If you miss the Volkswagen Beetle, check out these alternatives instead
May 30, 2025 by Jamie Edkins
Car changing is a big deal
With the Volkswagen Beetle long gone, here are a few other quirky cars you can still buy today.
It’s been more than seven years since the Volkswagen Beetle disappeared from showrooms, and if you’re a fan of weird and unusual cars then you may mourn its passing.
You could go out and buy a used Volkswagen Beetle – we found a couple for sale on Carwow with prices starting from £10,000 – or you could check out some other quirky new cars instead. Here are five models to consider if you liked the Volkswagen Beetle.
The best new Volkswagen Beetle alternatives are:
- Renault 5
- Fiat 600
- Mini Aceman
- Ora 03
- Nissan Juke
1. Renault 5
The Volkswagen Beetle was a retro car brought into the modern age, just like the new Renault 5. This new EV looks fantastic, managing to capture the original design without being a cheesy pastiche, and the interior is just as funky.
It may not be all that spacious, but the bright materials and contrasting stitching make the interior look way more interesting than any other EV out there. The best part? The Renault 5 is a bargain with prices starting from less than £23,000.
2. Fiat 600
Another retro car brought up to date – the Fiat 600 almost looks Beetle-esque if you squint. You can have it with petrol, hybrid or electric power options, making it a stylish alternative to something like a Ford Puma or Vauxhall Mokka.
It may feel cheap inside, and it’s not all that practical, but the 600 is comfortable over bumps and is great value for money. The hybrid engine is also fuel-efficient, so it’ll cost peanuts to run.
3. Mini Aceman
If you fancy a small electric SUV with a sporty edge, the Mini Aceman could be right up your street. It makes a great Volkswagen Beetle alternative with its bold styling, and funky details like the Union Jack taillights help lift things even further.
Early 2000s Beetles had a plant pot on the dashboard, and the Aceman’s dash is covered in a cool-looking fabric which you could use to plant cress. We wouldn’t recommend it though, and the firm suspension would probably shake the seeds out anyway.
4. Ora 03
Considering it’s an affordable small electric car, the Ora 03 turns heads like some supercars. It looks a bit like a Mini and a Beetle shared a romantic evening in the garage, and the resulting love child is a cute-looking thing.
It may not have the biggest boot, and it’s not the best EV to drive either, but the Ora 03 gets loads of standard equipment and a high-quality, spacious cabin to make up for these shortcomings.
5. Nissan Juke
If bold styling is all you care about, the Nissan Juke seems like a natural successor to the Volkswagen Beetle. The design is like no other, and in bright yellow it certainly stands out.
Beyond the looks though, the Juke doesn’t have an awful lot going for it. The interior is cramped, the infotainment system is a faff to use and it’s not very comfortable either.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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