Introduction
The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI is a turbocharged, clean-diesel version of the
standard Beetle.
Exterior Features
The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI model is differentiated from other Beetles by its unique 17-inch aluminum wheels, additional chrome detailing, and TDI badges. Heated side mirrors and windshield washer nozzles are standard.
Interior Features
The new Beetle TDI's trunk measures 15.4 cubic feet with the rear seats raised. Fold the 50/50-split rear seatbacks to gain access to 29.9 cubic feet of cargo room.
The Beetle TDI comes standard with heated, height-adjustable front seats wrapped in leatherette, a type of synthetic leather. Air conditioning and Bluetooth hands-free calling are also included, along with a stereo including a CD/MP3 player, auxiliary audio input jack, and an iPod connection.
Like the Beetle Turbo, the 2013 Beetle TDI models have a standard supplementary gauge pack that includes oil temperature, turbo boost gauge, and a stopwatch function. Like all Beetles, the Beetle TDI has a "kaeferfach," an extra glovebox bin integrated into the dashboard.
Optional Features
VW Beetle TDI buyers can upgrade their cars with an optional power sunroof, color touch-screen audio system with an SD card reader and a CD changer, premium 400-watt Fender audio system, and a navigation system.
Under the Hood
The 2013 VW Beetle TDI is equipped with a turbocharged and direct-injected, 2.0-liter, clean-diesel 4-cylinder engine making 140 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque. A 6-speed manual gearbox is standard, delivering power to the Beetle TDI's front wheels. A 6-speed automated dual-clutch manual gearbox (Direct Shift Gearbox, or DSG) is optional, and operates like an automatic transmission.
Like all 2013 Volkswagens, the new Beetle TDI includes free maintenance for the first 3 years or 36,000 miles of ownership.
Fuel Economy
Volkswagen says the new 2013 Beetle TDI will get 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway, but does not specify whether these predicted ratings pertain to the standard manual transmission or the optional DSG transmission. The EPA has not rated this car as this preview is published.
Safety
Every 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI is equipped with a 4-wheel-disc anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution and both engine and hydraulic brake assist. Additionally, six air bags are standard, as well as a traction and stability control system.
Official crash-test ratings for the 2013 VW Beetle are not available as this preview is published, but the identical 2012 model received a 4-star overall crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
