VW Beetle - Possibly the most fun you can have on the road (VW Beetle 1.6 3dr)

Member Name: Charlotte22

Product:	VW Beetle 1.6 3dr
Date:	02/08/09 (63 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Way more fun and cute than your average boring car

Disadvantages: Giant dash, boring drab interior

I should point out at the start of this review that I am a little biased - in my experience, people fall into two camps - those who love Beetles and want one despite any possible faults, and those who just think it is a silly, impractical bubble of a car.

I - obviously - fall into the love-one-want-one camp, which is why I have my very own cute bug parked right outside my house, yay!

++ General appearance/shape ++

I think a lot of people tend to find fault with one of the best bits of a Beetle - that distinctively curvy shape. Yes - it does mean that to start with the dash seems to go on for a mile, and that there's loads of space above your head and none in the back for passengers (of which you can only have two). But you soon get used to it and it's part of the charm of being a Beetle owner. I've had fully grown 6ft men as passengers in the back and although they wouldn't exactly say it was a comfortable journey, it's always a fun one!

When I was looking to buy a Beetle, one of the main complaints I read about was the boot, but I've never found it to be a problem. I've fit all my shopping and suitcases in there no problem. Being keen surfers we also find the Beetle (with VW roof bars) perfect for trips to the beach.

++ Driving ++

The 1.6 version does sometimes get a little bit of stick for being a bit gutless - however I've never found this to be the case. I'm just as happy zipping around town as I am tearing down the motorway. If your previous car was a 2.0 litre turbo, then you might find it lacklustre, but otherwise I think it's got plenty of va-va-voom.

++ Petrol consumption ++

Under the bonnet, the Beetle is effectively a Golf - and I've never really had any complaints about petrol consumption. I went from a 1.0 Micra to the 1.6 Beetle and I hardly noticed any increase in petrol costs.

++ Interior ++

The interior is my main bugbear with the Beetle - it's too boring and uninspiring for a car that should be fun. The Beetle needs to take some tips from the Mini and Fiat 500 for an interior lives up to the exterior. Without the huge dash, flower holder and bubble shape, you might as well be in any personality-less saloon.

++ Reliability ++

I know VWs are supposed to be reliable - but everyone in my family who has ever owned one seemed to break down more than they were running smoothly. However - touch wood - mine has never troubled me. There's been a few niggles - the central locking doesn't often work on the passenger side and one of my warning lights flashes on and off like it's at a disco (despite there being no actual problem). But other than that, it's been smooth sailing.

++ Cuteness ++

In my opinion, the Beetle trumps all other cars for general cuteness - who can resist it's curves?!

++ Beetle Club ++

It's getting less common, but most Beetle drivers are a friendly bunch who'll give you a wave as you pass each other. Happy days!

Summary: If you love Beetles, you'll love owning one!

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