2017 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLE: EVERYDAY DROP-TOP FUN FOR FOUR
09/13/2016
Volkswagen
The Beetle has been one of the most popular open-top cars ever built since the type 15 Convertible debuted in 1949, with more than 500,000 examples being built between its release and the current car, which went on sale in 2012 as a 2013 model. Each iteration has reinforced the Beetle's iconic design and inspired a whole new generation of buyers.
New for 2017
Like the Beetle coupe, the 2017 Beetle Convertible 1.8T gets a revised exterior, featuring more aggressive front and rear bumper designs with chrome accents. The R-Line(R) Convertible is dropped, but two new models join the lineup: the #PinkBeetle Convertible and the 1.8T Dune Convertible.
The #PinkBeetle Convertible is a limited-edition model, using the 170-hp 1.8-liter TSI(R) engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. Offered in its own unique shade of Fresh Fuchsia Metallic paint, the limited-edition Beetle model's eye-catching paint is contrasted by gloss-black mirror caps and black running boards.
#PinkBeetle Convertibles are fitted with 18-inch multi-spoke "Twister" aluminum-alloy wheels, as well as Bi-Xenon(R) headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights, LED taillights and LED rear license plate lighting as standard.
Interior design features of the #PinkBeetle include a black dashpad 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 Volkswagen Car-Net(R) suite of features. USB and Bluetooth(R) connectivity for compatible devices is standard, along with a rearview camera and a 3-month trial of SiriusXM(R) Satellite Radio. Other standard equipment includes heatable front seats and KESSY(R) keyless access with push-button start.
The 1.8T Dune Convertible is new for Model Year 2017 as well. Overall, the Dune has a bolder appearance in the Beetle range, thanks to the fitment of new front and rear fascias and pronounced black wheelarch extensions that flow into the bumpers. Additionally, the Dune's raised ride height of 0.4 inches and a 0.6-inch wider body give it a more rugged stance.
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 foglights. A Lighting Package is available, adding Bi-Xenon headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights and LED rear license plate lighting.
The side of the vehicle is characterized by the contrast between the polished aluminum sills and black trim strips that are reminiscent of the original Beetle running boards. Distinctive 18-inch "Canyon" aluminum-alloy wheels are fitted with 235/45 all-season tires. The side mirrors have contrasting black lower portions and Reflex Silver uppers, and "Dune" graphics are displayed on both doors. At the back, the Dune features a large rear spoiler, standard LED taillights, and a new bumper design that integrates matte black and aluminum elements.
Inside, the 2017 1.8T Dune Convertible features sport seats with contrasting "Curry" yellow stitching and a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel. The Dune is fitted with the Composition Media infotainment system with standard Volkswagen Car-Net App-Connect, USB and Bluetooth connectivity for compatible devices, along with a rearview camera and the Park Distance Control (ParkPilot) system. A Technology Package is available, which adds Climatronic(R) dual-zone automatic climate control, the award-winning Fender(R) Premium Audio System, and KESSY keyless access with push-button start.
The 2017 1.8T Dune Convertible is available in three exterior colors: Sandstorm Yellow, Pure White, and or Deep Black Pearl. Sandstorm Yellow cars have an interior that features body color upper door trims and dashpads, whereas the Pure White and Deep Black Pearl vehicles have piano black door and dashpad trim.
Exterior
The Beetle Convertible retains the bold, purposeful stance of the coupe, thanks to wide tracks and a long wheelbase: the car is 71.2 inches wide; 58.0 inches tall; and 168.4 inches long.
To help with rigidity, the Beetle Convertible's body added reinforcements compared to the coupe. This included the use of partial body reinforcements and sheet metal with greater strength such as:
The A-pillar's interior bar is 0.5 mm thicker and made from ultra-high-strength hot-formed steel instead of cold-formed metal. There is also a reinforcement in the "bend area"
The front roof crossmember has an additional central plate
Additional tubing made of ultra-high-strength (hot formed) steel between the B-pillars as well as a stronger heel plate
More sheetmetal in the lower body side members
An extra rear panel that integrates the Automatic Rollover Support System is made of high-strength steel
Top up, the Beetle Convertible has an even lower roofline than the coupe. Volkswagen decided to stick with a traditional soft top because it allows for a roofline that's more like the original 1949 type 15's. Also, a soft top takes up less space than a folding hardtop, thus providing more trunk space.
The top is powered by two electric motors and latches and unlatches at the touch of a button, which is located on the upper rail of the windshield surround. The top takes just 9.5 seconds to stow and 11.0 seconds to be raised (the difference is in the time it takes to latch the roof's header to the windshield). The top can be raised and lowered at driving speeds of up to 31 mph.
Pressing and holding the button opens the top, while pulling and holding closes it. The side windows automatically drop when the top is opened and are raised when it closes. There is an indicator light located in the instrument panel. Trunk space remains the same whether the top is open or closed.
An integrated wind blocking system is available on the Beetle Convertible as a Volkswagen Genuine Accessory. It can be housed in the trunk under the convertible top area and neatly stowed when folded and not in use. The storage compartment for the wind blocker is designed to allow full use of the trunk area.
Interior
Similar to the original Beetle, the car has an extra glovebox integrated into the dashboard-the kaeferfach or "Beetle bin". The lid folds upward, while the standard glovebox opens downward. All 2017 Beetle Convertibles are well equipped. The entry 1.8-liter model has standard 16-inch "Whirl" aluminum-alloy wheels; automatic headlights and an auto-dimming mirror; a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel; leather-wrapped shift knob and brake lever; three-color adjustable ambient lighting; heatable front seats and exterior mirrors; cruise control; leatherette seating surfaces; eight-speaker sound system; and a rearview camera.
Available features include KESSY keyless access with push-button start; navigation system; the award-winning Fender Premium Audio System; Bi-Xenon headlights; Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert; Park Distance Control (ParkPilot); and Sirius XM Satellite Radio.
Even though the latest Beetle Convertible has a sleek and sporty roofline, front and rear passenger headroom remains plentiful. The longer roof section allows for 37.6 inches of rear-seat headroom. Up front, there is 41.3 inches of legroom and 55.3 inches of shoulder room. Overall interior volume is 81.4 cubic feet. The trunk offers 7.1 cubic feet of space and a split-folding rear seat-new on this Beetle-allows the car to carry bulkier and larger items than is typical of a convertible.
One of the most technologically advanced features in the 2017 Beetle comes in the form of its MIB II touchscreen infotainment system. S models feature a Composition Color touchscreen radio with a 5.0-inch resistive 400x240 color display and a host of standard features including AUX-in, SD card slot, and a USB multimedia interface with Apple iPhone(R) and iPod(R) compatibility, reverse camera display, and Bluetooth technology.
The infotainment system offers one of the most comprehensive suites of connected vehicle services and features available in the automotive industry today. Features available through the new Car-Net are divided into three key areas, "App-Connect," "Security & Service," and "Guide & Inform."
App-Connect. The Composition Media unit is standard on the #PinkBeetle, SE and Dune models. Incorporating the features from the Composition Color unit, the Composition Media unit adds an 800 x 480 capacitive color touch display with proximity sensor, with a 6.3-inch screen. Other standard features include App-Connect smartphone integration featuring Apple CarPlayTM, Android AutoTM, and MirrorLink(R), Bluetooth with the ability to send and receive SMS text messages with compatible phones, sync two phones simultaneously, two SD card slots, and a JPEG viewer, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, HD Radio and support for lossless audio file format (Free Lossless Audio Codec FLAC).
SEL models feature the Discover Media unit, which captures the features available in the previous two units and adds 2.5D Navigation, one-shot voice destination entry, predicts possible destinations based on often used routes, and Destination Entry with Quick Search and Auto-complete, and Car-Net Guide & Inform.
Security & Service. With the Car-Net Security & Service suite, owners can access their VW remotely through vw.com/carnet as well as a smartphone app, providing access to the features available from virtually anywhere your mobile device is connected to wireless internet.
Available security related features include Automatic Crash Notification, which can automatically notify an operator who can contact first responders in the event of an collision; Manual Emergency Call, a feature that allows for quick access to customer specialists at the touch of a button; Roadside Assistance, for added peace-of-mind in the event of trouble on the road; and Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance, which uses VW Car-Net Security & Service to assist law enforcement with locating your vehicle in the event that it is stolen.
In addition, Volkswagen Car-Net Security & Service offers layers of convenience, such as remote vehicle access, remote door lock and unlock, remote honk and flash (of lights), last parked location information, and remote status check (doors and windows).
The Car-Net Security & Service also offers Family Guardian, a suite of features that help families. Features including speed alert, which can notify the owner of the vehicle when the preset maximum speed limit is exceeded; and boundary alert, which can alert you if the vehicle has traveled outside of a pre-set virtual boundary.
Diagnostics and maintenance information is also available through VW Car-Net. A Vehicle Health Report allows Volkswagen customers to check to see an overview of vehicle diagnostics. When it's time for scheduled service, Car-Net Security & Service can not only alert the customer, but also provide a simple way to schedule a dealer visit. It can even identify the closest dealer in case you need a recommendation.
Customers purchasing new Volkswagen models equipped with Volkswagen Car-Net Security & Service connected vehicle services (not including App-Connect) will receive a no-charge trial for six months after purchase. To extend the benefits of this connectivity system, customers can choose from a number of Volkswagen Car-Net payment options: 1 year, for $199; 2 years for $378; 3 years for $540; or, month-to-month, for $17.99.
Guide & Inform. Car-Net Guide & Inform offers an enhanced navigation and infotainment experience for Volkswagen customers. Volkswagen has incorporated technologies that enhance existing navigation offerings while adding an additional level of information that empowers owners.
Satellite navigation is refined with Car-Net Guide & Inform, which incorporates several layers of information right onto the screen. MIB II-equipped Volkswagen models with in-vehicle navigation systems feature real-time fuel prices, sports scores, movie information and weather data as part of the three month SiriusXM Travel Link trial. Volkswagen customers will also enjoy real-time traffic information and a complimentary three-month SiriusXM Traffic trial.
Powertrain
The 2017 Beetle Convertible offers a Gen 3 EA888 1.8-liter turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder TSI engine, which is made in Silao, Mexico. It produces 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, but is also highly efficient. The EPA estimated fuel economy rating is 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway and 24 mpg city and 31 mpg highway for the Dune Convertible.
Chassis
All Beetle Convertible models are fitted with a strut-type front suspension with lower control arms and an anti-roll bar. At the back, all models get a multi-link independent rear suspension with coil springs, telescopic dampers, and an 18-mm-diameter anti-roll bar.
Beetle Convertibles have standard anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake pressure distribution (EBD). The Convertible has 11.3-inch-diameter vented front discs and 10.7-inch-diameter solid rear disc brakes.
Safety
The starting point in the Beetle Convertible's safety suite is a rigid body structure that uses seamless laser welds and ultra-high-strength hot-formed steel in the crash-load paths.
In a convertible, it's especially important to have protection in the event of a rollover accident, which Volkswagen has addressed with a reinforced front roof crossmember, strengthened A-pillar, and the Automatic Rollover Support System. Two roll-over bars are concealed behind the rear bench seat-back, activated by the computer that deploys the airbags in the case of a crash. Along with the fixed A-pillars, they help to provide protection for the occupants of all four seats within milliseconds. Front and head-thorax side airbags are also among the standard equipment.
The Automatic Post-Collision Braking system is a standard safety feature for model year 2017. This system builds on the premise that a collision is rarely a single, instantaneous action, but rather a series of events that follow the initial impact-the most significant of which can cause additional collisions. The Automatic Post-Collision Braking system helps address this by applying the brakes when a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors, thus helping reduce residual kinetic energy and, in turn, the chance of additional damage.
The Beetle Convertible also includes Volkswagen's Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in certain types of collisions.
Driver Assistance Systems
The available Blind Spot Monitor system utilizes a flashing symbol in the outer area of the side mirrors to help indicate the presence of vehicles in the blind spot next to the Beetle Convertible. The system uses radar sensors to help monitor a space around the vehicle with a range of approximately 65 feet.
Beetle Convertible models that are equipped with Blind Spot Monitor are automatically equipped with the Rear Traffic Alert system as well. This not only helps alert the driver to stationary and moving vehicles directly behind the car, but also helps detect vehicles approaching from the side that may be difficult for the driver to see. Like the Blind Spot Monitor, it offers a sizable range of 65 feet, and can present an acoustic warning and apply the brakes if a potential impending collision is detected.
Limited Warranty
The 2017 Beetle Convertible is offered with Volkswagen's five-year/60,000-mile (whichever occurs first) powertrain limited warranty and three-year/36,000-mile (whichever occurs first) new vehicle limited warranty.
Model Line-up
Destination for all Beetle Convertibles is $820
1.8T S
$24,725
1.8T Beetle Classic
$24,995
#PinkBeetle (1.8T)
$26,795
1.8T SE
$26,750
1.8T Dune$29,395
1.8T SEL
$30,275
Competitive Set
Fiat 500
Mini Cooper
About Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc., an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWoA) is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. VWoA's operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state -of-the- art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. VWoA sells the Beetle, Beetle Convertible, CC, e-Golf, Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf GTI, Golf R, Golf SportWagen, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan and Touareg vehicles through approximately 652 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.