
- Competes with: Mini Cooper, Fiat 500
- Looks like: Identical to every other Beetle
- Drivetrain: 140-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel making 236 pounds-feet of torque; six-speed manual or dual clutch automatic transmission
- Hits dealerships: This summer
Volkswagen has had great success with its diesel lineup of TDI models, especially the Jetta and its 42 mpg highway rating. The Beetle TDI, however, is estimated to get 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway despite using the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel power plant as the Jetta.
We’ve been impressed with the redesigned Beetle’s interior space, quality materials and design but nonplused by its mediocre mileage. The TDI certainly makes it more attractive for the gas conscious out there while still producing an impressive 140 horsepower and 236 pounds-feet of torque.
Pricing will play a big part in the decision-making process of the model, but the company says it won’t reveal the cost of the three trim levels until closer to the on-sale date this summer.
The Beetle TDI comes with more standard equipment than the gasoline Beetle base model as well as two additional trim levels listed below.