The Beetle TDI Convertible Features Suntans And Diesel Oil

The Iconic Volkswagen Beetle has made another leap forward with the introduction of the TDI convertible. The little 2.0L engine is the mainstay of the VW diesel lineup and a proven performer. The small four-cylinder diesel gets an EPA-rated mpg of 28/41 with the manual and 28/37 with the automatic. This means a lot of range while you’re having fun and cruising with the top down. This little car is a joy to drive and surprisingly quiet with the top up. With the top down, there’s some road noise, but less than expected. With the tunes cranked up, the heater on and a jacket, you might not put the top up until the rain and snow season.

In driving the Beetle convertible, we found the 2.0L TDI engine to be quick and responsive. We expected no less, as this has been our experience in other models with this engine. The diesel is smooth and while not a tire smoker out of the hole, it’s spirited off the line. The holdback on hills is superior to any of the gas engine options. This makes leisurely cruising on moun- tain roads a pleasurable and relaxing task, rather than a brake- stabbing experience. We tested the six-speed DSG automatic, but suspect that our experience with other manual trans-equipped TDI VWs will carry over. For those who like a manual, the TDI will offer even better mileage potential than the automatic. However, the automatic still offers 37 mpg hwy.

We did find that the Beetle overall is a bit small in the rear for full-size adults. The convertible has even less rear shoulder room than the hardtop. Sure, some folks will tell you that it fits four adults, but the rear passengers had better be on the shorter and less wide side of the chart. This 6-foot tall author couldn’t get into the rear seats, with the front buckets all the way back.

Regardless, this is a great car for a family of two, with a pet or two or even for a family with small kids. Mind you, there isn’t enough room in the trunk for a double stroller.

In fact, the trunk on the Beetle convertible is smaller than the hardtop. Cargo volume is 7.1 cubic- feet vs. 15.4 cubic-feet. This space is even smaller if you carry the cover for the folded top in the trunk all the time. Needless to say, this is a fun small car, and as such has enough room for a day trip or even a long weekend. If you need more space, consider a Touareg TDI as your second diesel rig in the garage.

Our overall impression of the 2013 Beetle TDI convertible is that it’s a fun and eye-catching car that we hated to turn back into the press fleet. Darting around town in this compact car was much easier than in our truck and the mileage of the TDI was fantastic. We squeaked out a little more than the EPA highway estimate on one tank that was all freeways, with the top up. The Beetle TDI convert- ible can be your ticket to improved mileage, and some fun behind the wheel, as it was for us.

OPTIONAL PRICING

PRICING NOTE:

While we don’t normally write about pricing at DW, we thought the following would be interesting and informative.

First, regarding the TDI, the diesel is an up- charge over the base 2.5L gas engine of $3,500 but costs $875 less than the 2.0L turbo gas engine. Second, the convertible is an up-charge of $5,000 over the hardtop regardless of engine option, but is only $2,400 more than the sunroof-equipped hard- top. When you consider that for a little more you’ll get better mileage, a full open air ride and tons of fun in the sun, the Beetle convertible TDI is a top value. UDBG

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2013 VEHICLE (As Tested) VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE TDI DIESEL CONVERTIBLE

Engine Type
2.0L inline four-cylinder, 16V, turbocharged/intercooled, DI

Displacement
120 cid

Bore x Stroke
3.19 x 3.76 inches

Compression Ratio
16.5:1

Horsepower, RRM
140 hp @ 4,000 rpm

Torque lb/ft, RPM
236 lb/ft @ 1,750 rpm

Fuel Capacity
14.5 gallons (55 liters)

Fuel Type, Recommended
Ultra-low sulfur diesel

Diesel Exhaust Fluid, DEF
DEF NOT REQUIRED

Mileage (EPA) Automatic
28 city, 37 highway

Transmission
Six-speed DSG automatic

Front Suspension
Strut-type with lower control arms, coil springs, telescopic dampers, 22-mm diameter anti-roll bar

Rear Suspension
Multilink, coil springs, telescopic dampers, 18-mm diameter anti-roll bar

All Around
Active Suspension Management option

Brakes F/R
11.3-inch vented disc, 10.7-inch solid disc, four-wheel anti-lock

Rear
13.0-inch vented rotors with four-piston fixed aluminum monoblock black calipers

Wheels & Tires
17-inch Rotor Alloy wheels, Continental ContiPro Contact 212/55R17 94H tires

Steering
Electronic assist, rack & pinion

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