Volkswagen Unveils an 'Unconventional' 2016 Beetle Dune

MANILA: Yes, people you read it right. The cute and loved by all VW Beetle is all up with a new or rather just say 'unconventional' look. And by unconventional, we mean that the car now carries some rugged, aggressive looks, differing it widely form its on-going model. The German carmaker showed off its new creation at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show, which it claims to be a production version.

Earlier in 2014, VW presented a concept version of the Beetle Dune at the North America International Auto Show. Back then too this new Beetle made a lot of headlines for its striking resemblance with the classic Baja Bugs. So, get ready for a sporty, stronger and speedy Beetle.

Volkswagen America Vice President Joerg Sommer said, “The new Dune successfully captures the iconic spirit of Baja Beetles, with a more rugged feel and amenities never before offered on the third-generation Beetle.”

Available is both coup and convertible model, Beetle Dune looks way too different from the present day Beetle. VW has completely revamped the car both from the inside and outside. The outer body now gets a new aggressive front and rear fascia, in which are included large air intakes, honeycomb grille, Bi-Xenon LED headlights and aluminum skid plate. On to the side, the new Beetle is bestowed with large bold fenders, maintaining the long Beetle legacy, polished aluminum skirts, black wheel arches housing 18-inch Canyon alloy wheels and lastly making a stronger impression are the 'Dune' graphics present on both side doors.The rear end is the one which has undergone the maximum transformation, it now sports a large spoiler, curvy LED taillights, and revamped bumper.

Stepping in the new Beetle is as good as looking it from outside. Cabin area follows the same body color trim in combination with the black upholstery, giving passengers a unique feel. There is also present a long list of amenities inside like three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, MIB infotainment system with Apple CarPay, Android Auto and Mirror Link, 6.3-inch to uchscreen display with gestures controls like pinch-zooming and swiping.

Under the hood, 2106 Beetle Dune will come fitted with a 1.8L direct injection turbocharged TSI four-cylinder power mill that will generate a maximum power of 172 PS with a peak torque of 249 Nm. In addition, the engine will come coupled with six-speed automatic transmission.