VW Gives New Beetle The Rugged Dune Treatment

Taking inspiration from the classic Baja Bugs of the 1960s, VW has presented a new edition for the 2016 Beetle named Dune.

Available on both the coupe and convertible body styles, the Beetle Dune come with a choice of three exterior colors (Sandstorm Yellow, Deep Black Pearl and Pure White) and it carries new front and rear bumpers, black honeycomb grille, black wheel arch extensions flowing into the bumpers, polished aluminum sills, black trim strips and a rear diffuser acting as a skid plate.

The model also gets the Bi-Xenon headlights with LED DRLs, standard LED taillights and LED license plate lighting. Contributing to its exterior looks are the 18-inch Canyon aluminum-alloy wheels, wrapped in 235/45 all-season tires.

The MIB II infotainment system is standard, with its Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink compatibility, added to the 6.3-inch screen with a capacitive touch sensor on the Composition Color infotainment system, enabling gesture controls. USB, Bluetooth, rearview camera and Park Distance control are standard, while the Technology Package adds the Climatronic dual-zone automatic climate control, Fender Premium audio system, tilt-and-slide sunroof, keyless access and push-button start.

Under the hood there is a 1.8-liter TSI gasoline engine, producing 170hp (172PS) and 184lb-ft (250Nm) of torque, connected to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The coupe will go on sale in the first quarter of 2016 and it will be followed by the convertible, which will arrive in showrooms in the third quarter of next year.

The new VW Beetle Dune will join the Beetle Denim Limited Edition as it will debut at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show.