In an aggressive attempt to bounce back from the diesel emissions fiasco of 2016, the German automaker is taking a multi-pronged product approach. First out of the gate is the new Golf Alltrack (pictured), which takes a page or two from Subaru’s menu to create an all-season sport wagon. VW also introduces the Beetle Dune Convertible and #PinkBeetle; every manufacturer needs one hashtag in the lineup.
VW BEETLE: While the new, limited-edition #PinkBeetle is the most visible addition, all Beetles receive revised front and rear bumper styling, and the SE and SEL trims benefit from a freshened interior. The top-level SEL trim heightens its competitive game with dual-zone automatic climate control, Fender audio and Park Distance Control. Finally, a Dune convertible joins the Dune coupe; the coupe was introduced to the lineup as a ’16 model.
VOLKSWAGEN CC: In a simplified lineup the R-Line Executive benefits from Lane Departure Warning made standard, as is Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking and Adaptive Cruise Control. The entry-level 2.0T Sport receives interior enhancements.
GOLF: Riding a wave of growing recognition and popularity, the seventh-generation Golf adds a high-value Wolfsburg Edition, slotted above the ‘S’ model. The upmarket content includes a panoramic sunroof, leatherette, keyless access, alloy wheels and more.
GOLF GTI: With increased power in some trim levels, the GTI is Good Housekeeping’s Best New Compact Car.
GOLF R: VW’s performance ‘halo’ receives a Driver Assistance Package for its top trim level.
GOLF SPORTWAGEN: Volkswagen’s all-wheel-drive 4Motion is now available on the entry-level S trim, while Driver Assistance is realigned on SE and SEL trims.
e-GOLF: Often overlooked in a consumer’s rush to lease Nissan’s Leaf, the new e-Golf SE provides a lower price of entry into an all-electric ownership experience. As this is written, no pricing has been released on the updated EV, but the range is now 125 miles. The all-electric e-Golf is on showrooms in the spring.
JETTA: Volkswagen’s most popular four-door sedan goes into ’17 with a simplified lineup: S, SE, SEL and GLI. A rearview camera is now standard across the range, and driver assistance features have been added to lower trim levels.
PASSAT: Volkswagen’s largest sedan, the US-built 2017 Passat receives a value-oriented 1.8T S with a $22,440 window sticker. Across the Passat lineup, Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking are made standard, while the R-Line and SE trims receive Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Finally, a V6 SE is added to the ’17 lineup.
GOLF ALLTRACK: Volkswagen takes a page from the Subaru playbook with its launch of the Alltrack. With a platform essentially identical to VW’s Sportwagen, the Alltrack offers a raised ride height and exterior cladding to ‘man up’ the package. With SUV-like cargo volume and compact agility, the Alltrack should hit its stride in the Snowbelt while working to gain traction in the Sunbelt.
TIGUAN: For an abbreviated ’17 model year the Tiguan adds Wolfsburg and Sport trims, while dropping the R-Line and SE. The big news is the introduction of an all-new, long-wheelbase Tiguan built atop VW’s versatile MQB platform. The new footprint provides flexible seating for five and available seating for seven. Given that it’s all-new, expect Driver Assistance Technology, a digital cockpit and – of course – 4Motion all-wheel drive to be among the many options. The newest Tiguan arrives in showrooms mid-summer.
TOUAREG: What Volkswagen dubs the ‘People’s Premium SUV’ receives nothing more than trim changes for 2017. The Lux trim is replaced by a new Wolfsburg Edition, while Driver Assistance Technology and 4Motion all-wheel drive are standard. The Touareg is available for under $50K, and won’t be available Stateside in 2018.
ATLAS: Here it is…Volkswagen’s major move into Tahoe and Explorer territory. Built in the same Tennessee plant as VW’s Passat, the all-new 2018 Atlas will offer three rows of seating, five trim levels and two engine options: a turbocharged four cylinder or Volkswagen’s VR6 six cylinder; 4Motion all-wheel drive will be optional with the VR6. It is the largest Volkswagen ever assembled in the US, and will arrive in showrooms in the late spring of 2017.