Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4
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My TDI Highline tester is a little bit of an oddball in terms of content and features for a vehicle in the $30,000 price range – or at least I think it is. First thing I noticed was the lack of sunroof, although that is available for another $1,400. Also noted were the lack of automatic climate control and power heated seats; all these make this Beetle feel less upscale.
The interior is still nice, the colour-keyed interior plastic is a nice touch and doesn’t look too tacky in white. Although I’m not sure I could live with a red interior if I were to choose a red car and the plastics are of the hard variety with no soft touch materials anywhere to be found.
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The gauge cluster and layout is all typical VW and for the most part is the same across their entire lineup. Navigation is a nice add-on and the Fender stereo system is a highlight for sure, although there is some space used up in the trunk by the subwoofer.
Cargo space is good, the Beetle is a hatchback after all, but if you are looking for more space you may just want to look at a Golf if I’m honest. The Beetle is more about style – the rear seats fold but not completely flat, the two-door configuration makes getting into the cramped backseat a hassle and once there you’ll have to keep your head tilted because the roofline is low.
For front seat occupants headroom is good and adjustability of the driver’s seat and steering column should accommodate most drivers as the seat does have height adjustment and the steering wheel is tilt and telescopic. Overall the interior feels solid and comfortable, although I do expect more in this price bracket; you are paying a hefty premium here for the diesel engine.
