2010 Volkswagen New Beetle
- 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle
Based on analysis of 41 New-Beetle reviews and test drives.
Volkswagen New Beetle - What the Auto Press Says
The 2010 Volkswagen New Beetle ranks 28 out of 29 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 41 published reviews and test drives of the Volkswagen New Beetle, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
If you like standing out from the crowd and have a soft spot for retro styling, you'll appreciate the fun driving dynamics and playful appearance of the Volkswagen New Beetle. However, the VW comes with a high base price, relatively low fuel economy and very little utility -- making it a poor value within its class.
Since its re-birth in 1998, the VW New Beetle has stood out for its yesteryear styling and fun driving dynamics. Unfortunately its high points end there. "A cute alternative to more traditional compacts,” concludes Edmunds. “But unless you're wedded to the Beetle's retro chic, you'll probably want to look elsewhere for a small coupe or convertible." Indeed, the VW’s high prices and poor fuel economy make it a poor value for most buyers.
At around $18,500 to start, it’s priced on the high side of its class. And in a class in which many cars achieve more than 30 miles per gallon on the highway, the New Beetle’s 20/28 fuel economy rating not only isn’t that impressive, it’s among the lowest in the class. Plus, the New Beetle’s small size means it provides little in the way of utility or passenger comfort.
There are plenty of better alternatives if you’re looking for a cute compact. If you can’t live without the Beetle's eye-catching design, consider the Smart Fortwo. While it won’t improve cargo space too much and only seats two people, it boasts an alluring $12,000 base price (a savings of $6,000 off the VW) and a 33/41 mpg fuel economy rating that tops nearly every car in the class. Another car with look-at-me styling is the MINI Cooper, which also comes as a convertible. It costs about the same as the VW but offers much more -- an excellent 26/34 fuel economy rating, nimble handling and cutting-edge tech features.
Finally, if you’re looking for more cargo space, the Honda Fit is ideal. While it’s not a convertible, this versatile hatchback saves you about $3,000 as compared to the VW and provides more than twice as much maximum cargo space. Plus, its 28/35 fuel economy rating trounces most of the cars in its class.
Though it was rumored that the New Beetle would get a new, more modern design for this year, it remains unchanged for 2010. Look out for possible changes in 2011. The lack of changes means you could get a discount if you’re willing to buy a 2009 model. Dealers will be anxious to move 2009s off their lots to make way for the 2010s.
The 2010 New Beetle comes in its trademark coupe styling as well as a convertible trim (which adds a whopping $8,000 to its base price).
- "New Beetles are entertaining and reasonably practical funmobiles. Convertibles sacrifice some of the hatchback's passenger and cargo space, but reward with a particularly expansive open-air feel. They're pricey, however." -- Consumer Guide
- "There's nothing on the road quite like it, and it will always look distinctive because no automaker will ever copy its body shape." -- MSN
- "A fine blend of modern attributes and nostalgia, amplified by a palette of pastel color choices that bring forward one of the best parts of the old cars: their gentle, nonmetallic hues. As cheap convertibles go, this one makes a lot of sense." -- Automobile Magazine
New-Beetle Performance - 7.4 (Good)
The Volkswagen New Beetle's engine is peppy and its suspension is fine-tuned. Still, several test drivers note the New Beetle doesn't have the same zippy performance increasingly present in the affordable small car class. "Built on a previous-generation Golf chassis, this ragtop feels Euro firm, but do not expect sports-car responses,” writes Car and Driver. Read More
New-Beetle Exterior - 7.9 (Good)
The VW New Beetle’s throwback styling is a plus for most reviewers. “It still elicits smiles from passers-by while delivering solid German engineering," says Edmunds. A redesign with more modern styling is rumored to be scheduled for 2011. Read More
New-Beetle Interior - 6.5 (Mediocre)
The 2010 VW New Beetle boasts top-notch build quality and supportive front seats. Still, its tiny dimensions make for an inhospitable second row and less-than-useful trunk. "The four-passenger New Beetle may be stylish, but it's smaller inside than VW's own Rabbit,” says Edmunds. Read More
New-Beetle Safety - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2010 New Beetle receives mixed scores in crash tests from the federal government and insurance industry, and some critics complain of poor visibility due to the coupe and convertible's sloped shape. Read More
New-Beetle Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)
The 2010 Volkswagen New Beetle reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2010 VW New Beetle's basic warranty is good for three years or 36,000 miles. Read More
