Rugged old-school inspiration creates vibrant new Volkswagen Beetle Dune

Volkswagen Beetle Dune becomes reality

Shown as a concept car at Detroit Motor Show in 2014, Volkswagen decided to make the Beetle Dune a production reality.

The Volkswagen Beetle Dune (or Dune Beetle) is based on the well-known silhouette of the VW Beetle.

Vibrant new dimension inspired by old modified Beetles

Original Volkswagen Beetles were modified into “Baja Bugs”, associated with the west coast of America. 

The spirit of the original conversions is now rekindled, available as official product from VW dealers.  The ride height is raised, 18-inch Mythos alloy wheels are fitted, bold new bumpers butch up the Beetle, wheel arches extensions are clipped on… the Beetle Dune is engineered from inspiration by those old off-road Baja Bugs, offering the modern 21st Century Beetle in a more off-roady spec.

Old-school throwback stylised Beetle running boards, as seen on the classic Beetle, adorn the sides.  Side stripes and Dune lettering on the doors are also reminiscent of earlier Beetle edition models.  At the back you’ll see a rear ducktail spoiler and new LED taillights.

The Beetle Dune design adds a vibrant new dimension to the Beetle.

Sandstorm Yellow exclusive to Beetle Dune

In keeping with the tradition of bold colours for special versions of the Beetle, the Beetle Dune will be available in the pictured yellow-bold-gold Sandstorm Yellow metallic paint, or in Dark Bronze metallic, both specific to the Beetle Dune.  Other more mainstream colours are available.

The interior uses Turmeric yellow contrast stitching and piping extensively, bordering seat contours along the 2-tone upholstery – lively and as characterful as a Beetle ought to be.  A Dune badge on the steering wheel spoke confirms this as the Dune Beetle.

Beetle Dune for sunny SA?

Both the Coupé/Hatch and Cabriolet bodies of the Beetle Dune will be built.  Engine options in the UK include a 1.2 TSI and 2.0 TDI.  It is not confirmed whether the Beetle Dune will make it to South Africa… this used to be a country with strong original Beetle sales, and the Beach Buggy was a modified Beetle chassis and flat-4 engine with a fibre-glass body.  The VW Beetle Dune would find sun-kissing buyers in sunny SA.

Sidebar:  the New Beetle made its comeback in SA in early 2000 with a 2.0 engine, and in 2003 a 1.8T and Cabriolet were added.  The current generation arrived here in 2012.

VWSA recently added the Club package option to the Beetle, creating the Club Beetle – it is also inspired by older Beetles, available in Habanero Orange, classic orange-white-black Tartan check cloth, and various special trim pieces.

If the Bug has bit you, buy your Beetle on Auto Trader SA.