Remember when Volkswagen showed off the Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Wave Concept at the 2015 New York Auto Show, along with the Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Denim Concept, the Volkswagen Beetle R-Line Concept, and the Volkswagen Beetle Pink Color Edition? Some of them were just fun concepts, but the Pink Color Edition wasn’t there to snap up attention. Apparently, according to VW, dealers in the U.S. and China get frequent requests a pink Beetle. Well, the Pink Color Edition must have been a big hit because, for the 2017 model year, VW is releasing a limited edition Beetle in pink livery called the #PinkBeetle.

After looking at the images of the #PinkBeetle, and looking back at the 2015 concept, I’m pretty sure there is a joke to be told. Not because it’s Pink, but because VW apparently doesn’t know how to make an exterior shade of pink. See, the concept was more like a Magenta color, and the new #PinkBeetle looks almost red, despite the exterior finish being called “Fresh Fuchsia Metallic.” Of course, don’t tear into VW too bad yet, as there is plenty of real pink on the inside to make you happy.

I’m trying to recall a time when I’ve ever heard anyone say they wanted a pink beetle, and I honestly can’t say I have outside of the one girl who dropped a comment about wanting one on the original concept review a couple of years ago. Regardless, this limited-edition model is slated to go on sale later this fall, so let’s dive on in and see what VW did to make it worthy of being a limited-edition model.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Volkswagen #PinkBeetle.

2017 Volkswagen #PinkBeetle

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2017 Volkswagen #PinkBeetle
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 170
  • Torque: 184
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

What makes the Volkswagen #PinkBeetle special

First off, let me start by saying that the #PinkBeetle is officially the first production car – be it a limited-edition model or not – that has ever been named as its own hashtag, so it’s either a big deal for VW or a sad day for humanity, I’m just not sure which yet.

On the outside, the #PinkBeetle is finished in a Fresh Fuchsia Metallic Paint that honestly looks more red than pink to me, but I suppose that could just be the lighting in the images. To add a bit of contrast, the mirror caps and cladding on the lower sides are finished in gloss black. Coupe models come standard with 17-inch multi-spoke Linas aluminum-alloy wheels, while convertible models with get 18-inch, five-spoke Twister wheels. All models come standard with Bi-Xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillamps, and LED lighting for the rear license plate. VW didn’t mention anything specific about the window glass, but in the images the rears look to have a pretty dark tint on them that offers up a little more contrast to the exterior.

Moving to the inside, there is plenty of pink to be happy about. First off, VW started by adding a black dash pad and outlining it with pink accenting. The steering wheel itself is wrapped in leather and also features paddle shifters on those equipped with an automatic transmission. Surprisingly, the seats aren’t wrapped in leather. Instead, they are wrapped in soft cloth with “Pink Club” inserts in the center of the cushion and seatback that feature gray and pink stripes. Furthermore, the outside edges of the headrest, seat cushion and seatback are also outlined in a bright pink stripe.

I should also note that the pink coloration of the metal inside, like at the top of the doors, and around the openings for the doors, are clearly a shade of flat pink. Being a Volkswagen, the #PinkBeetle comes standard with the MIBII 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that allows smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or MirrorLink. There is also USB and Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, and Sirius XM radio that comes completely with a three-month trial subscription. The front seats are heated and the car is equipped with KESSY keyless entry and push-button start.

Under the hood, drivers of the #PinkBeetle will be happy with a 1.8-liter, turbocharged engine that produces 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This is practically the same engine offered in the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle Classic with an increase of seven pound-feet of torque. In the Beetle Classic, the power output is enough for a 0-to-60 mph sprint of 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 115 mph. Of course, the car isn’t a racer by any means, so that should be more than sufficient. Plus a manual transmission is available, so at least you can row your own gears, right?

All told, there isn’t really a whole lot going on with the #PinkBeetle outside of the custom exterior color and the pink accents inside. Of course, VW is claiming a lot of requests for such a model in the U.S. and China, so the model may actually be successful, at least for a limited-edition model anyway. At this time, VW has yet to drop any pricing information, stating only that pricing will be available closer to the car’s official launch in the fall. The beetle has already become a favorite among female drivers, so the #PinkBeetle will probably appeal to teenage girls across the continent. This should be interesting.

Volkswagen Beetle

When it comes to the Volkswagen Beetle, the name is soaked in history that dates back to 1934 when it was commissioned by none other than Adolf Hitler himself. It was originally designed and built by Porsche and sold continually until 1997 when VW launched the “New Beetle.” The car was virtually aimed at the female population – even including a flower vase on the dash. Eventually, production of the car stopped in 2008 when VW decided it was time for a redesign and a more gender-neutral design. The Beetle returned for the 2012 model year with a new, albeit still bubbly, exterior design, a fresh interior, and a decent list of engine options to go with it. The beetle has gone on rather unchanged since 2012, and as of the time of this writing is going for $19,795 before options, taxes, and delivery.

Read our full review on the Volkswagen Beetle here.