2011 Volkswagen Beetle Review
Price
from: RM139,888
to: RM158,888
Installment
from: RM1,334/mth
to: RM1,515/mth
2011 Volkswagen Beetle at a glance
The 2011 Volkswagen Beetle may possess the same distinctive curves as the original Beetle. But the original charm and character are nowhere to be found, leaving a plainly average car that pales by comparison.
2011 Volkswagen Beetle quick specs
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Class | Small Family |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 4 |
2011 Volkswagen Beetle ratings (overall rating : 3/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
Despite being larger than the original Beetle, the current Volkswagen Beetle shares the same distinctive shape and outline. Once regarded as stylish and cool, the Volkswagen Beetle has however lost much of its original lustre; the cartoonish exterior seems more amateurish than charming. The interior styling also lacks character for a car that supposedly should excel on style. That said, the 2011 Volkswagen Beetle's styling is still its strongest asset.
Handling
Based on the same mechanical underpinnings as the fourth-generation Volkswagen Golf, which drove rather indifferently, the 2011 Volkswagen Beetle handles modestly. Using a dated chassis also means that the 2011 Volkswagen Beetle lacks the on-road sophistication of certain rivals, serving up plenty of body roll, limited grip levels and dull responses.
Comfort
The 2011 Volkswagen Beetle rides comfortably enough thanks to its soft suspension, but rougher surfaces can bring about a crashy ride. Refinement is overall decent, with little wind and road noise at cruising speeds, although the engines are noisy when revved hard. There are ample seating and steering column adjustments for most drivers to get comfortable. Visibility is poor, while the rounded ends make judging the 2011 Volkswagen Beetle's extremities, and thus parking, harder than usual.
Quality + Reliability
The 2011 Volkswagen Beetle's cabin may lack styling flair, but there is little to complain about the quality. The solidly put together and well-finished dashboard features fine-grade plastics. The 2011 Volkswagen Beetle shares a number of switchgear with other Volkswagen models, meaning that all the controls feel very substantial to use. The underlying mechanicals are proven and should remain reliable.
Performance
Two petrol engines are available: a 1.6-litre with 101 bhp and 148 Nm; and a 2.0-litre with 114 bhp and 172 Nm. Both engines are paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox with Tiptronic. On the roads, the 1.6-litre proves to be more than capable for daily driving, and should provide sufficient pace for most of the 2011 Volkswagen Beetle's target audience to negate the need for the 2.0-litre.
Roominess
Despite being larger than the original Beetle, the 2011 Volkswagen Beetle is practically only a two-seater. The front driver and passenger enjoy loads of room, but the curvy roofline impedes rear headroom heavily, making the rear cramp and claustrophobic for adults. The boot is also small by class standards, so the rear seats will need to be folded for more luggage space.
Running Costs
The 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre have decent fuel economy, returning 12.7 km/litre and 10.9 km/litre respectively. Expect higher servicing and repair costs compared to that for similar Japanese cars in the same segment, however. Resale values get a boost from the Volkswagen badge, but do not expect depreciation as mild as the relatively desirable Volkswagen Golf's.
Value for Money
The modern Volkswagen Beetle that we have on our hands is nowhere near as charming or characterful as the original Beetle was. Beneath the distinctive Beetle styling lies a very average car that is dynamically indifferent and impractical for more than two. Unless you are a die-hard Volkswagen Beetle fan, and can afford the relatively high price, we would recommend you more competent and practical yet cheaper alternatives to the 2011 Volkswagen Beetle.
Equipment
The 2011 Volkswagen Beetle is well-equipped, including standard equipment such as 6-disc CD/MP3/radio player with 6 speakers, front and rear fog lights, ParkPilot, power windows, power side mirrors with turn indicator, 16-inch alloy wheels, leather steering wheel and leather upholstery. Standard safety equipment includes Anti-locking Brake System (ABS), driver and front passenger airbags with front passenger airbag deactivation, and combined curtain and side airbag system for the front.
Environment
189 grams/km and 222 grams/km of carbon dioxide emissions mean neither engine is “green”. And the fact that the 2011 Volkswagen Beetle is fully imported and effectively only carries two (meaning more pollution per occupant) rank the Volkswagen Beetle even lower on the environmental friendliness scale.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Beetle styling
Quality cabin
Equipment count
Modest handling
Lack of room and practicality
More competent yet cheaper options
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