01 Feb 06
There are just the two engines in the UK-spec Dune. The 1.4-litre petrol - with only 75bhp and 92lb-ft of torque at 3,800 rpm - is somewhat underpowered: we drove it up into the mountains on roads with 80% gradients and hairpin bends, and it was woefully inadequate.
This may sound harsh, judging it under such extreme conditions, but VW's ad itself shows a couple of hip young urbanites playing sport, before jumping into their CrossPolo/Dune to drive up into the mountains for a spot of snow-kiting. OK, it might not be used much like that in real life, especially in Britain, but we do have plenty of steep hills here, and the engine will still create limitations on the car's use, especially if it's loaded with people or a full boot.
Although we haven't driven it as yet, the 1.4 diesel should be significantly better: though it has just 70bhp, it develops 114lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm, which should give more pull at lower speeds. The altogether quicker 1.9 TDI won't appear in the UK, which is a shame, as it's a lot of fun to drive.
As for the rest of the Dune's driving characteristics, there isn't much more to say than: it's a Polo. Not the sportiest of superminis, but it handles well, and is easy to steer around fairly challenging mountain roads; the gearbox is smooth and accurate, helping the necessary frequent changes on the steep, twisting track, and the suspension makes for a comfortable ride.
