2013 VW Beetle TDI is Back With a Frugal Vengeance: 2012 Chicago Auto Show
With the newest version of VW’s iconic Beetle already on sale, Volkswagen is expanding the car’s product range and appeal with a diesel powered model.
Unveiled today at the Chicago Auto Show, the Beetle TDI makes use of a familiar 2.0-liter turbocharged engine to make 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Along with that big torque number, fuel economy is high, with a 29 mpg city rating and a 39 mpg highway rating. Buyers can choose from either a six-speed manual or VW’s DSG dual-clutch automatic.
Three trim levels will be offered: TDI, TDI with sunroof and TDI with Sunroof, Sound and Navigation. That top-trim level gets a five-inch touch screen and a Premium audio system.
With both gas and diesel versions of the coupe now available, look for a convertible version to bow at the New York Auto Show in a few months time.
GALLERY: 2013 VW Beetle TDI
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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All well and good, another diesel in lineup from VW. But in all honesty, I would much rather see the Tiguan with the TDI from the Passat. Beetle has nowhere the utility value that many of us are looking for. It would seem VW would want to get the TDI into the tiguan now, rather than wait for the 'refresh' in the 2014/5 model year. I will bet Mazda gets the new CX-5 under diesel power here before VW. Good way to lose loyal customers!
I read the EPA rating was 31/41 so where did you get your numbers?