VW’s special edition Beetle gets you ready for summer
When a car model is between generations, there’s nothing quite like a special edition to perk up interest and—if everything goes right—sales.
For example, Ford’s King Ranch Edition of its popular F-150 pickup was so successful that the special edition morphed into its own trim line. The 1996 Honda Accord 25th Anniversary Edition is now a modest collectible. Usually, a vehicle has mainstream running gear and warranty, but trim, badging, and packages of added features set it apart.
Volkswagen has had a tradition of offering Wolfsburg Editions of various models over the years. So it’s no surprise that today’s test car is a special edition 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Dune coupe.
Naturally, that name evokes memories of the iconic VW Dune Buggies.
But those were off-road vehicles.
The most off-road part of our Dune, on first sight, is that it’s the color of a Sahara sand dune—thanks to an aptly named Sandstorm yellow paint that’s a $250 option. It was the only option on our Dune, which has a base price of $24,815 (including destination).
In case you haven’t noticed, the past six months haven’t been the greatest in VW history, with its false diesel emission devices ruining its once good name.
So VW is trying to tap into a safer era.
“The new Dune successfully captures the iconic spirit of the Baja Beetles, with a more rugged feel and amenities never before offered on the third-generation Beetle,’’ says Joerg Sommer, a VW of America vice president for product marketing. “With its sporty and aggressive design and a number of the new technology features, we are confident that the Dune will appeal to both new and returning Beetle customers.’’
Our 2016 Dune looks very much like the concept VW displayed at the North American International Auto show in Detroit two winters ago.
The coupe is in showrooms now, so VW will be able to keep a marketing campaign going through the summer with a convertible version on the way.
COLOR CONTINUITY: The Sandstorm Yellow Dune’s paint color is continued inside, including on the dashboard.
The Dune also is available in Pure White or Deep Black Pearl. The Sandstorm Yellow version carries the body color through the inside door pillars and all over the dashboard and instrument panel.
Power in our test version came from the 1.8-liter, turbocharged, 4-cylinder engine that makes 170 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. It was quick and responsive in moving the fairly light (3,093 pounds) 2-door Beetle, a vehicle that’s actually considered a hatchback.
Power goes to the front wheels via a smooth 6-speed automatic transmission.
EPA fuel economy ratings are for 25 miles per gallon in city driving, 34 on the highway, and 28 overall. We were averaging 29.4 in a week of limited driving, then achieved 37.4 while driving as conservatively as possible on a mid-afternoon, 80-mile trip from Newburyport to Middleboro via Lynn, Logan Airport, the Ted Williams Tunnel, and Southeast Expressway.
A spoiler reminiscent of VW’s Porsche brethren adorns the Beetle Dune’s rear.
This Beetle eschews the bud-vase mentality for a bolder look. Since when has the “new’’ Beetle gone after the macho market? VW emphasizes that it sits higher (0.4 inches) and has a wider track (0.6 inches) with special-for-the-Dune front and rear fascias, black wheel-arch extensions, and black honeycomb front air intakes and lower grille screening.
However, we found the most distinctive element to be the large, dare-we-say Porsche-like rear spoiler. Now that is un-Beetle-like. The Porsche family resemblance ends there, however. This is a fun car for cruising, not for taking to your local autocross or gymkhana.
Dune graphics are on both doors, underneath two-tone (black and silver) mirrors.
Inside, the Dune features sport seats with contrasting orange stitching, a leather-wrapped wheel, and 6.3-inch, up-to-date, touch screen infotainment system.
At first glance, with the body color covering much of the dashboard, the layout was reminiscent of the Fiat 500—simple, different, and effective.
Controls were intuitive, and the Bluetooth connected easily to an iPhone.
Bluetooth, park-distance assist, and rearview camera were standard, but not today’s leading safety systems such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision alert, and pre-collision autonomous braking.
An available technology package will add keyless entry, push-button starting, dual-zone automatic climate control, sunroof, and upgraded audio system.
However, there is a standard post-collision braking system designed to mitigate secondary impacts in case of a crash.
In driving around town, we found the Dune to be something of a head-turner while in motion and an attention-grabber at the curb, getting plenty of second looks.
The engine was perky, and the car felt nimble and quick, though the handling was middle of the road and hardly sports-car tuned.
It certainly isn’t the Love Bug, but there is lots to love about it.
2016 Volkswagen Beetle Hatchback Dune Edition
THE BASICS
Price, base/as tested (with destination): $24,815/$25,065. Fuel economy, EPA estimated: 25 city/34 highway/28 combined. Fuel economy, Globe observed: 29.4 in combined driving, 37.4 on an 80-mile trip. Drivetrain: 1.8-liter turbo, 4-cylinder, 6-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive. Body: 2-door hatchback coupe.
THE SPECIFICS
Horsepower: 184. Torque: 170 lb.-ft. Overall length: 168.7 in. Wheelbase: 100 in. Height: 59.1 in. Width: 71.7 in. Curb weight: 3,093 lbs.
THE GOOD
Strong engine, smooth transmission, unique styling both outside and in, a definite fun look-at-me factor. THE BAD Lacks some latest technology.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Beetles always stand out from the crowd, this version even more so.
ALSO CONSIDER
Fiat 500, Hyundai Veloster, Kia Soul, Mini Cooper, Nissan Juke, Subaru Impreza, VW Golf and GTI.
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