Flash Drive

2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible

September 8, 2016 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2016 VW Beetle Dune Convertible

The 2016 VW Dune is a special edition that was designed to evoke memories of classic VW dune buggies.
The 2016 VW Dune is a special edition that was designed to evoke memories of classic VW dune buggies.

Engine: 1.8-liter I-4 gas turbo, 170 horsepower 184 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 25-mpg city, 34-mpg highway, 28-mpg combined

Base Price: $25,995

As Tested: $26,815

Performance:

Decent power, but nothing spectacular

OK automatic transmission

Smooth downshifts

Reasonably smooth highway ride

OK fuel economy—we averaged 23.0 mpg

Easy city maneuverability

Comfort:

Minimal wind disturbance with top down

Front seat room in the VW Dune is outstanding. The dashboard is painted body color.
Front seat room in the VW Dune is outstanding. The dashboard is painted body color.

Very nicely insulated convertible top

Excellent headroom even though top looks chopped

Comfortable seats

Lumbar adjustment lever

Seat height pump

Stretch-out driver legroom

Super stretch-out front passenger legroom

Nice, semi-thick, flat-bottom steering wheel

Tilt/telescopic column, but stiff actuation

Three temperature heated seats

Front seats touch rears when all back

Small back seat; best for children

Utility:

Quick and easy convertible top operation

Rear seat is minimal. The split folding seats do add versatility to the very small trunk.
Rear seat is minimal. The split folding seats do add versatility to the very small trunk.

Thin, shallow door storage bins

Two gloveboxes; one has lock

Small, oddly shaped trunk

Two seatback pouches

Medium to small sun visors

Split rear seats fold, but very steep angle

Small trunk pass-through

Good sound system

WOW Factors:

Very quiet for a convertible whether top is up or down

Great sunny day cruiser

Easy convertible top operation

Current VW convertibles are very well built and very quiet even with the top down.
Current VW convertibles are very well built and very quiet even with the top down.

Attention getter

Whines:

Vestigial “running boards” looked odd

Very stiff steering column adjustment lever

Could use more/larger interior storage bins

Limited trunk space

We didn’t think Dune package was worth extra cost

Bottom Line:

The 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Dune convertible is a special model (also available as a coupe) that’s meant to evoke classic “dune buggies.” The ride and track are slightly larger. Front and rear fascias have skid plate cues. Black side trim is supposed to conjure up traditional VW running boards. All this extra flair didn’t work on us, but the underlying Beetle convertible is a great car and lots of fun on back road weekend trips. Our recommendation: stick with the standard Beetle convertible and use the savings for fun getaways.