Volkswagen Beetle Dune Concept unveiled

VW has unveiled its rugged Volkswagen Beetle Dune concept car at the Detroit Motor Show.

The car is based on the current production model of the Beetle but has a body raised by 50mm compared to the standard version. The VW Beetle Dune concept also gets 19-inch wheels with large tyres and chunkier bodywork to give it the look of an SUV or 4x4.

Under the bonnet is the same 207bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine found in the standard top-of-the-range Beetle models. This engine will do around 38.2mpg and emits 176g/km of CO2. The Volkswagen Beetle Dune also gets the brand's six-speed automatic DSG gearbox, though this concept version is only two-wheel drive – surprising, given the car's off-road look.

The car has a sleek design and features a modified rear bumper that combines with two rear spoilers to form a ski-rack mounted to the back of the car, a feature that Volkswagen intends as a nod towards classic Beetle models.

The interior of the car is similar to the standard Beetle apart from a passenger grab handle where the glovebox would usually be and a large 7.7-inch touchscreen display in the middle of the dashboard.

Volkswagen developed a Beetle Dune concept car back in 2000 but it was never a candidate for production. However, the firm has hinted that the new Dune concept could make it into Volkswagen showrooms in the next couple of years – by emphasising its links with the current production Beetle. VW says it will gauge reaction to the car among the public and media.

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