Used Volkswagen Beetle cars for sale

Iconic, charming and sleek – the Volkswagen Beetle has been popular all over the world since its first release in 1938. With seven generations to date, Volkswagen has sold over 21.5 million Beetles worldwide.

The Mk7, released in 2011, combines the Beetle’s character with practicality and aesthetic flare. Following its last major overhaul in 1998, the Mk7 brings the model into modern life. On the outside, the Beetle has undergone a stylistic overhaul while still retaining its iconic shape and design. Now sleeker, the Volkswagen Beetle appeals to drivers seeking that retro feel without the technological compromise. Much like the original 1930s design, the interior features the well-known flip-up glovebox and flat dashboard.

Bursting with charisma, it's no surprise that the Volkswagen Beetle won Vincentric’s Best Value in America award in the compact car segment in 2019.

Volkswagen Beetle updates and facelifts

Often referred to as the ‘New Beetle’, Volkswagen released an overhauled version of the Beetle in 1998 with the vehicle’s Mk6. With another facelift in 2011, Volkswagen then released its seventh generation. As this was the second facelift after the reinvented Beetle in 1998, it has become known as the second generation. Arriving several years before the MINI and Fiat 500, the ‘New Beetle’ was the first retro model reimagined for modern life.

This latest version of the Beetle is based on a Volkswagen Golf platform that offers a firm and comfortable drive. Since 2016, the Volkswagen Beetle has come with three engine options: the 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engines and the 2.0-litre diesel engine. Some trims released between 1998 and 2016 also offer the 1.6-litre diesel engine.

Practicality and style of the car

A major upgrade in the 2011 Mk7 Beetle is the increased boot space. With almost 50% more space, the Beetle now has a 310-litre boot capacity. With folded seats, this is boosted to an impressive 905 litres, which is much greater than the rivalling Fiat 500’s maximum boot capacity of 550 litres. With a wider boot opening than found in previous generations, Volkswagen has made storing belongings easy. The Volkswagen Beetle will easily accommodate your weekly shop, school bags or golf equipment.

Despite the Beetle’s neat and compact look, it still tows up to an impressive 1,000kg, meaning small to medium trailers and lightweight caravans can be used for longer trips away with the family or solo camping weekends.

Running costs

The Volkswagen Beetle is a reasonably economical and cost-effective car. The 148bhp diesel engine sits in group 17 for insurance, while the entry-level trims sit in groups 10 and 11, lower than the MINI Cooper S which sits in group 23. Road tax costs can vary depending on the trim – you can expect to pay between £35 and £320 annually.

How a used Volkswagen Beetle drives

The seventh generation is the Volkswagen Beetle's most power-focused iteration yet. Its longer wheelbase and wider stance make the Mk7 even more stable than previous generations. The entry-level trim comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, while all other trims come with the option of a DSG gearbox.

Since 2016, there have been three engines available to choose from with the Volkswagen Beetle. The first is a turbo petrol engine. The 1.2-litre TSI produces 105bhp, managing a maximum speed of 112mph with a 0-62mph time of 10.9 seconds. It returns around 51.4–52.3 mpg and produces 128g/km of CO2 emissions.

If you are looking for slightly more power from your petrol engine, the 1.4-litre TSI engine might be right for you. Producing 150bhp, this engine will take you up to 126mph, getting from 0-62mph in 8.7 seconds. It returns 48.7–49.6 mpg and produces 132g/km of CO2 emissions.

One diesel option is the 2.0-litre TDI engine. 0-62mph is achieved in 11 seconds along with a maximum speed of 113mph. The 2.0-litre TDI is slightly more fuel efficient than the petrol options at 65.7mpg while producing 112g/km of CO2 emissions.

Older generations offer a 1.6-litre 103bhp diesel engine, reaching a top speed of 112mph with a 0-62mph time of 11.5 seconds. It produces 113g/km of CO2 emissions and returns 65.7mpg. There is also a 2.0-litre 207bhp petrol engine capable of 142mph. Reaching 0-62mph in just 7.3 seconds, this snappy engine produces 169g/km of CO2 emissions and returns 38.7mpg.

Engines and official MPG

Please refer to the table below for a comprehensive list of engines and their official mpg figures.

2012 - 2019

Features you can expect to find in a Volkswagen Beetle

Interior

The Mk7 Volkswagen Beetle brings sophistication and fun with its charismatic character and a focus on overall quality and refinement. With 50% more boot space and more legroom throughout the car, the Mk7 Volkswagen Beetle, despite having three doors, can accommodate adults and children comfortably alongside their belongings. Regardless of which trim you choose, four adults will ride comfortably and three children can fit in the back.

Throughout the interior, there are plenty of storage solutions that include centre console cup holders, two glove compartments and deep door bins. Made with high-quality materials, the interior has a premium feel throughout. There are elasticated front door pockets that stretch to accommodate belongings of various sizes and a 12v charging socket as standard. The Beetle Dune trim adds 10mm to the height, which gives occupants even more space inside. The Dune also has sporty-looking sills and a spoiler on the back.

Drivers will enjoy an adjustable steering wheel for tilt and reach, ensuring comfort while on the move.

The Beetle, across all trims, comes with a five-inch infotainment touchscreen positioned centrally to the dashboard. Along with it comes a sat nav and audio system with a CD player and an SD card slot. The Beetle also has an optional Multi Device Interface so your devices can connect to the car easily. DAB digital radio and Bluetooth connectivity are also available as standard across all trims from the seventh generation.

Technology

The Volkswagen Beetle features electronic stability control and traction control that makes for a comfortable and smooth drive, anti-lock brakes and post collision braking to reduce the impact of any possible incidents. In addition to that, the vehicle’s hazard lights activate under heavy braking to ensure that cars behind you know your speed is decreasing.

Safety

Alongside the aesthetic upgrades the Volkswagen Beetle Mk7 has seen, safety features have also been improved. With a previous Euro NCAP Score of four (out of five), the Mk7 now has an overall NCAP rating of five stars. Impressively, it scored 92% for adult occupants, 90% for child occupants, 53% for pedestrian safety, and 86% for safety assist. Two ISOFIX child seat anchors can be found on the outer rear seats, to ensure the safety of little ones. With the incorporation of safety features like anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control and six airbags, the Volkswagen Beetle crucially takes care of your safety while ensuring your comfort.

Trims available on the Volkswagen Beetle

Volkswagen Beetle Standard Trim

The Volkswagen Beetle's seventh generation is available in three trims. The entry-level Standard trim rides on 16-inch steel wheels and maintains a comfortable ride thanks to electronic stability control and traction control. There are also two ISOFIX child seat mounts in the rear seats. The Volkswagen Beetle makes the most of its compact size with plenty of storage space thanks to the space-saver spare wheel, folding rear seats and cubby under the central armrest. A 6.5-inch touchscreen multimedia infotainment display comes as standard, with DAB radio, MP3 playback and a CD player, all enjoyed over six speakers. The front windows are electric to keep things comfortable on hot days, and if it's still too warm, air conditioning helps keep you cool.

Volkswagen Beetle Design

Increasing to 17-inch alloy wheels, the Design trim adds more style to the already-iconic Beetle. Outside, chrome trims around the windows, front air intake and wheels add a timeless aesthetic, continuing inside with chrome air vent surrounds and leather-trimmed gear lever, handbrake and steering wheel. The Design trim adds front fog lights to help make low visibility driving safer, and cornering functionality to help stability when taking corners.

Volkswagen Beetle R-Line

The R-Line trim is the Beetle's top-level trim. Riding on 18-inch alloy wheels, the R-Line adds front and rear parking sensors to help navigate even the tightest spaces. Cruise control helps take the strain off longer journeys down motorways and A-roads, and your drive can be kept comfortable thanks to climate control. The R-Line is the definitive way to experience the Beetle at its most luxurious.

Volkswagen Beetle Dune

Classic Beetles have been retrofitted into all manner of settings to fit individual drivers' needs. Recognising this gap in the market, Volkswagen released the Beetle Dune. Based on the Design trim, the Beetle Dune has more ground clearance and is both more powerful and more fun-oriented. The Beetle Dune has uniquely designed front and rear bumpers, wheel arch protection, automatic driving lights and dark ceramic stitching on all the leather trimmings you may find inside the cabin.

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