Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
I doubt anyone in Wolfsburg remotely remembers long since forgotten (except by yours truly) Levi’s editions of the Chevy Chevette and AMC Gremlin, but like every Beetle model the Denim pulls inspiration from yesteryear and this one gives a nod to the oddly yellow Euro-market “Jeans Bug” of the ’70s. The Beetle Classic just mentioned took my memory to new depths, reminding fondly of dad’s ’66 Beetle, my bro’s ’69, and a ’72 Super Beetle left in my care one particularly good summer by a pretty young woman who went on vacation.
This Denim edition has two tires stuck in the past and the other set rolling along in the present thanks to equal parts ’70s-era Britannia, Howick and Jordache flares
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
The Denim is only available one way, as a near top-line Beetle Convertible. You pass right on by base Trendline trim and forget about the leather-upholstered Comfortline before detouring around Classic White and Classic Black editions to end up at this Denim, a $29,350 model that comes in either the Classic White shade we just detoured around or as-tested Stonewashed Blue Metallic paint, both with
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
If I wasn’t clear earlier there are no available options with the Denim, additional standard features including a six-speed automatic with Tiptronic manual mode, metal
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
No matter the exterior colour the Denim’s seemingly wearable interior is described by VW as including “Blue Brushed” instrument panel surfacing, which has a nice metallic look, a “two-tone Denim” motif that incorporates dark blue denim cloth door inserts, dark blue leatherette armrests, additional “Dark Blue Graphite” painted
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
While this initially seems like a decent description it actually misses the many nuances that make this Denim model special, such as the jean style change pockets sewn onto the inner side of each front bucket, plus the massive seatback “jean” pockets with crisscross red stitched detailing.
Having this much fun with a car might make a person concerned there’s nothing serious about it, but the Beetle Convertible Denim is too good for such sentiment. While
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
It’s based on the previous generation Mk6 Golf, by the way, which to those in the know should immediately give it street cred. This means, as is the case with all VWs, that its suspension is fully independent, handling setup is superb albeit biased a bit more toward comfort than all out sport, and specific to this car its 170 horsepower
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
As much as I like this blue jean Beetle a few of its features were a bit faded, the first issue being an audio system that was quite good with the roof up yet inadequately
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
That’s a lot of trunk space robbed by paraphernalia that wasn’t used, especially noticeable with a cargo compartment that’s already on the small side unless comparing it to other compact ragtops. I should mention you can drop the 50/50-split rear seatbacks forward for longer items like skis should you want to take this four-season convertible up
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
I jest of course, although with all the active safety features that come standard, such as ABS-enhanced four-wheel disc brakes, traction and stability control, and the list goes on, there’s little the Beetle can’t manage. Volkswagen received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA for the hardtop version albeit no rating for the soft top as it hasn’t been tested, but standard pop-up roll hoops are included so it should effectively overcome rollovers as well as withstand the same level of frontal and/or side impacts as its hatchback sibling.
As for reliability, J.D. Power gives Volkswagen a just above average score in its 2016
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Beetle Convertible Denim buyers won’t care much about such cerebral concerns, this car developing more of an emotional attachment. I must admit to enjoying every moment behind the wheel, so possibly I’ve become too close to offer an unbiased point of view? If this is true then it’s more than worth its sub-$30k window sticker. After all, how do you put a price on affection?
©(Copyright Canadian Auto Press)