2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show

• 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.

2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI to Debut at 2012 Chicago Auto Show

We knew a diesel Bug was coming back to VW's lineup, and now we know when. Volkswagen has confirmed that the 2013 Beetle TDI will debut at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show in early February.

We don't have any details yet, but we expect it to use a version of the 140-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel found in the Jetta and Passat. The previous-generation New Beetle lost its diesel engine for model-year 2007.

Volkswagen E-Bugster at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show

• Looks like: Some led-sled enthusiasts got their hands on a Volkswagen Beetle
• Defining characteristics: Chopped roofline, all-electric drivetrain
• Ridiculous features: Huge rear roof pillars
• Chance of being mass-produced: Count on the electric drivetrain making it to a production car

Volkswagen showed what a high-performance version of its Beetle could look like with the Beetle R Concept, and now it's fashioned an all-electric Beetle concept dubbed E-Bugster. The name is a combination of the American nickname for the Beetle and the word "speedster" — even though the concept isn't a convertible. No matter; the name is catchy.

More 2012 Detroit Auto Show Coverage

From the beltline down, the E-Bugster looks very similar to the redesigned-for-2012 Beetle hatchback. The roofline, though, is dramatically different, with a flattened design that gives the concept a chopped look. Wide rear roof pillars give the sides of the car a clean look, but they look big enough to block a large chunk of over-shoulder visibility. Flared fenders surround 20-inch five-spoke wheels.

Cars.com Reviews the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle

After skipping model-year 2011, Volkswagen’s iconic bug is back for 2012. Along with shedding the “new” moniker in its name, Beetle also lost its girly image. It traded its bud vase and curves for edgier styling and more power, including a new diesel engine. Cars.com senior editor Kristin Varela recommends the Beetle for busy families looking for a zippy, fun-to-drive second car, but she warns that the backseat is tight and road noise is louder than expected.

2012 Volkswagen Beetle Review

Year-End Deal Reality Check: Volkswagen

So, Santa isn't bringing you a new car for the holidays, and the wife's Christmas present probably has nothing to do with a giant bow in your garage. Maybe it's time to be your own Santa. The end of the year really is one of the best times to buy or lease a new car. We'll be highlighting some of the best deals before the clock hits midnight Dec. 31.

Volkswagen's incentives program revolves around the number zero.

Its 0/0/0/0 deal means qualified lessees can drive home select 2012 Volkswagens for no money down, no money due at signing, no security deposit and the first month's payment is also waived. The deal excludes applicable title, tax, options and dealer fees, however.

All gas-powered 2012 models qualify including the new Passat and Beetle; TDI clean-diesel vehicles are excluded from the offer. One lease example is a 2012 Jetta S with a manual transmission for $219 a month for 36 months.

While the nationwide offer ends Jan. 3, expect dealers to make their best deals before the new year.

2012 Volkswagen Beetle: Car Seat Check

With its redesign, the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle didn't just get a new look. It also gained 3.3 inches in width and 6 inches in length, which surprisingly didn't help when it came to installing child-safety seats. It won't surprise many to learn that none of our car seats fit well in the four-seater, but other brands of car seats might fit better.

For the Car Seat Check, we use a Graco SnugRide 30 rear-facing infant-safety seat, a Britax Roundabout convertible child-safety seat and Graco high-back TurboBooster seat.

Volkswagen Beetle R Concept: Photo Gallery

 

Volkswagen's Beetle R Concept previews what a high-performance Beetle could look like if given a head-to-toe go-fast package.  

More 2011 L.A. Auto Show Coverage

Add-ons include 20-inch wheels, aggressive front and rear styling, hood vents and a massive rear wing. The inside also gets a race-ready treatment.

Volkswagen Beetle R Concept at the 2011 L.A. Auto Show

• Looks like: Less of an April Fools' joke than you'd think
• Defining characteristics: Aggressive bodywork, 20-inch wheels, racing-style bucket seats
• Ridiculous features: Giant rear wing
• Chance of being mass-produced: It's just a concept for now, but it wouldn't take much to make it a reality

With the Beetle R Concept, Volkswagen provides a view of what a future high-performance Bug could look like. There's no word on what engine might power a production version of the Beetle R, but it wouldn't take much to bring the styling changes to market.

More 2011 L.A. Auto Show Coverage

Numerous exterior cues give the Beetle R Concept a more aggressive stance. The wider front bumper has gaping openings for engine and brake cooling, and there are subtle body-colored hood vents. Wider fenders surround 20-inch alloy wheels.

Oprah VW Beetle Giveaway Finally Delivers

What's the nicest gift you've given your mother? Jewelry on her birthday? Flowers on Mother's Day?

Seventy year-old Jewel Baker just got the keys to a 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.

Baker, of Olympia Fields, Ill., won one of 271 redesigned Volkswagen Beetles that Oprah Winfrey gave away during the second of two "My Favorite Things" episodes, which aired last November. But she never attended the filming.

Baker's son, Robin, accompanied his wife, Latrice, after the show selected her alongside other superfans and community do-gooders. Robin and Latrice each won a car, part of the audiences' haul of 20 gifts apiece bequeathed during one of the final tapings of "The Oprah Winfrey Show." That audience numbered 276, all getting a new Beetle. The younger Bakers took one, and Jewel got the other.

Volkswagen to Debut Two Vehicles at L.A. Auto Show

Last night, Volkswagen announced it would unveil two new production vehicles — not concepts — at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show. Both unveilings will be global debuts, meaning they haven’t appeared overseas before this event.

We can offer a good guess that one of the cars will be the convertible version of the redesigned Beetle, which recently went on sale.

As for the other, we’re unsure. For the most part VW’s lineup is current, and we doubt they’d debut new versions of the Golf or Routan. Perhaps the rumored three-row crossover will be unveiled? It’s more likely a variant of an existing product, but you never know.

We’ll be covering all the vehicles at the L.A. Auto Show during the media preview on Nov. 16 and 17.