A little over a year ago we had the VW Beetle in for a week of testing, it was the 2.5L 5 cylinder with an automatic. We never published a review on it, because we flat out didn’t like it, though it was for personal reasons more than anything else. It felt like a pure nostalgia play, and it wasn’t enjoyable to drive.
When our VW rep called and asked if we wanted to try the Beetle with the TDI Clean Diesel, we said, “sure, why not”. We wondered if Volkswagen’s terrific TDI engine could be a saving grace. Turns out it absolutely transformed the car!
This TDI Beetle with a manual was not only a hoot to drive, it returned 47-48mpg on the highway at 80mph! Sit back and have a look as Rumblestrip.NET and Ten Minute Test Drive have a go with the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI.
