2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI MSRP Announced, Prices Starting at $23,995

Back in April, we had the chance to test drive the new-for-2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI, and with the car set to go on sale in August, VW has finally announced the starting and various trim level prices for the fuel-efficient, diesel-powered Beetle. Although we guessed that the new VW Beetle TDI would be priced "just under" the Beetle Turbo's $23,395 starting price, the actual price will be slightly higher than this sporty version with an official MSRP of $23,995. There will be three trim levels available for the 2013 Beetle TDI all of which will offer the choice of a six-speed manual transmission or VW's six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic for an extra $1,100.

The starting price of the new diesel Beetle TDI will include cruise control, VW's V-Tex leatherette seat material, leather-wrapped steering wheel, an added chrome package inside and out, keyless entry with push-button start and an eight-speaker audio system with Bluetooth and SiriusXM Satellite radio. Visually, all Beetle TDI models can be distinguished by the exclusive 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels that have a stylish five split-spoke design as well as a unique trio of gauges atop the instrument panel displaying the oil temperature gauge, a stopwatch and a turbo boost gauge. For a little added sportiness, the Beetle TDI also gets a flat-bottom, multi-function steering wheel just like what is found in the Beetle Turbo.

Stepping up to the Beetle TDI with Sunroof increases to $24,895, and it includes a panoramic power sunroof and an upgraded audio head unit with touch-screen controls. Finally, the top-of-the-line Beetle TDI with Sunroof, Sound and Navigation (which is the model we drove for our first drive review) will start at $26,195 with its navigation system and the high-power Fender audio system.

Aside from pricing, the fuel economy of the 2013 VW Beetle TDI is going to be very important for this car, but while the official EPA fuel economy numbers have yet to be announced, Volkswagen now expects the car to return 32 miles per gallon in the city and 41 mpg on the highway - significantly better than the 29 mpg city / 39 mpg highway numbers that were announced when the car debuted at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. Based on our short drive with this car and other TDI models we've also driven in recent years, we know the car will have no problem exceeding its EPA estimates. During our short time with the 2013 Beetle TDI, we saw around 35 mpg while pushing the car fairly hard along some of the California's twisty roads. The heard of the new 2013 VW Beetle TDI is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four diesel that produces 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque.