In September of 1973, VW introduced the first Jeans Beetle, a special edition model lathered in blue jean cloth. The kids loved it. Nearly a half-century later at the 2015 New York Auto Show, the German brand premiered an updated concept version as a tribute, echoing the pop culture resurgence of casual chic and hippie garb. Now, the company is prepping to unleash 2,000 units of the 2016 Beetle Convertible Denim, which starts at $25,995.
Based on the Beetle Convertible, the limited edition features a light blue denim-ish material on the seats, with color-matched trim on the dash, center console, and doors. The seats feature “jeans-inspired” pockets on the sides as well, a nice design touch that will inevitably house countless gum wrappers and receipts for years to come.
Mechanically, the vehicle is unchanged from the standard droptop, which equips a 1.8-liter turbocharged engine that develops 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. That power meets the pavement by way of a six-speed automatic gearbox, the only transmission available. As standard, the topless Beetle Denim comes with Volkswagen’s MIB II infotainment unit and a 5.0-inch touchscreen display.
On a more formal note, Volkswagen is likely planning a new hybrid hatchback dubbed the XL3. Aimed at the fuel-sipping Toyota Prius and Hyundai Ioniq, the sleek hatchback could return up to 80 mpg in a mixed European cycle, which is a good step toward putting Volkswagen’s Dieselgate scandal behind it. For more on the XL3, click here.
