2017 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible 1.8T Dune
Test Drive
Written by Marco Carvajal
Photographs by Katerina Krjanina
The Beetle has always been a Volkswagen bet for a faithful consumption of the brand.
Over the years the automaker continues to tweak its faithful “battle horse”.
2017 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible 1.8T Dune4 Seats Front-wheel drive Engine 1.8L inline four cylinder, 16V, turbocharged/ intercooled, FSITransmission 6-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic and Sport modeHorsepower rpm 170 hp @ 4800 rpmMaximum torque, lb-ft @ rpm 184 lb-ft @ 1500 rpmFuel Tank 14.5 gal galEstimated MPG 24 city/31hwy/27 combined est. mpg |
Introduction
The Beetle has always been a Volkswagen bet for a faithful consumption of the brand.
And over the years the automaker continues to tweak its faithful “battle horse”.
This time presenting the production version of its new Beetle Dune, a more durable edition incorporating classic “Off-road” qualities, which were the modified Beetles that became popular in the 1960s.
The goal of the Dune is to add a more sporting and more adventurous character to the traditional Beetle design. The distinctive styling includes a redesigned front bumper, a large rear spoiler and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels.
To emphasize its off-road qualities, the height of the body has risen 0.4 inches and the stance has been extended by 0.6 inches.
Engine
The 2017 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible 1.8T Dune has:
- 8L inline four cylinder, 16V, turbocharged/ intercooled, FSI
- Estimated MPG in the city is 24, 31 in a highway and 27 combined estimated mpg
- Fuel Tank capacity is 5 gal
- Horsepower – 170 hp 4800 rpm
- Compression Ratio 6:1
Prices
| Model | Price |
| 2017 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible 1.8T Dune | $23,995 |
Exterior Features
Based on a Beetle R-Line, the Dune is longer wider and taller with two inches of additional ground clearance.
The inspiration for the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible 1.8T Dune was the base of the dune buggy. This model is available in one of three exterior colors: white, black, yellow or sandstorm. With the bold stance, 18″ Canyon alloy wheels, well-designed rear spoiler and bumpers, it is so spectacular and aggressively eye-grabbing at the same time:
- Dune front and rear bumpers
- 18″ alloy wheels with a sporty, multi-spoke wheel design. A striking two-tone finish puts the whole look in motion
- Large rear spoiler, silver mirror caps and black wheel arches and running boards
- Heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals
- Electromechanical power steering with variable assistance and active return
- Heated windshield washer nozzles
- Power-assisted front vented disc brakes
- Raised suspension and wider track
Special attention should be payed to the lighting:
- Automatic headlights with Coming/Leaving Home feature
- Halogen headlights with clear, lightweight, chip-resistant polycarbonate lenses
- Halogen reflector lens foglights with low-speed corner-illuminating feature
- Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
- LED taillights
- Available LED license plate lighting with Lighting package
- Available Bi-Xenon high-intensity headlights with LED daytime running lights (DRL) with Lighting package
Interior Features
The interior of the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible 1.8T Dune is very stylish, performed in dark grey and black colors, with front sport seats, dune seating surfaces, V-Tex leatherette trim and yellow piping. It provides fresh desert look. I would love to describe all the conveniences more detailed.
Seating
- Dune seating surfaces with cloth inserts, V-Tex leatherette trim and yellow piping
- Front center armrest, adjustable with storage compartment
- Heated and 6-way manually-adjustable front seats
- Easy entry system (front seats can be moved forward for easy access to rear seats)
- Front seatback storage pockets
- Front sport seats
- Driver’s seat with adjustable lumbar support
- 50/50-split folding rear seat
Convenience
- Blinker control stalk with lane change feature
- Climatic air-conditioning with pollen filter
- Cruise control
- Front and rear carpet floor mats
- Height-adjustable and telescoping steering column
- Multi-function sporty steering leather-wrapped wheel
- Multi-function trip computer with trip time, length, speed, fuel consumption, miles to empty
- Front windows with automatic 1-touch feature, operable from driver’s side; Power windows with pinch protection
- Self-dimming rearview mirror
- Two 12V power outlets
- 2 radio-frequency remote transmitter key fobs with lock, unlock, trunk release, and panic button
- 4-position, 3-color ambient lighting
Technology
- Volkswagen Car-Net App-Connect
- Bluetooth technology with audio streaming for compatible devices
- Rearview Camera System
- USB port
- Touchscreen sound system with proximity sensor, CD player, AM/FM/HD Radio, SD memory card reader, and voice control
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 3-month trial subscription
Safety Features
Safety system of 2017 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible 1.8T Dune is arranged in such a way to protect the driver and passengers in the maximum level. Both active and passive systems are well-thought and accurately made to protect and bring comfort.
Active
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
- Brake override system
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC), including Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
- Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD)
- Engine Braking Assist (EBA)
- Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
Passive
- Anti-intrusion side door beams
- Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR)
- Driver and front passenger front airbag supplemental restraint system
- Crash-optimized front end
- Crash-optimized pedal controls
- Driver and front passenger combined head/thorax side airbag supplemental restraint
- Front safety belts, height-adjustable, with pretensioners and load limiters
- LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchor points
- Passenger Occupant Detection (PODS)
- Reinforced safety cage construction
- Safety belt Emergency Locking Retractors (ELR) for all seating positions
- Steering wheel, deformable/collapsible upon impact
- 3-point safety belts for all seating positions
- Automatic post-collision braking system
Conclusion
2017 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible 1.8T Dune showed a cool and rugged look. Based on a Beetle R-Line, the Dune is longer wider and taller with two inches of additional ground clearance.
It has a powerful 1.8L inline four cylinder, 16V, turbocharged/ intercooled, FSI engine, with Fuel Tank capacity 14.5 gal, and 170 hp 4800 rpm horsepower.
Both exterior and interior are very stylish, sporty and magnetic. Much attention is payed to safety system, providing many functions and facilities for an unforgettable driving experience. Starting price for the new 2017 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible 1.8T Dune is $23,995. Not a bad price for such a unique car.
