Test Drive with Kyle Ashby

2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI

Seat time is important when investigating the driving benefits of any vehicle. Thanks to Volkswagen, I was able to get an abundant amount of seat time in a Denim Blue, Turbo Diesel Beetle as I drove from Northern Utah to the Boise Idaho area.

Generally speaking, I’m a huge fan of diesel engines for their power, torque and fuel efficiency. Having owned and driven many different kind of diesel engines for a variety of purposes, I have to say this is the first time experiencing the TDI engine which Volkswagen made mainstream and desirable. The 2.0L 140 horsepower 4 cylinder TDI clean diesel engine with 236 lb·ft torque is a fun driving solution that gets great fuel mileage. The fuel mileage is rated at 29 MPG in the city and 39 MPG on the highway, but I averaged just over 40 MPG driving nearly 700 miles to Southwest Idaho and back.

Even though the Beetle is in the class of compact cars, I was impressed with the leg room allowed for the driver and front passenger. The Beetle seats up to four, but it is a cozy experience with four, full-grown adults. The quartz leatherette interior throughout the car enhances the denim blue dash and doors. The center of the dash is capped with three circular gauges complete with engine temperature, turbo psi and a stop watch.

Some of the features from the driver’s seat include a height adjustable, telescoping, leather-wrapped, multi-function steering wheel with heated front V-Tex Leatherette seats, heated front washer nozzles and Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity. The rest of the vehicle’s occupants can enjoy commercial free SiriusXM satellite radio, streaming music wirelessly through a Bluetooth device or music downloaded through the media device interface with an iPod cable located in the glove compartment. All music can be enjoyed through the 8-speaker sound system. Three- color ambient lighting can be adjusted from red or white to blue.

The instrument panel includes digital readouts of current fuel consumption, average fuel mileage, fuel tank range, average speed, digital speed and fluid temperatures. Music information can be displayed through the instrument panel and controlled easily from the steering wheel.

One of Volkswagen’s taglines used for this Beetle is “Still Turns Heads. Just Faster.” I don’t know if it was the exterior color, quick freeway entrances or another reason, but I noticed a lot of people taking notice of me driving a denim blue turbo diesel Beetle.

Visit a Volkswagen dealer and ask them about a similar driving experience.

Base MSRP: $24,395
Price as Driven: $25,460