The Volkswagen ID.3 Harlequin Edition, announced on April 1, 2024, brought back the iconic Harlequin paint scheme from the 1990s, albeit with an electroluminescent twist. The panels of this limited-edition ID.3 would light up and pulse in response to the car's sound system, creating a visually striking effect. However, it was revealed to be an April Fool's joke, disappointing some enthusiasts who had hoped for its return.
The original Harlequin models, known for their colorful panels, gained unexpected popularity in the 1990s. Initially conceived as a marketing tool to showcase the Polo Mk3's modularity and personalization options, the Harlequin edition was created by a group of trainees in 1994. The public's enthusiastic response led Volkswagen to produce a limited run of 1000 Polo Mk3 Harlequins in 1995, eventually totaling 3806 units over three years.
While the Electroluminescent ID.3 Harlequin Edition remained a fictional concept, the legacy of the original Polo Harlequin lives on as a colorful and beloved part of Volkswagen's history.
Source & Images: VW
