01 Feb 06
Once again, the UK is out of step with the rest of Europe. Volkswagen is offering Continental buyers the CrossPolo, while here in Blighty, we'll get the Polo Dune.
It's easy to see why VW isn't using the former name - too many road rage connotations - but the latter isn't that clear, either. VW says it's using the name to evoke memories of the famous beach buggies of the late 60s/early 70s, though the Dune isn't really suited to bounding across sandy beaches and coastal tracks.
Basically, the Dune is a successor to the earlier Polo Fun, a variant of the last-generation Polo with extra equipment (and a suitably increased price tag). Following a similar theme, the Dune is designed in the style of a small SUV; it has increased ground clearance, though it remains front-wheel drive only, and it is brightened up with colour-coordinated body parts and interior tweaks such as special seat covers and chrome trimmings. Equipment includes climate control, front and rear electric windows, a CD/MP3 player, heated/electrically-adjustable door mirrors, an alarm and side airbags.
