2017 VW #PinkBeetle

By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos VW US Media Newsroom

For 2017 Volkswagen of America introduces the #PinkBeetle having been shown as a concept at the 2015 New York Auto Show. The first vehicle ever to officially be named as its own hashtag, the exclusive run of #PinkBeetle models will be available in coupe and convertible configurations.

Exterior
Placing the original Beetle next to the #PinkBettle, it’s clear that the lines of the rear sections are nearly identical, but the overall look is bolder and more dynamic. The #PinkBeetle also breaks free of the design geometry defined by three semi-circles, front fender, rear fender, and domed roof above it. The roof profile runs distinctly lower and the result is that today’s Beetle is bolder than any of its predecessors.

Highlighting the front end’s new look, the bumper features a large central air intake that widens towards its bottom edge, and a black honeycomb screen has an aluminum-look surround that morphs into the underside of the bumper. On either side of the intake, two black honeycomb vents contain the fog-lights.

Offered in its own unique shade of Fresh Fuchsia Metallic paint, the special edition Beetle model’s eye-catching paint is contrasted by gloss-black mirror caps and black running boards. Coupes are fitted with 17-inch multi-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels, while #PinkBeetle Convertible models feature the 18-inch five-spoke Twister design. Both coupe and convertible versions have Bi-Xenon headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights, LED taillamps and LED rear license plate lighting as standard.

Interior
The interior design features of the #PinkBeetle include a black dash-pad with surrounding pink accent and a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel. The Pink Club cloth seats are reminiscent of the signature plaid inserts of the GTI, replacing the classic design’s red striping with a perfectly-matched pink hue. Standard equipment includes Volkswagen’s MIB II infotainment system, which serves as the foundation for the VW CarNet App-Connect suite of features. App-Connect technology enables smartphone integration through three Interior major platforms: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink allowing seamless connectivity for compatible devices.

In addition, the #PinkBeetle is fitted with Volkswagen’s Composition Media infotainment system that has a 6.3-inch screen with a capacitive touch sensor to enable gesture controls like swiping and pinch-zooming. MIB II also features a proximity sensor, which detects when a hand is nearby and automatically switches its display to allow easier selection of specific features. USB and Bluetooth connectivity for compatible devices is standard, along with a rearview camera and a 3-month trial of SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Other standard equipment includes heatable front seats and KESSY Keyless access with pushbutton start.

Front and rear passenger headroom is plentiful. The car has 37.1 inches of rear-seat headroom, 41.3 inches of front legroom, and 55.3 inches of front shoulder room. The overall interior volume is 85 cubic feet. The trunk offers 15.4 cubic feet of space: with the seats folded, the capacity increases to 29.9 cubic feet. A split-folding rear seat and a wide opening trunk lid help ease loading and unloading.

Performance
The 2017 #PinkBeetle will be offered in limited quantities across the United States. With a 1.8-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, #PinkBeetle produces 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.

The DSG dual-clutch transmission combines the comfort and ease-of-use of an automatic with the responsiveness and economy of a manual. The six-speed, transversely-mounted DSG unit features two wet clutches with hydraulic pressure regulation.

With DSG, the setup allows the next-higher gear to be engaged but remain on standby until it is actually selected. In other words, if the Beetle is being driven in third gear, fourth is selected but not yet activated. As soon as the ideal shift point is reached, the clutch on the third-gear side opens, the other clutch closes and fourth gear engages under accurate electronic supervision.

Summary
The Volkswagen #PinkBeetle carries on the Beetle legacy into 2017 with this limited-edition model that offers you the chance to be a little unique. Prices for the 2017 Volkswagen #PinkBeetle start at $21,890.00. The one I drove the Coupe Version, included the Fresh Fuchsia Metallic Exterior Paint, Club Pink Plaid Interior and the 6 Speed Automatic Transmission all at no charge, EPA fuel economy estimates 24 MPG City and 33 MPG Highway.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com

 

Posted in CAR REVIEWS, VW.

Emilio Lezcano

Journalist - Editor - Photographer
Professional Race Car Driver

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