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Volkswagen New Beetle

Photo: Volkswagen New Beetle by Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. It shows the model, not always this exact version.

Volkswagen · model year 2001

2001 Volkswagen New Beetle

Subcompact · Front-Wheel Drive · Diesel · EPA class: Subcompact Cars

EPA figures · 2001fueleconomy.gov
33MPG combined
29/40MPG city / highway
$2,900fuel a year
308 g CO₂ per mile 1.9 L 4-cyl turbo Automatic 4-spd
This car on fueleconomy.gov, read 2 October 2026. Your own figures depend on how and where you drive.

Where it places

The CarCody take

The 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle is a diesel-powered subcompact car with front-wheel drive, a 1.9-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a four-speed automatic transmission. Its EPA fuel economy is 29 MPG in the city and 40 MPG on the highway, for 33 MPG combined. The listed annual fuel cost is $2,900, and tailpipe CO2 emissions are 308.48 grams per mile. The alternative-fuel classification is diesel. Together, these details outline the New Beetle’s engine, drivetrain and transmission as well as its fuel-use profile. Shoppers can use the city, highway and combined ratings to consider different driving patterns, while the annual-cost and emissions figures round out the running-cost picture for this version.

Good to know

  • 33 MPG combined
  • 40 MPG highway
  • Diesel fuel
  • Four-speed automatic transmission

Watch for

  • $2,900 annual fuel cost
  • Diesel fuel type
  • 308.48 g/mile tailpipe CO2

Who it suits. It suits shoppers considering a diesel subcompact with front-wheel drive and an automatic transmission. Its 40 MPG highway and 33 MPG combined ratings are relevant for comparing fuel use.

The New Beetle pairs a turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine with a four-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. Its 33 MPG combined rating and $2,900 annual fuel cost are key running-cost figures to weigh.

Overview

The 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle is a diesel-powered subcompact car with front-wheel drive and an automatic 4-speed transmission. Its 1.9-liter four-cylinder turbo engine is paired with official EPA ratings of 29 mpg in city driving, 40 mpg on the highway and 33 mpg combined.

The EPA lists annual fuel cost at $2,900 and tailpipe carbon dioxide emissions at 308.48 grams per mile. Those figures give buyers a basis for considering fuel use and emissions alongside the car’s other ownership needs. The available specifications do not include purchase price, maintenance costs, passenger or cargo capacity, or equipment details.

Key features

  • Engine: 1.9-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel.
  • Transmission: 4-speed automatic.
  • Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive.
  • EPA class: Subcompact Cars.

Platforms

This New Beetle uses diesel fuel. Its official EPA estimates are 29 mpg city, 40 mpg highway and 33 mpg combined. The listed annual fuel cost is $2,900, with tailpipe CO2 emissions of 308.48 grams per mile. These are fuel-economy and emissions figures, not a stated driving range.

Who it's for

The figures may help shoppers comparing diesel cars and subcompact models understand the New Beetle’s official fuel economy and estimated annual fuel cost. Buyers weighing it against other cars should also consider that the supplied specifications do not establish purchase price, condition, maintenance history, or feature content.

For a broader look at the make, browse the Volkswagen cars list.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • The EPA figures provide city, highway and combined fuel economy, along with an annual fuel-cost estimate.
  • Front-wheel drive and an automatic transmission are clearly specified.

Considerations

  • The listed fuel cost is an estimate; individual running costs can differ.
  • The available facts do not describe condition, safety equipment, comfort features, or maintenance requirements.

Alternatives

For shoppers considering other Volkswagen models, alternatives include the 2027 Volkswagen Jetta and 2027 Volkswagen Golf GTI. The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas is another option in the listed lineup. Their specifications are not included here, so a direct comparison of fuel economy, cost, or equipment would require checking each model’s details.

Verdict

The 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle’s defining facts here are its diesel 1.9-liter turbo four-cylinder, front-wheel drive, 4-speed automatic, and EPA-rated 33 mpg combined. Its 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway ratings, $2,900 estimated annual fuel cost, and 308.48 grams per mile of tailpipe CO2 offer useful points for an initial running-cost comparison. They are not a complete ownership picture: purchase price, vehicle condition, maintenance, and equipment are not specified.

Every figure on record

Efficiency
Combined MPG
33 MPG
City MPG
29 MPG
Highway MPG
40 MPG
Running cost
Annual fuel cost
$2,900
Tailpipe CO₂
308 g per mile
The car
Model year
2001
Body
Car
EPA size class
Subcompact Cars
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Powertrain
Engine
1.9 L 4-cyl turbo
Transmission
Automatic 4-spd
Fuel
Diesel

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