2016 VW Beetle Dune: Volkswagen unveil off-road coupe and cabriolet Beetles

As yet prices haven’t been revealed but they will probably be a bit higher than for a standard Beetle

Remember those old Baja Bugs? This is the official 2016 version, which will arrive in the UK early next year. The Dune can be had in either coupe or cabriolet form, and is aimed at putting these models more alongside VW’s off-road stable than with the road cars.

It certainly looks more rugged. There are silver bash plates front and rear, tougher-looking sills, new bumpers, new 18in wheels and a ride height that has been raised by 10mm for better ground clearance. Inside, much of the interior, including stitching everywhere, the main dashboard and control surrounds, are all colour-coded to the exterior.

Engines are carried over from the standard Beetle. At launch there will be a choice of five units. There will be three petrol engines (1.2, 1.4 and 2.0-litre) and two turbodiesels (1.6 and 2.0-litre). All the engines come as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox but a dual-clutch auto transmission is an option.

As yet prices haven’t been revealed but they will probably be a bit higher than for a standard Beetle. What you won’t be getting for your money is an authentic off-road vehicle. The bash plates are plastic, and the Dune only comes in front-wheel drive form. So perhaps better suited to Brighton than Baja.