Volkswagen highlights the 2017 model year ranges with updates, new trim levels and improved equipment levels.

Volkswagen also simplifies model lineups to put the emphasis on value

 

• Golf Alltrack adds  all-wheel-drive ability and rugged off-road looks to the fun-to-drive and practical Golf SportWagen
• Golf SportWagen receives 4Motion® all-wheel-drive option
• Beetle range complemented by Dune Convertible, revised Classic models, and limited edition #PinkBeetle
• Driver assistance features added to lower priced trimlines in many model lineups
• Tiguan lineup simplified to value-laden Wolfsburg trim, Sport, S, and SEL
• Golf GTI adds the performance-oriented Sport trim to slot between S and SE models

The Golf Alltrack is undoubtedly the highlight of the changes made for the 2017 model year at Volkswagen. 

This eagerly awaited derivative of the Golf SportWagen marries that vehicle’s practicality and fun-to-drive nature with the virtually go-anywhere capabilities of 4Motion® all-wheel drive and rugged exterior styling. The Alltrack will offer an affordable, yet upscale, alternative to existing all-wheel-drive wagons that are on the market.

The Alltrack uses Volkswagen’s powerful yet fuel-efficient 1.8-liter TSI® turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder engine. 

This makes 170 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque and will initially be offered with a six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission: a six-speed manual transmission will be available later in the model year. 

The 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, featuring a fast-acting Haldex® 5 center differential, will also be offered in the Golf SportWagen for 2017.

The Beetle range is heavily revised for 2017, reviving the Classic and adding the #PinkBeetle coupe and Convertible and Dune Convertible models. 

The Classic model is back by popular demand, featuring a cool retro look inside and out, as well as desirable connectivity features, such as VW Car-Net® App-Connect, which allows for seamless integration with most current smartphone platforms, using Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™, and MirrorLink® technology.

As the name suggests, the #PinkBeetle reflects the wishes of many customers to see a trendier color palette for the Beetle. The Fresh Fuchsia Metallic color is a vibrant and modern take on the color pink and is used both for the exterior paint and also for interior accents.

The Beetle Dune Convertible will also go on sale as a 2017 model, joining the Dune coupe that went on sale earlier this year as a 2016 model. 

Like the coupe, the Convertible features more rugged exterior styling than the regular models, some interior enhancements, and a ride height that is raised by 0.4 inches. All Dune models are equipped with the 1.8-liter TSI engine and a six-speed automatic transmission.

Among the other car lines, Volkswagen is adding a Sport model to the GTI lineup. Based on the 4-door GTI, this model adds the Performance Package—10 additional horsepower, bigger brakes, and a torque-sensing limited-slip differential—as well as new 18-inch aluminum-alloy Nogaro wheels.

CARS

Beetle

• New limited-edition #PinkBeetle
• Retro-look Classic model returns, offering connectivity features at a value price
• Dune coupe, with raised ride height and off-road design elements, continues in MY17
• Beetle coupe models receive more aggressive front and rear bumper styling for 2017, mirroring the look on sportiest R-Line® 2.0T

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, and is poised to become an immediate automotive trending topic.

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 coupes are fitted with 17-inch multi-spoke Linas aluminum-alloy wheels, as well as Bi-Xenon headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights, LED taillamps 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 with paddle shifters. 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 Car-Net App-Connect suite of 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 push-button start.

The Classic model enhances the value story for the Beetle, adding a host of new features in addition to the Beetle’s already extensive list of standard equipment. 

The Classic trim features: 17-inch “Circle” aluminum-alloy wheels; a rear spoiler; a leather-wrapped shift knob and handbrake lever; SiriusXM Satellite Radio trial; the Discover Media infotainment system that incorporates a navigation system, Bluetooth and USB connectivity and VW Car-Net App-Connect technology for compatible devices; a multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters; V-Tex leatherette and checked cloth seating surfaces; comfort front seats with driver’s side lumbar support; and a six-speed automatic transmission. 

The car is available in six colors—Pure White, Dark Bronze, Deep Black Pearl, Platinum Gray, Bottle Green, and Silk Blue—and has an understated retro look inside and out.

All 1.8T Beetle coupe models receive new, more aggressive front and rear bumpers that mirror the look of the sporty 2.0T R-Line trims. Also, this is the first full year for the Dune trim, which offers a rugged addition to the rest of the Beetle lineup, and draws its inspiration from classic Baja Bugs.

Beetle Convertible

• New limited-edition #PinkBeetle Convertible
• Dune Convertible joins the lineup, featuring rugged exterior styling and a raised ride height
• Retro-look Beetle Classic Convertible returns as a value model
• All Beetle Convertibles get revised front and rear bumper styling, mirroring the R-Line

Like the Beetle coupe, the 2017 Beetle Convertible 1.8T gets a revised exterior, featuring more aggressive front and rear bumper designs. Three new models join the lineup: #PinkBeetle Convertible, Classic Convertible, and Dune Convertible.

The #PinkBeetle Convertible will be a limited-edition model, using the 170-hp 1.8-liter TSI engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. 

The Convertible mirrors the specifications of the coupe, except that it is fitted with 18-inch five-spoke Twister design aluminum-alloy wheels.  The Beetle Classic Convertible also features the same, stylish design as the coupe, and its extensive list of standard equipment.

The Dune Convertible is new for Model Year 2017 as well. Overall, the Beetle 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 the black honeycomb screen has an aluminum-look surround that morphs into the front skid plate. 

On either side of the intake, two black honeycomb vents contain the foglights. A Lighting Package will be 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, as at the front of the car.

Inside, the 2017 Beetle Dune Convertible features sport seats with contrasting orange stitching and a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel. 

The Dune is fitted with the Composition Media infotainment system with standard VW Car-Net App-Connect, USB, and Bluetooth connectivity for compatible devices, along with a rearview camera and the Park Distance Control (Park Pilot) system. 

A Technology Package will also be available, which adds Climatronic® dual-zone automatic climate control, the award-winning Fender® Premium Audio System, and KESSY keyless access with push-button start. The 2017 Beetle Dune Convertible will be available in three exterior colors: Sandstorm Yellow, Pure White, and Deep Black Pearl.

CC

• Trend, R-Line 2.0T and V6 Executive trims deleted from lineup
• 2.0T Sport model largely unchanged
• 2.0T R-Line Executive adds Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) 

e-Golf

The e-Golf is carried over largely unchanged from the 2016 model. 

Golf

• Wolfsburg Edition trim offers added value to Golf lineup
• For MY17, four-door SE and SEL trims are sold order only

The Golf adds a high-value Wolfsburg Edition trim to the lineup, slotting above the S model. This adds the following equipment to the S trim: sunroof; V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces; KESSY keyless access with push-button start; heatable front seats; automatic headlights; rain-sensing windshield wipers; 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; Wolfsburg Edition badging and floormats; Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist); and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert.

Golf Alltrack

• Adds 4Motion all-wheel drive to the Golf SportWagen’s on-road acumen
• Body cladding and additional ground clearance give Alltrack a rugged off-road look
• “Off-Road Mode” adds hill descent control and helps optimize traction control
• Golf Alltrack offers cargo volume on par with compact SUVs for size and versatility
• Available driver assistance features include: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist).

The Golf Alltrack is an all-new model for 2017 and shares its underpinnings with its Golf family siblings, from its MQB architecture to the turbocharged and direct-injected powertrain. 

The fun-to-drive EA888 1.8-liter, four-cylinder TSI gasoline unit puts out 170 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. At launch it will be mated to a six-speed dual-clutch DSG® automatic transmission; a six-speed manual transmission will be available at a later date.

While this compact wagon boasts excellent on-road manners the Alltrack’s defining characteristic is its 4Motion all-wheel-drive system that uses the latest generation Haldex-5 coupling, activated via an electro-hydraulic oil pump. 

In normal driving, the Alltrack acts like a front-wheel-drive car for better fuel economy, but as soon as the system detects wheel slip, up to 50 percent of the drive torque can be shipped to the rear wheels. 

The Golf Alltrack also features nearly an inch higher ground clearance over the SportWagen.

From the outside, the Golf Alltrack’s rugged appearance is easy to differentiate from the SportWagen. Cladding for key body pieces, including the unique bumpers, wheel wells and side sills, gives off-road protection and the front fascia incorporates foglights and a unique honeycomb grille. The S and SE trimlines have 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, while the topline SEL trim has 18-inch wheels.

Inside, Alltrack mimics SportWagen in layout, but gets a more upscale feel. 

Leatherette seating surfaces are standard and Alltrack receives a unique brown leatherette option in addition to aluminum pedal covers, door sills with Alltrack branding, unique dashpad trim, and ambient lighting. Standard infotainment features include: a 6.5-inch capacitive color touchscreen with proximity sensor, rearview camera, and VW Car-Net App-Connect connectivity.

A Drive Mode selector includes “Off-Road Mode,” which adds hill descent control and optimizes traction control for off-road terrain. The available Off-Road HMI that is part of the navigation system, displays compass, steering angle, and altitude when driving off-road. 

The Alltrack has a spacious trunk—with the rear seats up, it boasts 30.4 cu ft of space and when the 60:40 split rear seat is fully folded, that figure rises to 66.5 cu ft of storage. 

The split folding rear seats are accessed by release levers in the cargo area, maximizing convenience.

Like the rest of the Golf line, the Alltrack provides a combination of both passive and active safety systems. It has been engineered to meet or exceed all current crash regulations and features no fewer than six airbags as standard along with a number of electronic safety systems.

Alltrack models are equipped with standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC), the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and an Intelligent Crash Response System.

Driver assistance systems available on the Alltrack include: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), and front and rear Park Distance Control (Park Pilot), and Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist).

Golf GTI

• New high-value Sport trim introduced with standard Performance Package
• Revamped Driver Assistance Packages widen availability of features across the GTI lineup
• Performance Package standard on Autobahn and SE trims
• Light Assist feature added to available Driver Assistance Package on Autobahn trim
• S trim is the only 2-door GTI to be offered

The Golf GTI range has simplified options and a new Sport trim for 2017. 

The GTI Sport is a 4-door model with standard Performance Package—brakes from the Golf R; electronically controlled, torque sensing, limited-slip differential; and a 10-horsepower increase to 220 hp (achieved with premium fuel)—as well as 18-inch Nogaro aluminum-alloy wheels and Bi-Xenon headlamps with LED Daytime Running Lights. 

The Sport also features unique floormats, KESSY keyless access with push-button start and black mirror caps.

The Performance Package is no longer available on the 2- and 4-door S trim, but is now standard on the SE and Autobahn trims. A Lighting Package that features Bi-Xenon headlights and the Adaptive Front lighting System is available on the SE. 

The Driver Assistance Package is available on S and SE models and includes: Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert; Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist); and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

Compared with 2016 models, the 2017 Autobahn trim adds Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and Bi-Xenon headlamps with LED DRLs. 

An available Driver Assistance Package adds the Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist), Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), and Light Assist high-beam control. This latter feature automatically raises the headlamp high beams above 40 mph, if there is no oncoming traffic detected.

Golf SportWagen

• 4Motion all-wheel-drive system now available on S trim with manual or automatic transmissions
• SEL model adds new driver assistance features
• Realigned Driver Assistance Packages for all trims

The most important change to the Golf SportWagen for 2017 is the availability of the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system on the S trimline, with both manual and automatic transmissions, using the latest generation Haldex-5 coupling, activated via an electro-hydraulic oil pump.

Compared with 2016 models, the 2017 SEL trim adds Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). 

An available Driver Assistance Package adds the Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist), Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), Bi-Xenon headlamps with LED DRLs, and Light Assist high-beam control. 

The S (sold order only) and SE trims offer an available Driver Assistance Package that includes Bi-Xenon headlamps with LED DRLs; Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert; Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking; and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

Golf R

• New driver assistance features added to topline Golf R w/ DCC and Nav
• Driver Assistance Package for top trim adds Light Assist high-beam control

The Golf R w/ DCC and Nav gets a number of new features for 2017: Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and 19-inch Pretoria aluminum-alloy wheels. Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), Light Assist high-beam control and Park Distance Control (Park Pilot) are part of the available Driver Assistance Package.

Jetta

• Trim lineup simplified to just four models: S, SE, SEL, and SEL premium (sold order)
• Jetta GLI now offered only in high-value SE trim
• Jetta Hybrid no longer available
• Rearview camera now standard on base S trim
• New driver assistance features added to lower trim lines

The Jetta lineup is simplified for MY 2017. The base S trim adds 16-inch steel wheels as standard, along with a rearview camera, LED DRLs, two-tone cloth seats, with the option of 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and a cold weather package (heatable washer nozzles and front seats).

For 2017, the midline SE adds VW Car-Net connectivity, a sunroof, LED DRLs, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, and V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces with rear pass-through functionality. 

The SEL trim gains: a power driver’s seat; LED DRLs; exterior chrome accents; Climatronic automatic dual-zone climate control; Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist); and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). 

The top SEL Premium, available as a sold order only, gains: Bi-xenon headlights with the Adaptive Front lighting System; LED DRLs; Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist); and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

The Jetta GLI is now available in only one trim, with standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, LED DRLs, a navigation system, power driver’s seat, Park Distance Control (Park Pilot), the Fender Premium Audio System, and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert. 

Passat

• Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist) becomes standard across all trims
• Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert becomes standard on R-Line and SE trims
• New V6 SE with Technology model joins lineup (sold order only)
• Dramatic improvement in standard equipment on R-Line and SE with Technology trims

The Passat, redesigned for 2016 with fresh sheetmetal, a revised interior, and new connectivity and driver assistance systems, has relatively minor changes for 2017. 

However, the R-Line model takes a step up with new features that include: the Composition Media touchscreen radio that has USB connectivity, voice control, SiriusXM Satellite Radio trial, and VW Car-Net App-Connect technology; Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist); Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert; a power driver seat; V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces; and heatable front seats. 

An available Lighting Package adds LED headlamps with LED DRLs and LED tailights.

The SE adds KESSY keyless access with push-button start and has an available Lighting Package that adds foglights to the R-Line’s setup. The SE with Technology model, available with both the 1.8T engine and the VR6, adds remote start, Park Distance Control (Park Pilot), 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and LED headlamps and taillights.

SUVs

Tiguan

• Two new models join the lineup: Wolfsburg and Sport
• R-Line and SE trims are deleted from the Tiguan lineup
• Additional standard features further enhance the Tiguan value story
• Newly available leather package ups the luxury factor on S, Sport, and Wolfsburg trims

For 2017, the Tiguan adds new trim lines and features that further enhance the model’s value story. 

The base S trim is now fitted with Volkswagen’s Composition Media infotainment system that has a 6.3-inch screen and USB, Bluetooth and VW Car-Net App-Connect technology. 

The Composition Media system also includes HD radio, two SD slot cards, the ability to sync two phones simultaneously, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio trial.

The Wolfsburg trim replaces the R-Line in the lineup and features unique Wolfsburg Edition badging and floormats as well as a standard panoramic sunroof.   

The Sport replaces the SE trim, adding 18-inch gray Mallory aluminum-alloy wheels, body color side sills and rear bumper, black side-mirror door caps, a sport suspension, and Climatronic automatic dual-zone climate control. 

A leather package is available for the Sport trim, including Vienna leather seating surfaces, power driver and passenger seats with driver’s side memory, and power folding door mirrors.

Touareg

• Lux model is replaced by new Wolfsburg Edition
• Driver Assistance Package and Park Distance Control (Park Pilot) now standard on all trims

For 2017, the Touareg receives some equipment changes and the Lux trim is replaced by a new, value-oriented Wolfsburg trim. 

On the Sport with Technology trim, the following are added as standard features: Auto Hold; Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist); Lane Change Assist (Side Assist); Park Distance Control (Park Pilot); and a heatable steering wheel. 

The Executive model now has standard 21-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and Auto Hold is now standard on all trims.

The Wolfsburg Edition benefits from a number of design enhancements, including: brushed aluminum décor, stainless steel door sills and pedals, black headliner, two-tone Vienna leather seating surfaces, heatable front seats, that can be ventilated, gray door inserts, a Wolfsburg badge, and contrast stitching on the floormats, steering wheel and shifter. 

The vehicle is also available with an all-black interior. Externally, the vehicle rides on 20-inch Tarragona wheels that have a diamond-turned finish, with the option of blacked-out 20-inch Mallory wheels.