I agree with Jake, better than 30 is not that common for a Bug. Not that it can't be done, there was a Ghia in Hawaii back in the mid eighties that was getting 50mpg, small displacement, long stroke, really heavy crank pulley.
That said, I had a 1990 Calif 1.0L Geo Metro, it got 50+ mpg all but 2 tanks for 130K miles. The 2 tanks were during a catalytic conv problem, car drove like crap, mileage dropped to 42. I knew there was somethng major going on... It drove better than my '58 bug, stronger over the Grapevine (Interstate 5 north from LA). The new Metro models lost mpg every year until it's demise... go figure.
I tried to buy a new TDI Jetta last year, was told "VW wouldn't bring 'em into CA any more, how about a GTI, you'll like that better..."
It's consumers, the populace, the car buying public that have done this to our choices. As a wise man once said, "I hate you guys, I'm going home."
Eric
Time to pick up my thirsty 914 from the shop...