09 Jul 04
Thankfully, £13k buys a lot of kit
Thankfully for that sort of money, the standard equipment list is quite high: essential ABS anti-lock brakes, four airbags, four electric windows, a CD player, front fog lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, remote central locking and electrically heated/adjustable door mirrors all feature, with a six-CD autochanger a further option. The Dune looks smart, too, based as it is on a pretty, modern vehicle in the first place. It doesn't look like a desperate attempt to tart up a dated, outclassed product (Streetwise) or a cynical me-too marketing ploy (C3 XTR) - and it's a lot more attractive than the dowdy Fusion, though that wouldn't be difficult. It's actually reminiscent of the much-loved Mk 2 Polo mini-estate of the 1980s, with its roof bars and posh-but-practical demeanour, though to suggest that the Dune has something by way of "heritage" is probably going a bit too far.
With its raised suspension, the Dune is a little more prone to body roll on corners, but driving dynamics and ride are generally not too badly affected. The roof bars lead to more wind noise at higher speeds, but the solidly-built Polo is otherwise well-insulated and refined. Although the suspension is only raised by 20mm, the high driving position and good all-round visibility already inherent in the Polo anyway mean that psychologically, at least, the Dune does give a confidence-inspiring view of the road, the reason so many people cite for buying a 4x4. If you're prepared to pay out the hefty prices asked for this feeling, the roof rails and some slightly chunkier styling, then the Polo Dune is the best of the off-road imitators currently on the market, though this is solely down to the fact that it's based on a thoroughly good supermini in the first place.
