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Volkswagen Beetle

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Volkswagen Beetle Review, For Sale, Models, Specs & News in Australia

Volkswagen has had a couple of goes at bringing back one of the most iconic cars ever built. The latest version, known simply as the Beetle, was released in 2013, but underperformed on the sales front and was dropped at the end of 2016.

It’s actually not a bad car, though, as it sits on the same underpinnings as the Golf Mk V. This, of course, makes it a front-engined front-wheel-drive, as opposed to the rear-engined rear wheel drive of the 'Type 1' original. Volkswagen also tried the retro trick from 1997 to 2011, even fitting the New Beetle with a thin vase on the dashboard, complete with a fake sunflower that still survives in some examples 20 years later.

Currently, the line-up composes of one car, the Beetle Classic which is priced at POA.

This vehicle is also known as Beetle / Super Beetle, Bug / Superbug", Käfer, Type 1, 1302.

Volkswagen Beetle Q&As

Check out real-world situations relating to the Volkswagen Beetle here, particularly what our experts have to say about them.

  • Known issued with the 1976 Super Beetle

    These old, air-cooled Volkswagens have a huge reputation for reliability and durability. And, back in the 1950s and '60s when they were most popular, they definitely were more reliable than a lot of their competition.

    However, these days, even a relatively late-model Beetle such as a 1976 could be an absolute minefield of problems, starting with rust and a driveline with worn out mechanical bits and pieces. You haven't said how many kilometres the car has covered, but I'm betting it's plenty and that really plays against something like this car. You could wind up having to rebuild a large percentage of the car just to get it roadworthy, at which point, you could have bought something newer, faster and more comfortable.

    In fact, that's another issue with old designs like the Beetle's; there's virtually no safety equipment beyond seat-belts. This is why cars like this have a place, but that place is as a weekend toy where you can relive your youth in small chunks on a Saturday morning before the shopping traffic has hit the road.

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  • Stylish car for $15k?

    With your budget you would be looking at a 2010/2011 VW Beetle, which had a regular automatic transmission and not the troublesome DSG that was fitted in later models. That’s a big tick for the Beetle. The Citroen C3 is a decent car, but an orphan in the sense that there weren’t many sold and you won’t find a dealer on every corner. As for the BMW, they’re too expensive to service and repair if you use a dealer, and they have too many niggling issues that spoil the great driving experience. The Subaru Impreza is well worth looking at, but my pick of that bunch would be the Volvo C30.

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  • Travelling to Cape York

    I loved the great work of Mike and Mal Leyland. You've spoilt some of the myth by revealing this secret.

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  • Best car for P-plate driver?

    The first of the born-again Beetles was severely compromised because the rounded body sat over the mechanical package of the boxy Golf. But the new car looks good, almost like a Porsche, drives well and is well equipped. I give it The Tick and will help you track down a good deal.

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See All Volkswagen Beetle Q&As
Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.

Volkswagen Beetle Models Price and Specs

The price range for the Volkswagen Beetle varies based on the trim level you choose. The model range is available in the following body types starting from the engine/transmission specs shown below.

Year Body Type Specs Price from Price to
2019 Hatchback 1.4L, —, 7 SP AUTO
2018 Hatchback 1.4L, PULP, 7 SP AUTO $15,840 $20,240
2017 Hatchback 1.4L, PULP, 7 SP AUTO $12,760 $16,940
2016 Hatchback 1.4L, PULP, 6 SP MAN $8,250 $15,510
2015 Hatchback 1.4L, PULP, 6 SP MAN $7,040 $12,210
See All Volkswagen Beetle Pricing and Specs

Volkswagen Beetle Wheel Size

The Volkswagen Beetle has a number of different wheel and tyre options. When it comes to tyres, these range from 215x55 R17 for Hatchback in 2019 with a wheel size that spans from 17x7 inches.

Year Body Type Front Tyre Size Front Rim Rear Tyre Size Rear Rim
2019 Hatchback 215x55 R17 17x7 inches 215x55 R17 17x7 inches
2018 Hatchback 215x55 R17 17x7 inches 215x55 R17 17x7 inches
2017 Hatchback 215x55 R17 17x7 inches 215x55 R17 17x7 inches
2016 Hatchback 215x55 R17 17x7 inches 215x55 R17 17x7 inches
2015 Hatchback 215x55 R17 17x7 inches 215x55 R17 17x7 inches
The dimensions shown above are for the base model. See All Volkswagen Beetle Wheel Sizes

Volkswagen Beetle Dimensions

The dimensions of the Volkswagen Beetle Hatchback vary according to year of manufacture and spec level.

Year Body Type Height x Width x Length Ground Clearance
2019 Hatchback 1477x1808x4278 mm 139 mm
2018 Hatchback 1477x1808x4278 mm 139 mm
2017 Hatchback 1477x1808x4278 mm 139 mm
2016 Hatchback 1477x1808x4278 mm 139 mm
2015 Hatchback 1477x1808x4278 mm 139 mm
The dimensions shown above are for the base model. See All Volkswagen Beetle Dimensions

Volkswagen Beetle Fuel Consumption

The Volkswagen Beetle is available in a number of variants and body types that are powered by — and PULP fuel type(s). It has an estimated fuel consumption starting from 6.4L/100km for Hatchback /— for the latest year the model was manufactured.

Year Body Type Fuel Consumption* Engine Fuel Type Transmission
2019 Hatchback 6.4L/100km 1.4L 7 SP AUTO
2018 Hatchback 6.4L/100km 1.4L PULP 7 SP AUTO
2017 Hatchback 6.4L/100km 1.4L PULP 7 SP AUTO
2016 Hatchback 6.8L/100km 1.4L PULP 6 SP MAN
2015 Hatchback 6.8L/100km 1.4L PULP 6 SP MAN
* Combined fuel consumption See All Volkswagen Beetle Pricing and Specs for 2019