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Volkswagen has made it clear it intends to broaden the appeal of its new VW Beetle and, with the return of a diesel model, it now has three powertrains for prospective buyers to choose from.
The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI, which is bowing at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, will hit dealerships this summer. The Beetle TDI uses the same mill found in the Jetta and Golf, VW's 2.0-liter turbocharged, direct-injection inline-four rated at 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual or dual-clutch automatic, both of which send power to the front wheels. Fuel economy estimates have been set at 29/39 mpg city/highway, slightly below the 30/42 mpg rated Golf and Jetta TDIs.

Exterior differentiation between the TDI and other Beetles is extremely slight. The TDI is fitted with chrome trim along the tops of the doors, unique 17-inch alloy wheels, and TDI badging on the trunklid. Inside, the only difference is the addition of oil temperature and turbo boost gauges. A stopwatch mounted on the dashboard above the center stack also found on the Turbo model is also available.
A diesel engine was offered in the last-generation Beetle from 1998 to 2006. The new engine features a number of improvements over the old 1.9-liter turbo four, including a common-rail design, reduced noise, vibration, and harshness, and an intake manifold that features active flap valves that better maintains optimal air flow. Thanks to a particulate filter, gas exhaust recirculation, and three different catalytic converters (for oxidation, nitrogen oxides, and hydrogen sulfide) the Beetle TDI will meet emission standards in all 50 states.

The Beetle TDI will get a three-level trim lineup similar to the 2.5-liter and 2.0-liter Turbo model: TDI base, TDI with sunroof, and TDI with sunroof, sound, and navigation. Standard on the base TDI is an eight-speaker sound system, interior and exterior chrome package, and Bluetooth phone connectivity. Stepping up to the sunroof model nets a tilting and sliding power sunroof along with a full-color touch-screen radio head unit. Top spec models come standard with the RNS 315 navigation system and a Fender premium audio system. Every Beetle has electronic stability control, driver and front passenger airbags, and front and rear side curtain airbags as standard.
There is roughly a $5000-plus premium for the diesel variants of the Passat, Golf, and Jetta, so expect the 2013 Beetle TDI to start somewhere in the mid-$20,000 range. Volkswagen will release full pricing details closer to the car's debut this summer.

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