The long awaited Volkswagen Beetle TDI is almost upon us. Volkswagen announced today that the new 2012 Beetle TDI clean diesel would start at $23,395, slightly higher than we had hoped, but expected given its higher level of standard equipment than comes on the 2.5 liter gasoline model.

The Beetle TDI comes with VW’s venerable 2.0-liter turbocharged, direct-injection clean diesel engine producing some 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. It is available with both a six-speed manual and an automatic six-speed DSG (robotic manual) transmission. Optioning the DSG transmission adds $1,100.

The EPA estimates that the six-speed manual Beetle TDI will be the mileage champ with 41 mpg highway and 32 mpg city. We fully expect that anecdotal real world hyper-milers will report much higher than official figures.

As stated the Beetle TDI comes standard in a higher level of trim than a 2.5 liter gasoline model. You get power windows with one-touch up/down, cruise control, V-Tex Leatherette seating, front-center armrest, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel with audio controls, three-color ambient lighting, the helpful auxiliary instrument package and keyless entry with push-button start.

For sound Bluetooth enabled AM/FM?CD/SiriusXM Satellite Radio with media device interface. You also get unique 17″ alloy wheels with the Beetle TDI, setting it apart visually as well as an interior/exterior chrome package.

The first upgrade will be the TDI with Sunroof which retails for $24,895. With that you get a panoramic tilt and slide sunroom and a premium touch screen stereo. One more step up is the TDI with Sunroof, Sound and Navigation which is $26,195. This package adds also the Fender audio system and full touch screen navigation.

Pricing includes $770 destination charge