Dune Bug: Volkswagen Beetle dresses up for many occasions
It has been more than six decades since Volkswagen Beetles rolled across North America. The bulbous shape and the original rear engine left their mark on the landscape. The Beetle even gave us an iconic cinematic star — Herbie. You know, The Love Bug.
Of course, the Beetle gave way to the New Beetle for 1998 and that moniker stayed in vogue through 2011. Now, we are back to the Beetle and in at least one version, the result meets with our approval.
Beetles come in S, SE, SEL, Classic, Dune and #PinkBeetle trims and in either coupe or convertible models. Prices start at less than $20,000, which is always a good thing.
Our focus is on the Dune coupe, which has a base price of $23,995.
The Dune is a ball of sass. Easily identified by its title on the doors, Dunes also bring the full exterior paint color (in our tester’s case Sandstorm Yellow Metallic) in side from the upper door panels and all the way across the dash.
Don’t be mistaken by the 14-foot length. Yes, the twopassenger rear seat can be snug, but the front sport seats are decidedly supportive and roomy. The sightlines are free of visual distractions. And even as a coupe, the doors fit the package and make entry and exit simple even in tight spaces. The engine is a 184-horsepower, 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. Forced to propel just over 3,000 pounds, this powerplant packs a nice punch. Mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission, the Beetle is both spry and capable of running with highway traffic. There is something about the design that also gives passengers a feeling of solid safety even among bustling roadways.
The Beetle operates at its best in town, where its stability is a plus. While maneuverable on curvy roads with 18-inch tires, it does have some body lean to it. So, OK, it’s not a sports car. Even Herbie had to compensate for his figure. The Dune is a bit taller and wider than its mates and the interior is saved from much of the outside road noise.
There are some nice standard features in the Dune, like a rearview camera, steering wheel audio and cruise controls, tire pressure monitor, Bluetooth and trip computer.
The Beetle offers up decent trunk space, too, with 15.4 cubic feet in back and 29.9 cubic feet when the rear-seat is down.
Volkswagen Beetles continue to garner second glances on the street with their unique shape. The Dune is a version that needs a closer look to appreciate the quality throughout.
So, OK, it’s not a sports car. Even Herbie had to compensate for his figure.