signing the papers, noticed vehcl had 2 dents on door that had to be repaired. After getting it back, had prblm w/the defective window. Had to bring back 3X for this problm. Was tld vehcl wasnt on recall, but continuously had window prblms. Noticed also that the paint was peeling around the bumpers. Dlrshp told me car paint was wrapped, but sent vehcl to their body shop 2 paint ??? Car has ben back 3X for correction. There now. Have been fighting with VW Customer Care and Dealership just for some type of reimbursement for all of the headache and possible diminish of trade-in valve.

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  When youre battery dies... - 2014 Volkswagen Beetle
  By H. J. K. - April 5 - 6:23 pm

  When youre battery dies. Its will give you every warning in the book. Key not in range. Key defective. Brake error. Parking break. When youre battery finally fails (no indication other than the key) it basically does what a normal car does. Doesnt start. Bit goes though this weird every error thing. I REPLACED THE BATTERY IN MY FOR. it was a stupid dead battery. I wasnt stupid enough to pay the reprogramming fee to discover this (99$) thank God. I needed a jump and a new battery. The car didnt indicate that at all. Runs great now.

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  1st VW - 1st diesel - 2014 Volkswagen Beetle
  By marltonman - February 1 - 1:36 pm

  I was looking for a 2 door hatchback on Edmonds.com and frankly, didnt know the Beetle was a hatchback. After reading the general reviews I concentrated on the TDI rather than the gas 2.0 Turbo as it requires premium gas. (I have a fairly long commute) I test drove the TDI as was totally impressed with the ride. This car is tight. My biggest concern was how the TDI would handle acceleration onto the interstate and passing at high speed.... Wow! This car can keep up with anything. The fit and finish is excellent and you cant beat the styling. I bought it on the spot. Ive only had it a month but I cant say anything negative about it. Its a kick to drive.

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  Retro design with minor flaws - 2014 Volkswagen Beetle
  By Patrick H - September 27 - 3:55 am

  Ive always been a Beetle fanatic since they came out with the second generation in 1998 when I was 8 years old! This 2014 Beetle was my 3rd Beetle since obtaining a license at 17 years old in 2007. I was obsessed with the car! It was a great color and loved the acceleration compared to my 2005 Beetle with only 115HP. I have driven so much in the last 2.5 years of owning it! I have racked up 70,000 miles in just 2.5 years! Yes thats a lot and I havent had any major repairs yet! Although im getting nervous for the water pump/ timing belt replacement that comes between 80-100k miles and the dealerships charge about $1k. Besides that I only take my car to my local VW dealerships for oil changes. The only problem Ive had with my car are the breaks. Even when I had my car for a few months they started to squeak when I would slow down. Especially during cold temperatures! Sometimes it gets very loud and my passengers are like wow you need new breaks already? I did take it into the dealership and they said they would have to send a request for them to replace it for free since it was still under the warranty. weeks went by and i never received a phone call. and summer rolled around so it made less noise and it didnt bother me. Before I knew it I was over the mileage for the warranty. Hopefully when i replace my brakes sometime this year the noise will stop. Another problem is my passenger seat sucks! Im assuming it broke somehow. When someone wants to get in the back seat i pull the seat forward but when i push it back, it goes ALL the way back and the upper part of the seat does not come forward like it should. I have to aggressively pull the seat back with all my force and my passengers are again shocked! Another interesting tidbit is i am a 215 lb male and i noticed either of the front seats if you are heavy, and tend to move or when you make a turn, the seats will squeak! Its kinda embarrasing if my friends are in the car. Also, I think my speakers really suck! I mean i know i dont expect the base speakers to sound like Fender, but I was in my friends 2011 Jetta and his speakers sounded way better than miles. I was surprised considering mines a 2014. The Beetle that I got happened to be one of the last 2.5L 5-cyl engines made.. a few months later they rolled out with the 1.8Ls. Like I said I havent had any major repairs or been stranded. I know I am getting close to 100k miles and i just get very nervous thinking about what i may need to replace. and since i am a student and work part time in California, money plays a factor. One thing i also dont like are the seats, they are in a way uncomfortable especially on road trips. I am 62" and i will get back pain. It feels like i am sitting on top of something. I dont really like it. The gas mileage is not too bad and not too good. I feel like this car shouldnt be your everyday car. But its mine. Its definitely fun to drive. I really wanted the turbo 2.0L r-line but i cant afford the higher gas grade or any major repairs in the future especially since its a turbo. One thing i did notice is that since 2010ish, VW has downgraded their interior quality by using cheap materials which makes it sad. One thing about the newer Beetle is that we all know its retro design, but when youre actually driving and holding onto the steering wheel at the 10 and 2 marks it really does feel like youre almost driving the older ones. not sure how to explain it but it may have to do with the steering wheel design/structure.