As facelifts go, this one is on the right side of discreet.

Even those with a notepad and binoculars tucked under their arm will struggle to spot the difference between the revised Beetle and the original, on sale in the UK since 1999. Yet the Beetle has always been such a unique and recognisable design that it does not need a dramatic makeover.

For the record, the exterior changes include new bumpers at the rear, wheel arches that now have a definite crease in them, revised headlights and indicators and bolder VW roundels front and rear. While the new one won't make you jump up and down with excitement, compare it to pictures of the old one and the improvements are obvious. With a car where style is paramount, these things are important.

In convertible form the Beetle has always been slightly odd-looking, roof up or down. The natural curvature of the roof is broken up with the substitution of a fabric item, and that same shape means the folded roof looks for all the world like the handle on a perambulator.

That said, the Beetle, especially the Cabriolet, has always been a love-hate looker, so if you've read this far you're obviously a fan. VW also sold more cabrios than metal roof versions in the UK last year which says something for its looks.

There are some minor changes on the inside too, with chrome surrounds to the instruments and the air vents. New fabrics are available on many models, though this version had smart black leather with heated seats an expensive but worthwhile option on a drop-top.

The interior remains pleasingly different as well as relatively practical. Space in the rear is far from generous, but up front is a different matter. With more headroom than your average sports stadium there's little for front seat passengers to complain about, while the controls and displays are simple, elegant and robust.

The plastic vase remains, but it could just as well serve as a pen or cigarette holder for the stubborn-minded. Unlike most modern cars, the door trims are broken up with body-coloured trim, which heightens the feeling of driving something unusual.

The 1.8T version is the most powerful petrol engine available, and with 148bhp on tap it makes swift progress. Any more through the front wheels and the relative lack of stiffness in the body would begin to make its presence felt, but it is only the roughest roads which produce any 'scuttle shake'.

It is also worth remembering that the Beetle is based on the last generation of Golf, rather than the much superior Mk V version, but even so it does not feel like a last generation car to drive. The revisions to the new Beetle are minor though do add a little to its appeal, but it is unlikely to convert any non-believers.

However, those buyers who are in the market for something quite unlike anything else on the road with the same dependability and ease of use as a regular hatchback (no prizes for guessing why), then the Beetle has few genuine rivals.

Sit back, roll back the roof and enjoy.