Does the 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle take premium or regular gas?

The EPA lists the 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle 1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, FWD as taking premium. Combined MPG is 23, and the EPA estimates about $3,350 a year in fuel.

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2004 Volkswagen New Beetle — 1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, FWD

This 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle (1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, FWD) takes premium gasoline. PREMIUM

MPG combined (20 city / 27 hwy)

$3,350

est. fuel cost / year (EPA, 15k mi)

—

tailpipe CO₂

The EPA lists this trim as premium because that's the fuel the manufacturer specified for its mileage test. Many such engines will run on regular with slightly lower power and MPG — but check your owner's manual to see whether premium is required or just recommended.

Other 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle trims

Trim	Fuel	MPG	Fuel/yr
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, FWD	REGULAR	24	$2,600
2.0L 4-cyl, 5-spd manual, FWD	REGULAR	24	$2,600
1.9L 4-cyl, 5-spd manual, FWD	DIESEL	36	$2,150
1.9L 4-cyl, S6 automatic, FWD	DIESEL	33	$2,350
1.8L 4-cyl, 5-spd manual, FWD	PREMIUM	24	$3,200
1.8L 4-cyl, 6-spd manual, FWD	PREMIUM	23	$3,350

EPA fuel type: Premium · class: Subcompact Cars · retrieved 2026-06-14.