Used 2016 Volkswagen Beetle for sale 

The 2016 Volkswagen Beetle is available in seven different trims, each of which is distinguished from the other by a set of features. The Beetle is available with two engine options and a number of transmission setups. Basic features include cruise control, steering mounted controls, and a standard touchscreen.

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We recommend buying the Dune variant of the Volkswagen Beetle as it adds the most number of features at an appropriate price and hence delivers a high price to performance ratio. However, if you want that extra bit of punchiness from your Beetle, the R-Line SEL should be your go-to choice.

The engine on duty on the Volkswagen Beetle will depend on the trim you choose for. As standard, the Volkswagen Beetle comes equipped with a 1.8L four-cylinder engine that is good for 170hp of power and 184lb.-ft of torque, which boosts the car from a still to the 60MPH in 7.6 seconds.

In addition, the top-rack trim receives a more powerful 2.0L inline-4 engine that produces 210hp and 207lb.-ft of torque. It comes channeled as a front-wheel-drive variant only. While there is no standard transmission setup on offer, the Beetle is offered with more than one transmission. Its performance figures may not be known, however, the Beetle has been revered for having decent performance, both in the city and on the highway.

In comparison, the Audi TT and Mini Cooper also make use of inline-4 engines. While the Audi TT makes use of a similar transmission setup, it is channeled as an all-wheel-drive variant. The Mini Cooper is distinct in its transmission setup and uses a 6-speed manual instead. In the acceleration test and quarter-mile run, the Audi is considerably quicker than both cars clocking 5.2 and 13.8 seconds, respectively.

If the Beetle’s acceleration isn’t ideal for you in the segment, its fuel efficiency will make a compelling case for it. The Volkswagen Beetle manages to average mileage of 24 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. Combined, the Beetle is good for 27 miles per gallon of fuel, which is the most-efficient in the segment. Its fuel tank has a total capacity of 14.5 gallons and can cover a total distance of 348 and 449.5 miles, respectively when cruising in the city or pushing the pedal hard on the highway.

In comparison, both Audi TT and Mini Cooper remain a notch below the Beetle, averaging a combined mileage of 26 MPG. While the Audi features a similar-sized fuel tank, the Mini Cooper’s fuel capacity of 11.6 gallons is considerably low. Consequently, it does suffer from a lower range when compared to its contemporaries.

Versatility appropriately describes the cabin build of the Volkswagen Beetle. The central dashboard is finely curated with a lot of attention to detail. While the infotainment screen that sits centrally is sharp and well-to-do, the rotary knob that controls the headlights still adds an element of quirkiness. The finely-drawn cabin makes use of high-quality material and does add a luxurious aura to the subcompact car.

The Volkswagen Beetle has a seating capacity of four passengers, which is also the segment standard. While front seats are extremely comfortable with a lot of good-feel and great visibility, the rear seats may not be ideal for taller adults. The rear seats feel cramped with a constrained legroom. However, what works well in favor of the Beetle is its almost tranquil cabin and soft ride that even make long rides comfortable. The cargo capacity of 15.2 cubic feet is decent for a car of its size and can also be increased further to 30 cubic feet by folding the rear seats.

In comparison, the Audi TT and Mini Cooper have similar occupancy, but the rear-seats feel even more cramped than the ones on offer with the Volkswagen Beetle. Even in terms of cargo capacity, the Beetle does gain ascendancy over its competitors. While the Audi TT has a total trunk volume of 12 cubic feet, the Mini Cooper’s 8.7 cubic feet capacity is rather unimpressive. Some standard interior features on offer with the Volkswagen Beetle include:

• Driver and Passenger Lumbar Support
• Front and Rear Cupholders
• Interior Air Filtration
• Steering-mounted controls
• Single Zone Front Air Conditioning and Climate Control
• Cruise Control

How intuitive is the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle’s infotainment unit?

With the introduction of a new standard touchscreen that is easy to use, the Volkswagen Beetle scores highly in the infotainment region. As standard, the Beetle does come equipped with a 5-inch screen, Bluetooth, and audio connectivity. For all trims except the base, the infotainment system also receives the VW Net-App that allows smartphone integration.

The standard screen gets replaced by a 6.3-inch touchscreen system in higher trims. Both sound system options, whether it be the 8-speaker or the 9-speaker system, work exceptionally well and deliver performance as per expectations. Other salient infotainment features include:

• AM/FM Stereo
• USB Connection
• Auxiliary Audio Input
• MP3 Player
• CD Player
• 9-Speaker Sound System

The Volkswagen Beetle is an eye-candy. The current iteration of the subcompact car upholds and continues to be designed on similar lines as its predecessors, however, with a modern outlook and take. While the headlights remain considerably similar, the taillights have been revamped to look better than before.

The tapering roofline gives the Beetle a shape of a coupe and an interesting look. The Volkswagen Beetle has a total curb weight of 3,104 lbs. It is 168.4 inches long, 71.2 inches wide, and 58.7 inches tall, making it the longest and tallest car on offer in the segment. Its ground clearance and wheelbase of 5.7 and 100 inches, respectively are also the best-in-class.

In comparison, the Audi TT and Mini Cooper are the heaviest and lightest car weighing 3,186 and 2,845 lbs, respectively. The TT is also the widest car in the segment. While its ground clearance is not known, the Mini Cooper’s measures 5.6 inches. Some standout exterior features available with the Volkswagen Beetle include:

• Panoramic Moonroof
• Roof rails
• Rear Fog Lights
• Chrome Mirror Caps
• All-season Tires
• 17-inch alloy wheels

Like every other Volkswagen car, the Beetle prioritizes safety over any other aspect, and its crash-test and safety ratings are evidence of the same. The Volkswagen Beetle scores five out of five stars in the crash tests conducted by the NHTSA. It comes equipped with a large number of standard safety features like brake assist, traction control, and electronic stability control. As one moves higher up the trim ladder, optional safety features like the blind-spot monitor and lane departure warning system make for great value additions. Some other salient safety specifications include:

• Child Seat Anchors
• Post-Collision Safety System
• Engine Immobilizer
• Daytime Running Lights
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors

Say what you want to about the Volkswagen Beetle, but we feel it’s a timeless masterpiece. The Volkswagen Beetle has been on the market for a long time now, but it still remains a refreshing inclusion in the brand's lineup. Its engine is potent, while also scoring highly on fuel efficiency. The interior space, comfort, and build are well-to-do with a cargo capacity that is as per sedan segment standards. The new and updated infotainment system feels refreshing and the hi-tech safety features speak volumes about its reliability. Considering all parameters, we feel that even in the current iteration, there are only minor flaws that the Beetle suffers from and there is no reason we would veto it out.