April Fooled: VW's nail polish, Jeep's mud package and Honda's HUSH tech

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In an automotive world filled with microchip shortages, low supply, fluctuating prices, as well as the demise of some of our favourite vehicles, it’s nice to see that some brands are still able to stay lighthearted and join in on some festive pranking. By far, the worst joke — that seemed to have backfired on the company — had to be Volkswagen’s 2021 prank, in which the company almost had people believing it changed its name to Voltswagen, a play on its electric future.

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While I’m sure VW learned its lesson, it didn’t stop the company from taking another shot at an April Fool’s prank, though this time it was sure to leave some Easter eggs about the obvious joke, first being the press release that was posted on actual April Fool’s day and not in the days leading up to it. Check out VW’s joke and a couple others below.

Volkswagen’s nail polish collection

Volkswagen UK announced its arrival into the fashion world with a new nail polish range called The Volkswagen Collection. VW owners can match their vehicles with shades inspired by that of their VW vehicles, including Kings Red, Lapiz Blue or Oryx White. But wait, there’s more! The specially formulated polish doubles as touch paint for your vehicle. Thanks to the Fashionable Oil Overhaul Lacquer (F.O.O.L), the nail polish can temporarily repair scratches on the car. The Volkswagen Collection goes on sale April 1.

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Honda’s HUSH technology

Are you tired of noisy technology, backseat drivers, and kids yelling “are we there yet?” Well, Honda UK has the answer for you. The company has launched a first-of-its-kind system that can block out all in-car distractions, giving the driver a hushed and uninterrupted driving experience. It may sound too good to be true, but with a single click of the HUSH button on the centre console, the driver has control of all noises coming from inside the vehicle. Honda’s Ultra Quiet Sonic Hub, dubbed HUSH for short, has several customization options that includes the option to block noise from the passenger seat, the backseat, or both. HUSH will be available in all new Honda models beginning April 1.

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Honda says it plans to expand the technology in 2024 by adding the option to make passengers sound like your favourite celebrity.

Jeep’s new mud trim

For those looking to achieve the off-road look without actually taking your vehicle off-road, Jeep is now offering three new trims to give that exact look, at no extra cost — you can leave the dealership with a muddy Jeep Compass. The options include Clay, Soil and Silt, which can be sprayed on by specially built mud-spraying robots developed by Jeep’s Chief Mud Officer, Dr. Terry Firma. The whole process is called “mudification” which ensures an even spread of the mud. While it is a permanent addition, it can be removed at Jeep dealerships using a “de-mudification” process.

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Jeep says, “The Clay finish recreates the sticky, smooth, dense look of a Jeep that has just effortlessly traversed a riverbed. The Soil mud finish is reminiscent of a deep forest, rich with colour and moisture. Lastly, Silt is sprinkled with granular rock, fashioning the post-Moab desert drive appearance.”

Of course, Jeep is known for its aftermarket packages and hasn’t forgotten about its existing Jeep owners. While existing owners can’t take advantage of the no-cost option, there is a Mud-On package that includes a 15-litre container of Clay, Soil, and Silt to apply the off-road look at home.

Subaru’s Suba-Shoes

Subaru UK introduced its limited edition Suba-Shoes, walking shoes developed with the latest All-Heel drive technology. The all-weather shoe is designed for all surfaces, and Subaru says it’s sure to be a hit with outdoor enthusiasts looking for some extra grip on muddier grounds, thanks largely to its car rubber outer sole. If you’re worried about comfort, Subaru ensures ultimate comfort provided by the leather seat stitch and shock-absorbing outer sole. For those looking to get their limited edition Suba-Shoes, visit the Subaru UK website and enter the promo code AF2300LS.