VW takes a nostalgia trip with Beetle Dune

If the new off-road-inspired Beetle Dune is anything to go by, Volkswagen has a yearning for the iconic Baja Bugs of old. Available in both coupe and cabriolet guise, the ruggedly styled newcomer will be eyeing up a sand dune near you very soon.

Aligned more with the brand’s all-terrain models than with its road machines, the Dune features silver bash plates front and back, tougher-looking sills, revised bumpers, 18in alloys and a 10mm higher stance to boost ground clearance. The cabin’s been colour-coded to match the distinctive paint, too.

It uses the Beetle’s usual engines, with 1.2, 1.4 and 2.0-litre petrol units plus 1.6 and 2.0-litre turbodiesels available. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, with a dual-clutch auto an extra-cost option.

Prices are anticipated to top those of the normal Beetle, but don’t expect to be buying into the full beach-driving experience. The front-wheel-drive-only Dune is more about off-road show than off-road go. That sand dune we mentioned? It’s best you steer well clear.