Volkswagen Beetle 1.2 TSI DSG 3dr Pre-Model Car Review - March 2012

REVIEW
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List Price: £16,490
Tax Band: E
Insurance Group: 10
MPG: 47.9
CO2: 137
0-62 Mph: 10.9 secs
BHP: 104 BHP
Range: 580 miles
CarSite Verdict:  3/5
The Beetle is a stylish little model that delivers decent performance and a smooth ride. The cost of this car is a little higher than the level of kit or the performance can justify however. The main attraction of the Beetle is its iconic outer design, which is eye-catching and distinctive. The model is not the most practical and does not provide much room for rear seat passengers.

PROS:  The main selling point of the VW Beetle is the iconic exterior styling. Fuel efficiency is quite good.

CONS:  Not particularly exciting to drive and the kit level is quite low. Even an alarm will cost extra.

Behind the Wheel

The top speed this car is 115 mph and it travels from 0-62 mph in 10.9 seconds. The power output of this car is 104 bhp and it has torque figures of 129 lb-ft at 4100 rpm.

The Beetle handles well with good road grip and smooth handling, although there is a lack of feel in terms of the steering at times. Refinement is fairly good and the model does well to keep road and wind noise to a minimum, however this starts to increase rapidly at higher speeds. It also absorbs bumps and road imperfections fairly well and is a far more accomplished motorway cruiser than its predecessor.

Overall it delivers an enjoyable driving experience with a ride that is both smooth and sporty. Performance does leave a little to be desired though.

Looks & Equipment

The shell of the Beetle is iconic and will be one of the main reasons a buyer will choose it.

Alloy wheels are a not a standard component with this model, but can be bought for £370 alongside metallic paint at £470.

Air conditioning is fitted as standard, but climate control is not available. Electric door mirrors and electric front windows are standard.

Leather seating costs £2,125 to be fitted. Cruise control is £235 and rear parking sensors are £335. Satellite navigation is £695.

The in-car entertainment is limited to a CD player and MP3 connectivity, although Bluetooth is not available.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

The car has quite cramped rear seat space, but does seat five. The boot space offers 310 litres when the rear seats are upright and 905 litres when the rear seats are folded.

This car is covered under warranty for three years and up to 60,000 miles.

The car's security could be improved. An alarm is not fitted as standard with this model, but comes as an optional extra for £225. However, central locking is fitted. There are also driver, passenger and front side airbags as standard.

NCAP awarded this car the maximum rating of five stars.

Value for Money

The Volkswagen 1.2 TSI DSG 3dr is available to consumers for £16,490. The price is quite high for the lack of equipment on offer, particularly as even basics like an alarm are missing.

The performance of the Beetle is not great, but people will buy the car for its looks predominantely.

The fuel economy is not bad at 47.9 mpg, although some may expect better from such a slow engine. It emits 137g/km of CO2, which is fairly average for the engine size.

Volkswagen Beetle 1.2 TSI DSG 3dr Pre-Model Car Review - by 
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