Production Volkswagen Beetle Dune revealed

Production version of the rugged-looking Volkswagen Beetle Dune revealed, as the model makes its debut at the LA motor show

The definitive production version of the Volkswagen Beetle Dune has been revealed in both hatchback and cabriolet bodystyles at the Los Angeles motor show, where the faux off-roader is making its debut.

Originally unveiled as a concept at the 2014 Detroit motor show, the Beetle Dune receives more rugged-looking styling, a greater ride height, and larger wheels and tyres than standard versions of the second-generation modern-day Beetle in a bid to give it similar appeal to Volkswagen’s dedicated off-road models.

Yet despite the off-roader-inspired design touches, the new model will be sold exclusively with front-wheel drive owing to the lack of a four-wheel drive option for the Beetle, produced at Volkswagen’s Puebla plant in Mexico.

Set to go on sale in the UK in early 2016 the Beetle Dune follows the earlier concept, styled under the direction of Volkswagen brand design boss Klaus Bischoff.

Among the styling changes is a reworked front bumper featuring a prominent trapezoidal-shaped central air duct, a silver plastic bash plate and an additional air duct below the leading edge of the bonnet, as well as revised indicator units and round foglights set within black plastic elements either side. 

Farther back, the Beetle Dune receives black plastic cladding within the wheel houses, serving to increase the width of the body by 14mm. There are also more prominent sills, decals along the lower sections of the doors and rear wing panel, and new 18in wheels shod with 235/45 tyres.

The rear is distinguished from the standard Beetle by a spoiler mounted below the rear window, unique LED tail-light graphics and a restyled bumper featuring a silver plastic bash plate within the lower valance panel.

To further enhance the car's appearance, Volkswagen has introduced respective 6mm and 7mm increases to the front and rear tracks through the adoption of new wheel carriers. The ride height has also been bumped up by 10mm, providing the Dune with greater ground clearance than the standard Beetle.

Inside, the main dashboard panel, door shoulders, piping and stitching on the seats, and the stitching on the steering and various control surrounds are all finished in the same colour as the exterior.  

The Beetle Dune will be sold in the UK with a choice of five engines. They are 103bhp 1.2, 148bhp 1.4 and 217bhp 2.0-litre petrol units, along with 109bhp 1.6 and 148bhp 2.0-litre diesels – all carried over from the standard Beetle. Gearbox choices include a six-speed manual as standard, and an optional six or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Pricing for the new Volkswagen is yet to be revealed, although the Dune is expected to command a premium above the standard Beetle which starts at £16,275 in hatchback form, rising to £26,345 in most comprehensively equipped cabriolet form.