Volkswagen Beetle Delivers More MPGs with Diesel Model

BEDFORD, MASS. (02/16/2012)(readMedia)-- The successes of Volkswagen's TDI Clean Diesel technology and its 21st Century Beetle have each depended on breaking some long-held perceptions with American buyers. While the automaker's TDI models have won over a country that has long been skeptical of diesels, its 2012 VW Beetle now appeals to drivers that lean more towards power than "flower." Both innovations converged last week at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show with the debut of the new 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI, arriving at VW dealerships this summer.

In Chicago, the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI showed off its 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection Clean Diesel engine, which produces 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. Available with either a six-speed manual or dual-clutch DSG automatic transmission, Volkswagen predicts that the Beetle TDI will achieve an impressive 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. The diesel model maintains the sportier styling of the latest Beetle and will be available in three trim levels, including a top level that features a Fender premium audio system and a five-inch touchscreen navigation system.

"The 21st Century Beetle is designed both inside and out for higher performance, and the TDI model will allow buyers to have that performance with even better fuel economy," said Ray Hovsepian, general manager of Bedford, Massachusetts VW dealer Minuteman VW. "Volkswagen's TDI engines have already proven their worth across a wide variety of models in the VW lineup, and I'm excited to see it housed in the stylish new Beetle."

The same 2.0-liter powerplant that appears in the Beetle TDI also powers TDI models of the VW Golf, Jetta and Passat. By using direct injection and turbocharging technology, TDI Clean Diesel engines are able to deliver more torque and better fuel efficiency than their naturally aspirated counterparts. That technology allows the 2012 Volkswagen Golf TDI and Jetta TDI to each achieve up to 42 mpg on the highway, while the 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI reaches up to 43 mpg.

Though the Passat's TDI model makes up roughly 20 percent of the sedan's sales, it is the overall popularity of the vehicle that has prompted the automaker to create 200 additional jobs in order to boost production at its Chattanooga, Tennessee manufacturing plant. Volkswagen expects total vehicle production to increase from 31 to 35 cars per hour while the plant is in operation. Currently, the plant employs more than 2,500 people and can produce around 150,000 vehicles annually.

The 2012 Volkswagen Passat comes standard with a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that delivers 170 horsepower and returns up to 32 mpg on the highway. Standard features like daytime running lights, Bluetooth connectivity, six airbags and a competitive MSRP help boost the Passat's attractiveness in the eyes of potential buyers.

"Customers start looking at the Passat for different reasons," added Hovsepian. "Some are attracted to the safety features and others are pulled in by the technology. Of course, everyone can agree on great fuel economy, and the Passat has that going for it across all trims, whether it's the base model or the TDI."

About Minuteman Volkswagen:

Minuteman Volkswagen, located in Bedford, Massachusetts, is renowned throughout the region for its friendly and knowledgeable sales staff, skilled VW service department and impressive selection of new and used Volkswagens. If you're in the market for a quality new or pre-owned Volkswagen at the right price, Minuteman is where you want to be. For more information, you can visit their Greater Boston Volkswagen dealership on the web at www.minutemanvw.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MinutemanVW, call them at 781.275.8000 or stop by their showroom at 39 North Rd. in Bedford, Massachusetts.