X

The Volkswagen Beetle Dune is a cute Baja Bug throwback (pictures)

The Baja Bug, a traditional Volkswagen Beetle modified for off-road use, got its start in Southern California car culture. It only makes sense, then, that Volkswagen would choose the Los Angeles Auto Show to unveil its spiritual successor, the 2016 Beetle Dune.

Josh Miller
2016 Volkswagen Beetle Dune
1 of 19 Josh Miller/CNET

Volkswagen's Beetle Dune might be a throwback to the Baja Bug, but it'll be far more sensible on the road since it's still a passenger car underneath.

2016 Volkswagen Beetle Dune
2 of 19 Josh Miller/CNET

The Beetle Dune features a 0.6-inch wider track and a 0.4-inch higher ground clearance.

2016 Volkswagen Beetle Dune
3 of 19 Josh Miller/CNET

The Dune features matte-black elements all around the exterior, as well as polished aluminum side sills.

2016 Volkswagen Beetle Dune
4 of 19 Josh Miller/CNET

The front and rear features aluminum skid plates, and both bumpers have been upgraded for a slightly more aggressive appearance.

2016 Volkswagen Beetle Dune
5 of 19 Josh Miller/CNET

The Beetle Dune will be available in both coupe and convertible variants.

2016 Volkswagen Beetle Dune
6 of 19 Josh Miller/CNET

The Beetle Dune coupe arrives in the first quarter of 2016 and the convertible follows in the third quarter.

2016 Volkswagen Beetle Dune
7 of 19 Josh Miller/CNET

If you opt for the Sandstorm Yellow paint job, you'll get color-keyed dashboard and upper door-panel trim.

2016 Volkswagen Beetle Dune
8 of 19 Josh Miller/CNET

Stick with black or white paint (the only other paint options), and the interior will be all black.

2016 Volkswagen Beetle Dune
9 of 19 Josh Miller/CNET

Standard technology on the Beetle Dune includes a 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, USB ports and a backup camera.

2016 Volkswagen Beetle Dune
10 of 19 Josh Miller/CNET

The interior isn't much different from the standard Beetle, aside from the Dune's unique contrasting stitching that appears on the shift boot, the seats and the leather-wrapped steering wheel.

2016 Volkswagen Beetle Dune
11 of 19 Josh Miller/CNET

The Dune's drivetrain is the same as the standard Beetle's -- a 1.8-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine good for 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.

2016 Volkswagen Beetle Dune
12 of 19 Josh Miller/CNET

Both manual and automatic transmissions are available, each with six forward speeds.

2016 Volkswagen Beetle Dune
13 of 19 Josh Miller/CNET

The first of two available packages is the Lighting Package, which gives the car bi-xenon headlights, LED running lights and LED license-plate lights.

2016 Volkswagen Beetle Dune
14 of 19 Josh Miller/CNET

The second available package is the Technology Package, which includes dual-zone automatic climate control, a Fender-branded audio system, keyless access and a sunroof (for the coupe variant).

2016 Volkswagen Beetle Dune
15 of 19 Josh Miller/CNET

Volkswagen has not yet talked about availability in markets outside the US. It's mum on pricing info, as well.

2016 Volkswagen Beetle Dune
16 of 19 Josh Miller/CNET

You really need to be a fan of yellow to opt for an interior like this.

2016 Volkswagen Beetle Dune
17 of 19 Josh Miller/CNET

The Beetle Dune rocks a large spoiler, not that it's good for off-roading or anything -- it just looks nice.

2016 Volkswagen Beetle Dune
18 of 19 Josh Miller/CNET

The Beetle Dune concept was the sole new unveiling at Volkswagen's booth this year.

2016 Volkswagen Beetle Dune
19 of 19 Josh Miller/CNET

If you're going to take your Beetle Dune convertible off-roading, it's probably wise to keep the top up. Nobody wants to spend half a day vacuuming dust out of a car.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos