Looking almost exactly like it did back in 1998, the Beetle TDI looks like it belongs on the shelves at your local Toys R Us store versus a car dealership. Looks can be deceiving though, the Volkswagen Beetle is hardly a cheap toy. Since the Volkswagen New Beetle first came into production for the 1998 model year it has always been on my "future car to buy" shopping list. Even though not much has changed with the Beetle over the past 5 years, my opinion on this vehicle has.

For the '03 model year the Volkswagen Beetle TDI comes in two generically titled trim levels; GL and GLS. Both trim levels come standard with a turbocharged diesel powered 1.9 liter 4-cylinder engine producing 90 horsepower at an extremely low 3,750 RPM and a whopping 155lb-ft of torque at an almost idle 1,900 RPM. Two transmissions are available; a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic.

Driving Impressions:

Despite the extremely low horsepower rating offered from this turbocharged 1.9 liter diesel 4-banger, the Beetle TDI GL is not as slow as you might think. Coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission, my Beetle TDI GL seemed to scoot from the light with almost as much prowess many regular gas powered cars, i.e., the 2.0 powered Beetle. Don't get me wrong, the TDI is far from being fast, and barely can claim adequate acceleration status, however thanks to the large amounts of torque generated at such a low RPM, the TDI does not leave you struggling to keep up with traffic. If you have ever owned/driven an older diesel powered VW product, you will probably agree that when attempting to accelerate from an onramp into busy rush hour interstate traffic that it can often times be scary; not the case with the Beetle TDI. The Beetle won't put you at 100 MPH before you reach the end of the onramp, however you also won't be pushed into the bicycle lane waiting for a good clearing in traffic.

Unless you like the sound of many older diesel powered VWs ("chugalug") most consumers will likely find the sound/behavior of the TDI Beetle pleasantly surprising. This 1.9 diesel engine sounds more like a refined gas powered power plant under full throttle, not an engine that runs off of diesel fuel. One should also appreciate the lack of smelly exhaust smoke when idling at stop lights, or when accelerating. Although Volkswagen has always been pretty good at keeping diesel exhaust smoke to a minimum, the 2003 Beetle TDI does an exceptional job keeping exhaust gases totally devoid of any sort of blue/gray pigment. The horrid smell so often associated with diesel engine's is also eliminated. If you put your hand near the exhaust outflow, your hand will smell just like any other new gas powered car; clean.

Note: According to California, this clean smell just does not cut the mustard. VW will not sell any of their diesel powered vehicles in this state for the 2004 model year.

The Beetle TDI's 5-speed manual transmission is smooth in operation; gearing is good, and there are no gigantic jumps when shifting through lower gears. This good gearing enables the driver to get the most power possible from the TDI's 8 valve 1.9 liter turbo diesel engine. My only gripes with this transmission is the shifter; throws are far too long for aggressive shifting. The shifter itself also feels a tad cheap in the GL; far from what you would usually find in a post millennium Volkswagen, or any car with a MSRP over $15,000.

Like the regular 2.0 Beetles, the TDI is a fair handler. Body lean can be somewhat alarming on extremely twisty roads, though, overall the Beetle TDI remains solid and planted to the pavement. Those who are looking for a more sporting driving experience might want to go with the Turbo S trim level (forget about the 49 MPG though). The TDI's ability to tackle twisty roads will likely satisfy most drivers looking for a car that provides this type of fuel economy. Relatively large (P205/55 HR/16s AS) tires come as standard equipment which aid in both good grip and stability. Braking is also a noteworthy asset. Four-wheel disc brakes coupled with four-wheel ABS come as standard equipment (a braking system that is usually only optional in economy cars) provides the Beetle TDI with excellent stopping power.

Cursing at freeway speeds in the TDI was a pleasant surprise. Instead of the constant buzzing sounds blaring from the engine bay/exhaust that are so common with older diesel powered automobiles, the New Beetle TDI's engine remains both composed and quiet; not giving a hint of the type of powetrain that is under the hood. On the other hand, wind noise can be heard quite clearly beyond 65 MPH within the cabin. This wind noise is probably not so abrupt that it will determine whether or not one will purchase this vehicle, though VW could have done a better job in this department.

The TDI also does well on rough road surfaces. Bumps in the road are not exactly isolated from the TDI's occupants, however the TDI does a much better job absorbing these types of road imperfections than much of the competition.

Hill climbing in the TDI is surprisingly good. Aside from 7-10% inclines, I rarely had to downshift to hold 65-70 MPH when traveling through mountainous terrain. The high levels of torque generated from this engine at such a low engine rev obviously plays a huge role in helping the TDI be a hill climbing champ. If things do get too steep, a downshift into 4th will propel you up the most demanding mountain roads with little fuss from the engine bay.

Good fuel economy is why the TDI was made. What the TDI lacks in acceleration is justified by the TDI's amazing fuel consumption; or lack of. Coming in at 42/49 with the 5-speed manual transmission puts the VW Beetle TDI on par with the older 3-cylinder powered Geo Metro's. Since the fuel tank is 15 gallons, you could theoretically travel from San Diego California to Red Bluff California (almost 800 miles) on one tank of gas.

Interior:

The interior of the TDI is where my major gripes comes into play. To start, the instrument cluster is too small. This cluster does house all of your essential gauges, though the speedometer steals a good 80% of the space provided. I usually don't have a problem with an overly large speedometer, however in the TDI it pushes the other instruments to the bottom corners. Due to this lack of space, the tachometer, the fuel gauge, etc., are absolutely tiny. This large speedometer/small tachometer setup can also be found in cars like the Honda Accord Sedan/Coupe, however it seems to be much more annoying in the Beetle TDI.

Other complaints include the tiny glove box, the tiny netted map pockets (why some cars come with netted map pockets is beyond me; this disables a pen, or small items to stay secure), the small cup holders, the tacky flower vase, and the cheap cloth seats. The plastics used throughout the cabin (aside from the front dash plastics) also feel cheap. Even though the materials used in the TDI feel eons more refined than the previous generation Beetle, the entire cabin of the TDI could do with a minor quality control overhaul.

Despite my complaints, there are many aspects of this interior that I absolutely adore. The body colored door panels are a very cool retro touch (also found in the PT Cruiser), the steering wheel feels great (even though it does not house the cruise control buttons), and the gadgetry is some of the easiest to use in the Beetle's class. Though the HVAC controls are at the bottom of the center stack, they are still high enough on the dash fascia to allow for easy access. This easy access also applies to the stereo controls, the shifter, and even the small glove box.

Amenities are not sacrificed in the Beetle TDI GL. Standard equipment includes just about anything you could want in an economy car. AC, cruise control, power windows, tilt steering/manual telescoping, remote trunk and locks, 3 12 volt power outlets, dual front and side air bags, a decent sounding 6-speaker cassette/CD sound system, and much more. All info can be had at www.vw.com. The only optional packages on the TDI GL are the cold weather package $300 (adds heated seats and windshield washer nozzles) and the Monsoon sound system package (upgrades to an 8-speaker Monsoon sound system).

Note: For leather and other options you must go with the GLS (add $2,000 to the MSRP, plus the cost of the packages).

Seating is adequate; not exactly comfortable, but not uncomfortable. Bolstering of the upper and lower portion of the seats are enough for somewhat aggressive driving, though I would have appreciated some added support. On a positive note, the seats adjust perfectly allowing for a great driving position. This good driving position enables good outward vision and (as mentioned) easy access to all accessories. Rear seating is full bench with novel head restraints.

Both head and leg room is generous up front; both the driver and front passenger have enough space to stretch out in total comfort. Unfortunately the same can not be said about the rear. Rear passenger space in the Beetle TDI is borderline inadequate. Not only is leg room limited in the back, but so is head room. Even at 5'6" I had a hard time getting comfortable, I can only imagine the pain a tall rear passenger might endure on a long road trip in this vehicle.

Looking for a cargo holding boat? Look elsewhere. The Beetle does have split folding rear seats that further the trunk's cargo space, though the stowage area is still very limited; sorry no bicycles or computer boxes.

Note: The Beetle seats up to 4 people.


Price/Warranty:

The Beetle TDI GL comes with a pretty standard price tag. Unlike the GLS which can run over $22,000 after options, the GL starts out near $17,500 and tops out at around $18,000 before taxes. Even with the standard equipment offered in the Beetle TDI, I feel this price is about $2,000 too much. The TDI is almost $2,000 more than the base 2.0 GL (both have the same luxury equipment). With that 2,000 dollars saved by going with the 2.0 GL, one could easily make up for fuel costs for the first few years or so (the Beetle TDI receives an estimated 15-20 MPG more than the 2.0). The same can be said about the Civic Hybrid versus the Civic EX, although the Civic Hybrid comes with slightly more equipment than the regular trim levels (both exterior and interior) that helps justify the price increase. If anything does happen to your Beetle TDI GL, VW offers an adequate 4 year/50,000 mile bumper-bumper warranty.

Final Thoughts:

I enjoyed my experience with the Beetle TDI. The TDI offers excellent fuel economy, good looks, a decent amount of standard equipment, and adequate overall performance. I'm rating the 2003 Beetle TDI at 3.4 stars and giving this vehicle my recommendation. Again, I would like to see the price lowered, the quality of the interior improved, and perhaps a 20% increase in power for some added excitement.

Interested in a slightly more refined fuel saving machine? Check out my review on the the Honda Civic Hybrid.

-Thanks for reading.


Amount Paid (US$): 18,000
Condition: New
Model Year: 2003
Model and Options: Beetle TDI GL, 5-speed manual