At the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, Volkswagen will reveal the most fuel-efficient version of the new Beetle in the States, the TDI, which is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine producing 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of peak torque. The same powerplant is offered on the North American Jetta and Passat TDI models.
The diesel engine can be mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or VW’s dual-clutch DSG six-speed automatic, with the German automaker predicting a fuel economy of 29 mpg city and 39 mpg highway.
That’s a significant improvement over the base 170HP 2.5-liter gasoline engine that returns an estimated 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway with a five-speed manual, and 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway with the optional six-speed auto.
It’s worth noting that the previous Beetle was offered in the States with a 1.9-liter diesel engine from 1998 until 2006.
The new Beetle TDI meets current tailpipe emissions standards in all 50 states and will go on sale in the U.S. this summer as a 2013 model, with prices to be announced at a later date.
Customers can choose from three trim levels, TDI, TDI with Sunroof, and TDI with Sunroof, Sound, and Navigation.
The base model comes equipped with power windows, 17-inch rims, audio system, cruise control, V-Tex Leatherette seating, the kaeferfach secondary glovebox, Bluetooth, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel with audio controls, three auxiliary gauges, keyless entry with push-button start and a Media Device Interface with iPod cable, as standard.
The equipment upgrades on the other two models are pretty much self-explanatory.
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