GREEN | 7 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
Not yet rated
EPA
Unofficial fuel economy ratings: 22/29 mpg (base automatic); 22/30 mpg (turbo DSG); 29/40 mpg (turbodiesel DSG)
Volkswagen
Volkswagen's claiming that the DSG-equipped Turbo cars will get 22/30 mpg city/ highway. For a sporty car, that's great. Oddly, the 2.5-liter gets only 22/29, though of course it costs less.
Motor Trend
Volkswagen has high fuel-economy hopes for the Beetle. The 2012 model offers a choice of two engines with good highway fuel economy, and a 40-mpg version is in the wings to take on the likes of the Ford Focus and Hyundai Veloster--though it's unclear if it will arrive in time for the 2012 model year.
The base 2012 Beetle comes standard with Volkswagen's five-cylinder engine. To be offered with a manual transmission, it's also coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission, and the combination earns an estimated 22/29 mpg. The EPA ratings aren't yet official: we'll update this page and the Beetle's green score when they're released.
With the optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four, fuel economy actually rises. Volkswagen expects the Beetle Turbo will be rated at 22/30 mpg when equipped with the dual-clutch automatic transmission. A manual transmission will be available as well, but estimated gas mileage hasn't been announced.
Finally, there's a turbodiesel Beetle on tap for sometime in 2012. Volkswagen thinks it may be the most fuel-efficient Beetle ever, and pegs its fuel economy at 29/40 mpg when equipped with the dual-clutch automatic. The official EPA ratings haven't been released, though.
Conclusion
With a 40-mpg model yet to come, the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle still earns competitive fuel economy ratings for its size and price.
