Overall rating:

Volkswagen doesn't really need the Beetle in its line-up, but that hasn't stopped the company's most iconic shape being re-invented for 2012. For buyers wanting a stylish alternative to its sober-suited Golf relative the bigger, wider and more practical Beetle gains more mainstream appeal, without losing its core value of retro charm.

Key Facts

Model tested: Volkswagen Beetle 2.0 TSI with DSG
Pricing: circa £24,000
Engine: 2.0-litre petrol
Transmission: six-speed DSG twin-clutch automatic, front-wheel drive
Body style: three-door hatchback
Rivals: Alfa Romeo MiTo, MINI, Citroen DS3
CO₂ emissions: 179g/km
Combined economy: 36.7mpg
Top speed: 138mph
0-62mph: 7.5 seconds
Power: 197bhp at 5,100rpm
Torque: 206lb.ft at 1,700 - 5,000rpm

In the Metal:

It's a VW Beetle, so it's designed within the constraints of retaining its iconic curvaceous lines. It's thankfully not quite the overly cute pastiche of its predecessor though, VW admitting that the new Beetle's styling is aimed at broadening its appeal - specifically to a more masculine audience. It's largely successful too, the wider stance, lower roofline and sharp detail lines unmistakably Beetle but not quite as saccharin in execution.

The interior follows that mantra, so the cutesy flower vase has been binned, and the dashboard visually apes the original Beetle's with its body-coloured inserts and prominently positioned glovebox. Clear instrumentation, simple controls and high quality plastics (on the main contact areas anyway - those surfaces out of the eye-line feel cheaper), allied to a more conventional feeling driving environment add appeal. The boot's usefully sized too, gaining significantly over its predecessor, the capacity only 40 litres short of the Golf with the seats up. Those rear seats remain for occasional use only, thanks to limited legroom and tricky access.

Driving it:

The new Beetle might share much in common with its more sober-suited Golf relative, but it's not quite as polished dynamically. It's a vast improvement over its predecessor though, with greater grip and improved poise, but if you're after retro and driving thrills in one package then buy a MINI. The Beetle's 2.0-litre TSI engine with 197bhp works well with its six-speed DSG automatic transmission and the car is competent overall. The engine's torque delivery is strong and linear throughout the rev-range, high revs coming with an under-bonnet and exhaust note that sounds not dissimilar to a five-cylinder unit.

The steering is light, though the electric system does lack any real feel, giving little incentive to push the Beetle through bends. Likewise, the suspension is sometimes unsettled by bumps, upsetting the ride quality. That's with the standard suspension too; a tauter set-up will be available as an option. We'd avoid it for UK roads. Quiet at normal speeds, there's some wind noise on the motorway - a legacy of the new Beetle's more upright windscreen. It's a slight distraction rather than an annoyance, and easily drowned out by the optional Fender stereo system.

Three petrol engines and one diesel will be offered, with the diesel and lower power petrol options likely to better suit the Beetle than the de-tuned Golf GTI unit in the car tested here. Economy across the range is good, with the 1.6-litre TDI model delivering 65.7mpg on the official combined economy cycle.

What you get for your Money:

Prices have yet to be confirmed as it's not due in UK showrooms until early 2012. VW has stated a range from £15,000-£25,000, with three trim levels on offer. Entry-level Beetles comes with air conditioning and DAB radio; Design models add alloy wheels, colour-coded interior trim, Bluetooth telephone connection, a multi-function leather-rimmed steering wheel and USB/aux-in connection for mp3 players; while Sport gains climate control, piano black panels inside, parking sensors and black wing mirror caps.

Worth Noting

More than 21.5 million examples of the Beetle have been sold since the original was launched in 1938.

The 1.2-litre TSI model comes equipped with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic.

All Beetles can only accommodate four thanks to the sculpting of the rear bench seat.

Summary

By every conventional measure the VW Golf is a better car than the new Beetle. That's to rationalise the buying process behind choosing a Beetle though, and it's not a car that'll be bought with the head. It'll appeal to buyers on looks alone, the fact it's more practical, better equipped, more economical and better to drive than ever are merely bonuses. Whether that'll translate to hordes of men buying it is doubtful, but it's certainly nowhere near as divisive a looker as it was and gives Volkswagen a far more credible alternative to the market-leading MINI.