VW reveals new Beetle Dune 17 | 11 | 2015
VOLKSWAGEN HAS LIFTED the wraps from the definitive production version of the Beetle Dune. Due to go on-sale from Scottish dealerships early next year, it's been revealed in both coupe and cabriolet bodystyles (read our roadtest of the VW Beetle).
Due to make its first public appearance later this week at the Los Angeles Motor Show, the Dune was initially unveiled as a concept at the 2014 Detroit Motor Show.
The production version gets an overall more rugged look over the second-generation modern day Beetle, and benefits from a greater ride height as well as larger wheels and tyres.
But though the Dune is aimed at carrying a similar appeal to VW's dedicated off-road models, the Beetle will only be exclusively available with front-wheel drive. Why? Well there's simply no four-wheel drive option for the Beetle, which continues to be produced at the German giant's Puebla plant in Mexico.
The eagle-eyed amongst you will spot the production version features a reworked front bumper featuring a prominent trapezoidal shaped central air duct. There's also an additional air duct below the leading edge of the bonnet as well as revised indicator units and round fog lamps set within black plastic elements either side.
There's an aggressive, rugged sporty addition towards the rear, where black plastic cladding has been added within the wheel houses. This increases the body width by 14mm.
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The new Dune also gets new 18in alloys shod with 235/45 profile tyres, decals along the lower sections of the doors and rear fender panel, plus more prominent sills.
From the rear, the newcomer can be distinguished from the standard Beetle unique LED tail lamp graphics and a uniquely styled bumper featuring a silver plastic kick plate within the lower valance panel. Significantly, there's also a spoiler mounted below the rear window.
The Dune also looks meaner, thanks to the front and rear tracks being increased by 6mm and 7mm respectively. Ride height has also been increased by 10mm, ensuring the Dune has more ground clearance.
The interior has been tweaked well, with the piping and stitching on the seats, door shoulders, main dashboard panel, stitching on the steering and various control surrounds all finished in the same colour as the exterior.
When the Dune goes on sale in Scotland next year, buyers will have the choice from five engines. In addition to the 103bhp 1.2-litre, 148bhp 1.4 and 217bhp 2.0 petrols, there will be two diesels, the 109bhp 1.6 and 148bhp 2.0. All are carried over from the standard Beetle.
Across the range, a six-speed manual is standard, while there's the option of either a six- or seven-speed dual clutch automatic.
VW has still to confirm prices for UK cars, but it will definitely carry a premium over the standard Beetle range which starts at £16,275 in coupe form.
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Jim McGill