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2016 Volkswagen Beetle

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Make
Volkswagen
Model
Beetle
Year
2016
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Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2016 1.8T Wolfsburg Edition w/PZEV 2dr Hatchback
most popular
Price:   -  From $19,595
2016 1.8T S 2dr Hatchback Price:   -  From $19,795
2016 1.8T Classic 2dr Hatchback Price:   -  From $20,195
2016 1.8T SE 2dr Hatchback Price:   -  From $21,350
2016 1.8T Dune 2dr Hatchback Price:   -  From $23,995
2016 1.8T S 2dr Convertible Price:   -  From $25,490
2016 1.8T SEL 2dr Hatchback Price:   -  From $25,975
2016 1.8T Denim 2dr Convertible Price:   -  From $25,995
2016 R-Line SE 2dr Hatchback Price:   -  From $25,995
2016 1.8T SE 2dr Convertible Price:   -  From $28,070
2016 R-Line S 2dr Convertible Price:   -  From $29,790
2016 1.8T SEL 2dr Convertible Price:   -  From $30,500
2016 R-Line SEL 2dr Hatchback Price:   -  From $31,450
2016 R-Line SE 2dr Convertible Price:   -  From $31,570
2016 R-Line SEL 2dr Convertible Price:   -  From $34,950

Overview

With its rounded shape and retro styling, the Beetle continues to be one of the most iconic vehicles in the world. Though the exterior recalls its vintage roots, it is hardly indicative of the features and technology housed within its curvy frame. The Beetle offers a choice of hardtop or convertible, three quietly efficient powerplants, and several possible configurations at each trim level, giving potential buyers a host of options to choose from.

What's New for 2016

A number of changes have been made to the Beetle for 2016 including the creation of a new, value-focused trim level the 1.8T. Other updates include the addition of the new MIB II infotainment system, new exterior colors and a new lighting package that is available on all 1.8T and TDI models.

Volkswagen Beetle

Choosing Your Volkswagen Beetle

In addition to the vintage yet modern styling of the Beetle, a major component of the appeal is the engine under the hood. This year, Volkswagen offers three different four-cylinder engines to choose from.

  • The base powerplant is a 1.8-liter turbocharged affair that produces 170 horsepower and comes paired with a five-speed manual transmission. An optional six-speed automatic is also available. Both transmissions offer an EPA-estimated 25mpg city/ 34mpg highway.
  • A 150-horsepower diesel engine powers the TDI line while delivering an estimated 31/41 mpg when paired with either the manual or automatic transmission. NOTE: As we go to press in the wake of VW's emissions scandal, TDI's are on hold unless government agencies approve a solution.
  • Finally, a zippy 2-liter 210-horsepower turbocharged engine is what powers the R-line models delivering 23/31 mpg when paired with the standard six-speed manual transmission, or 24/30 mpg when automatic.
Volkswagen Beetle

1.8T

While about $500 more than the Classic, the 1.8T effectively serves as an entry-level model. It comes with the 1.8-liter engine and five-speed manual transmission standard. It also carries a leatherette interior, heated front seats, CD player sound system with 8 speakers, Bluetooth streaming, interior ambient lighting, multi-function steering wheel, heated side mirrors and cruise control. The Sunroof package adds a panoramic sunroof, touchscreen sound system, rearview camera, and keyless entry with push-button start. The Sunroof, Sound and Navigation package builds on that with 18-inch wheels, a Fender premium audio system, and blind spot monitor with rear traffic alert.

Volkswagen Beetle

Classic

The least expensive model, the Classic features ‘heritage-inspired’ design features that include checkered cloth interior and 1960’s style hubcaps. It is only available with an automatic transmission and comes with touchscreen navigation, an 8-speaker sound system with MP3 compatibility, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth compatibility, heated side mirrors, and rear spoiler.

Volkswagen Beetle

R-Line 2.0T

The sportiest of the Beetle trims, the R-Line 2.0T builds on the 1.8T with the 2-liter turbocharged engine, a sport-tuned suspension, rear spoiler, and front sport seats. The Sunroof and Sound package adds a panoramic sunroof, rearview camera, Fender premium audio system, and keyless entry with push-button start. The Sunroof, Sound and Navigation package adds 19-inch wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights, touchscreen navigation, leather seats, and blind spot monitor with rear traffic alert.

Volkswagen Beetle

TDI Clean Diesel

Moving to TDI gets you the turbo-diesel engine and builds on the 1.8T with a touchscreen sound system, and performance gauges. Also available is the Sunroof, Sound and Navigation package, which matches the features from the 1.8T package. As we go to press, sales of the TDI have been suspended.

CarsDirect Tip

The 1.8T does offer a good entry point for those looking for good overall value. It includes a surprising number of features for the cost. However, if you are looking for performance, go directly to the R-Line, which really picks up the pep for this fun to drive car.

Get your price on a Volkswagen Beetle »

Read our review on the Volkswagen Beetle »

Volkswagen Beetle
author image
Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

The 2016 Volkswagen Beetle, just a few years removed from a redesign that VW marketed as a more masculine look, continues into the new model year with very few changes. While we still see the cute side of the Beetle, we can appreciate VW’s attempt to rough up the model a bit.

Pricing and Equipment

For the 2016 model year, the Beetle continues with tons of trim levels, but the lowest-cost trim remains the 1.8T S. This entry-level version of the retro model starts out at just $19,795. For this scratch, we found the Beetle surprisingly well equipped, as it comes with:

  • Aluminum-alloy wheels
  • Automatic headlights
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel, shifter knob, and parking-brake handle
  • An MIIB II Audio system with a 5-inch touchscreen

In addition to this base model, the Beetle is also available in other, better-equipped trims like the 1.8T SE ($21,350), 1.8T SEL ($25,975), R-Line SE ($25,995), and R-Line SEL ($31,450). As we go to press, sales of TDI models are on hold in the wake of the emissions cheating scandal.

Performance Pros

Volkswagen Beetle

A lively lineup of engines makes for a fun drive across the board. The suspension is firm enough without being uncomfortably taught.

  • The torque-heavy diesel engine (not currently available) is surprisingly peppy.
  • Base and optional turbocharged gasoline engines are a blast
  • The optional dual-clutch transmission is excellent

Performance Cons

  • VW's diesel engine is under federal investigation for cheating emission tests, leaving a bad taste in our mouths after rating it so favorably.
  • While it isn't severe, the convertible model has noticeably more body roll in the corners.

Interior Pros

The front seats are well-suited for long road trips, even in the sporty R-Line trim level. There are plenty of nooks and crannies to store all our gadgets, gizmos, and other pocket-dwelling items.

Interior Cons

  • Legroom in the rear seats is nearly non-existent with a normal-height adult in the front seat.
  • While it is not overwhelming, there is a fair amount of wind and road noise that gets into the cabin.

The Most Pleasant Surprise

Volkswagen Beetle

The features that come standard with the 2016 Beetle are pretty incredible, but what really shocks us is just how many premium features are available. Sure, the Beetle is no luxury car, but it does a pretty good impression of one at the top of its range.

The Least Pleasant Surprise

The rear seats are surprisingly cramped, making the Beetle a poor option for a growing family.

The Bottom Line

The Beetle’s retro looks, peppy powertrains, and useful cabin all add up to a pretty fine compact coupe.

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
1.8L I-4 / 170 HP / 184 ft.lbs.
Transmission
6-spd sequential shift control auto w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
25 / 34 / 29 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
4
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
1.8L I-4 / 170 HP / 184 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
25 / 34 / 29 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
14.5 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$55
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
29.9 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
85 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
168.4 "
Exterior Width
71.2 "
Exterior Height
58.5 "
Front Headroom
39.4 "
Rear Headroom
37.1 "
Front Legroom
41.3 "
Rear Legroom
31.4 "
Front Shoulder Room
55.3 "
Rear Shoulder Room
49.0 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
3,012 Lbs.
Wheel Base
100 "
Turning Radius
17.7 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
2 Doors
Wheels
16.0 " Silver Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote Heated
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Rear Spoiler
Exhaust
Stainless Steel
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
4
Seat Trim
V-tex Leatherette
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Armrests
6-way
Rear Armrests
Rear Seats
50-50 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm Stereo, Seek-scan
Speakers
8
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Climatic
Cruise Control
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver And Passenger
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
2
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer Iii
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
144 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2016 Volkswagen Beetle for Sale

4 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
Volkswagen
1.8T S
Color: Pure White
Price

$16,500

Mileage

64,062 mi

Map location icon

Pacific Volkswagen (3 mi)

Phone: (310) 531-9400
Volkswagen
1.8T Denim
Color: Pure White
Price

$17,498

Mileage

90,188 mi

Map location icon

Volkswagen of Garden Grove (29 mi)

Volkswagen
1.8T S
Color: White
Price

$18,299

Mileage

78,062 mi

Map location icon

Nash Auto (33 mi)

Phone: (714) 435-4000
Volkswagen
1.8T SEL
Color: Tornado Red
Price

$21,500

Mileage

57,820 mi

Map location icon

Puente Hills Volkswagen (29 mi)

Phone: (626) 965-7500
See All Used Car Listings