93 VW Beetle: fashion statement rather than family car

The almost totally circular "new" Beetle that revived the classic badge in the early 2000s was a bit of a pudding of a car. All style and not quite enough substance, and what substance there was came from the hardly inspiring MkIV Golf. The third-generation Beetle (depending on how you count these things) is rather better though. There are a few more straight lines, which really lift the styling and VW is definitely playing up the "we inspired Porsche before Porsche was Porsche" with the looks of the current model. It's not bad to drive either, with its MkVI Golf chassis proving pleasingly adept and really quite pleasant. Practicality is not especially high on its agenda, but it's just about roomy enough for family purposes but watch the options list – the Beetle can get very expensive, very quickly.

Price range: €22,490 to €34,220

CO2 emissions: 110 to 132g/km

Which one? 1.2 TSI Design

PCP from €269 a month