The Beetle is bigger than it looks. It's longer, wider, and taller than a Mini Cooper. The Beetle body is 161.1 inches in length and 67.9 inches wide, on a wheelbase of 98.7 inches, with a height of 59.0 inches. That's nearly an inch wider than a PT Cruiser, though it is shorter and not as tall as Chrysler's little cruiser.

Build quality is excellent. Gaps between doors, fenders and other body panels are tight. Fenders and bumpers are made from a special dent-resistant plastic. Outside door handles are easy to grab, feel good, and don't require inverting your hand to operate them. Turn indicators on the outside mirrors warn drivers alongside when changing lanes. Color-keyed mirror housings and door handles add to the Beetle's clean appearance.

Convertibles are distinguished by an exterior chrome strip that surrounds the greenhouse and by a different trunk design with an integrated third brake light. Convertibles offer a choice of black, gray and cream-colored tops.