Fab Features: Design faves
Sometimes it’s the littlest detail that brings the biggest smile to my face. Whether it’s a well-designed gear shifteror quirky, hidden “Easter eggs” throughout the vehicle, I love it when cars show a little personality.
Below are a few of my recent design favorites. They’re just little details that add a lot to the vehicle’s overall look and appearance.
Ford Mustang GT toggle switches
The Ford Mustang is a well-designed vehicle. While this statement used to apply only to the exterior (IMHO), I was pleased during my recent test of the convertible to see that the interior finally matches the exterior. From the stitching on the seats to the metallic inserts on the dash, the interior fit and finish is well-thought-out and well done. I like how the modern infotainment screen is integrated into a simple center stack that hearkens back to a previous era. My favorite design feature, however, has to be the toggle switches that control the hazard lights, traction control, steering and drive mode. They’re simple and attractive and make me feel like I’m in a cockpit getting ready for takeoff. Base price for the Mustang GT is $33,545. The convertible GT starts at $43,045.
Jaguar F-Type Coupe door handle
The two-seat Jaguar F-Type is probably one of the more beautiful and elegant vehicles I’ve driven recently. From the exhaust note all the way to the svelte exterior curves, every single detail is precise and perfect. And that includes something as mundane as the door handles. They line up flush with the body of the car when it’s locked. But when you have the key fob in your hand, you can press the edge of the handle and it pops out, revealing a secret lever to grasp. The lever itself reveals the word “Jaugar.” My time with this vehicle was pure joy because of the little details like this one. It’s drop-dead gorgeous and sinfully fun to drive. Base price for the F-Type coupe is $62,395.
Volkswagen Beetle Dune interior
While the VW Beetle is more cute than classy, there’s still a lot to like here in the design department. Especially if you opt for the special “Dune” Edition. VW dubs it a “desert icon,” and along with Dune seating surfaces and Dune-specific front and rear bumpers, it is available with a special “Sandstorm Yellow Metallic” paint. In my book, this is the only color option worth considering (the other two options are white or black). It’s a $250 upcharge, but the matchy-matchy interior makes it worth it as VW brings the sparkly paint inside on the dash and doors, and it perfectly matches the reverse stitching on the leatherette seats, armrest, steering wheel, etc. I love the coordination of color – and the fact that this car is fun to drive is just icing on the cake. Base price for the Beetle Dune is $24,815, but it’ll cost $25,065 with the Sandstorm paint.
_______________________________________
To find your next new, used or certified vehicle visit www.driveautonow.com today. Local car shopping made easy!