Only a few inches higher off the ground.
We have to be honest with everyone; we’re not the biggest fans of the current Volkswagen Beetle. Yes, it does look better inside and out than its New Beetle predecessor but we’d still prefer a Golf hatchback. For today’s video review, we take a closer look at the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible 1.8T Dune. How does it differ than the regular Beetle droptop? There’s an extra 0.2-inch of ground clearance, more aggressive fascias, fender flares and a body that’s been ever so slightly widened.
Combined with a set of 18-inch wheels and "Dune" graphics, the idea was to make this appear as if it’s a global rally cross car. It’s not. Not even close, and it’s kind of a shame because we think this was a missed opportunity.
Specifically, instead of its 1.8-liter turbo four with 170 hp and 184 lb-ft and paired to a six-speed slushbox, VW should have gone with the Beetle R-Line’s 2.0-liter turbo four with 210 ponies and mated it to a six-speed manual that sends power to all four wheels. But no. None of that happened. We do like the Beetle Dune’s Sandstorm Yellow Metallic paint, for what it's worth.
