Concept Car: Volkswagen Beetle Dune

So what are these clever tech tricks? The Dune has variable-height air suspension with three different settings to vary the ground clearance.

But is it really style over substance? No - it's powered by VW's strong, torquey 2.3 V5 engine (150 bhp), teamed up with a six-speed manual gearbox and 4-Motion four-wheel drive. The style bit comes in with the massive 18 in alloys, stainless steel trim, huge bumpers and side skirts and the lock-in, lock-out roof panel. But it's still practical - the boot is lined with aluminium to protect against wet objects (wetsuits, surf boards, diving equipment), it uses easy-wipe seat fabrics and the aluminium-backed rear seats fold to form a flat load bay.

I still don't see the point of this Dung Beetle - sorry, Dune Bug. That's probably because you're not one of these young, adventuresome, affluent, all-action, surfin', snow-boardin', mountain-bikin', jet-skiin' types that all the car manufacturers are so keen to attract. Generation X with money, MTV-weaned post-teens. VW's motto for this car - Live wild, but not dangerously - says it all. It's for those who want to buy into the Love Bug/Combi van lifestyle, but don't want the hassle of maintaining an old car; weekend hippies and ravers who wear a suit all week... you get the picture. Dope-smoking Woodstock left-overs need not apply.

I can imagine its target buyers perfectly. When will they be able to buy into the Dune dream? There are no production plans as yet - it's just a design study - but VW is going to see what sort of a reception the forthcoming Beetle cabriolet gets. If that sells well, more unusual spin-offs from the Beetle theme will be considered.

TECH SPEC:

Engine:
2.3-litre V5
Max Power:
150 bhp
Transmission:
4-MOTION four-wheel drive
Dimensions:
13 ft 3 in x 6 ft x 5 ft 1 in
Wheelbase:
8 ft 3 in
Wheels:
18 in six-spoke alloys
Tyres:
235/60 R18
Suspension adjustment range:
4.7 inches

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