VolksWagen New Beetle

The 2010 Volkswagen New Beetle ranks 32 out of 33 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.

The 2010 Volkswagen appeal appeals to shoppers who like standing out from the crowd and have a soft spot for retro styling. Expect the fun to continue in the Spring of 2011 with the completely redesigned 2012 VW Beetle.

The Beetle is loved for its cutesy and unique exterior styling, whether it’s an old school model of the 1950s or the New Beetle that debuted in 1998. In the spring of 2011, Volkswagen will shake up the line again by adding a newer New Beetle to the mix: the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.Volkswagen calls the 2012 Beetle, “an automotive icon, reinvented.” To recreate this legend, VW added sport and more interior features to spice the 2012 model. Volkswagen sent out a basic press release, but hasn’t provided pricing data or posted photos on its website. If you’re interested in the 2012 model, hold tight. We’ll bring updates as soon as they’re available.

If you want a Beetle now, you can still get a 2010 model, which is well liked for its exterior styling and fun driving experience. Unfortunately, the 2010 Beetle doesn’t offer much more than this. At 20/29 mpg city/highway, its fuel economy ratings are some of the lowest among affordable small cars. Trunk space is also minimal and the rear seat isn’t comfortable. But if you're a Beetle lover, these may be things you can overlook.

Other Cars to Consider

The 2010 Volkswagen Beetle isn’t the only cute car on the market with retro styling. The Mini Cooper is a great alternative that has better performance and fuel economy ratings. Like the Beetle, its petite size has drawbacks. At 5.7 cubic feet with the rear seats up, the Cooper cargo area is one of the tiniest in the class. But if you’re an urbanite who won’t carry many passengers, the Cooper is a worthy car to consider. Another drawback for some shoppers will be the Cooper’s price. It starts at $20,100 -- $1,410 more than the New Beetle.

If you can live without the New Beetle, consider the Volkswagen Golf. It’s a great performer, and its exterior styling, though bland in comparison to the Beetle, is regarded as sleek and attractive. The Golf also has higher fuel economy ratings of 22/30 mpg city/highway, and a larger cargo hold that offers 46.0 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded.

If none of these cargo capacities or prices will cut it for you, the Honda Fit is one of the most practical options on the market. The Fit’s has a maximum of 57.3 cubic feet of cargo space and an impressive amount of interior cubbies. The Fit also has one more thing the Beetle doesn’t -- comfortable seats. No one will be squished in this hatchback.

Details: 2010 Volkswagen New Beetle

The 2010 New Beetle is available as a coupe and a convertible, which start at $18,690 and $23,690, respectively. There is no 2011 model this year, but that’s because Volkswagen is unleashing a completely redesigned 2012 Volkswagen Beetle in the spring of 2011. If you’re in the market for a Beetle, you might want to wait until then to get the latest and greatest from Volkswagen.

VolksWagen New Beetle

 

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