The 2017 Volkswagen Beetle Dune convertible wears striking bodywork that composes a watch that its common power train can't money. While the Dune's additional 0.2 inch of ground freedom, forceful sashes, bumper flares that extend the body by 0.6 inch, trim-particular 18-inch wheels, and rocker-board level "Rise" illustrations show the stance of a Global Rally cross auto, the front-wheel-drive Constable's 170-hp 1.8-litter turbocharged four-chamber motor and smooth-moving six-speed programmed transmission mean the Dune is minimal more than a Beetle 1.8T convertible on stilts. Truly short stilts.
We were more amped up for this offering when we expected that, similar to the idea auto showed at the Detroit automobile expo two years prior, it would be founded on the all the more capable Beetle R-Line with the turbocharged 2.0-litter evaluated at 210 drive. To truly pay off on the styling's guarantee, it additionally would require an all-wheel drive, yet even the idea auto managed without that equipment.
Underneath It All
All things considered, the additional ground leeway truly has a quantifiable effect on the Dune's execution. Measuring a humble 18 pounds more than the last Beetle 1.8T convertible we tried, our reproduction Dune convertible took an extra 0.3 second to get from zero to 60 mph and to cross the quarter-mile mark, recording figures of 7.9 seconds and 16.1 seconds at 86 mph.
Moreover, the high-riding Dune will be thirstier than the typical Beetle 1.8T convertible, if the car form is anything to pass by. Despite the fact that the EPA has yet to discharge official efficiency figures for the 2017 Beetle line, it says the 2016 Dune car tastes fuel at a rate of 24 mpg city and 31 mpg expressway—assumes that fall behind the Beetle 1.8T by 1 and 3 mpg. For what it's worth, we found the middle value of 26 mpg amid our time with both the Dune convertible and the Beetle 1.8T convertible.
The Dune does one-up its standard partner in ride quality. Credit its delicate, longer-travel suspension setup and included ground freedom with helping the Dune easily navigate blemished roadways and rock secured streets.
This agreeable ride comes to the detriment of cornering hold, be that as it may. On our skidpad, the Dune recorded a strength control-restrained 0.81 g—0.03 g not as much as what we cajoled from a Beetle 1.8T convertible. Notwithstanding, the Dune is made when going over rougher asphalt, albeit nobody ought to mistake the Dune for something that has donning or go dirt road romping aims.
Villains and Dust
Like the Dune roadster, the convertible is accessible in one of three outside shades: white, dark, or Sandstorm Yellow, the remainder of which graced our test auto. The exceptional shading sets pleasantly with the dark vinyl seats with dim fabric focuses and orange sewing. A standard 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment framework is Apple Car Play and Android Auto prepared, on account of the consideration of Volkswagen's Car-Net framework. Despite the fact that the framework is anything but difficult to utilise and fast to react to data sources, glare from the sun amid top-down driving can make it everything except difficult to peruse the presentation.
The top is worked through a header-mounted switch and can be opened in 9.5 seconds. Shutting the fabric top takes 11 seconds, and both capacities are operable at paces up to 31 mph. As in other Beetle convertibles, the Dune's 50/50 split-collapsing backseats are comfortable however equipped for conveying just two travelers, while the storage compartment can hold 7.0 cubic feet of load paying little mind to the top's position. Volkswagen additionally incorporates a cumbersome tonne spread for the brought down top; it must be introduced and expelled physically, so we envision most proprietors will occasionally use it.
The Price You Pay
Volkswagen has not yet discharged valuing for the 2017 Beetle line. We know the 2016 Beetle Dune roadster charges a $1545 premium over a proportional Beetle SE car outfitted with a programmed transmission. Accepting the Dune convertible costs significantly more than the $28,890 Beetle SE convertible, the base cost would be rough $31,000.
Choices on our test auto incorporated the previously mentioned Sandstorm Yellow paint ($250 on the '16 Dune roadster) and the Technology bundle ($1695 in 2016), which incorporates double zone atmosphere control, a nearness key with push-catch begin, and a Fender premium stereo. Despite the fact that not found on our auto, a lighting bundle with xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights will be advertised. By and large, we assess that a Beetle Dune convertible prepared like our test vehicle will cost about $32,500.
At last, the Dune convertible seems to be more kitsch than fitness. Still, purchasers who consistently drive on uneven streets, and in addition those hellbent on driving is other than what's expected, may observe the Dune be an engaging alternative.
Sign up here with your email
ConversionConversion EmoticonEmoticon