Rugged production VW Beetle Dune revealed in Los Angeles

Among the styling changes brought to the new two door is a reworked front bumper featuring a prominent trapezoidal shaped central air duct, silver plastic kick plate, an additional air duct below the leading edge of the bonnet as well as revised indicator units and round fog lamps set within black plastic elements either side. The Lighting Package adds bi-xenon headlights with LED running lights and license-plate lighting. Then they fitted it with 18-inch “Canyon” aluminum alloy wheels, black wheel arch extensions and slathered the thing in a metallic golden paint scheme.

The rear is distinguished from the standard Beetle by a spoiler mounted below the rear window, unique LED tail lamp graphics and a uniquely styled bumper featuring a silver plastic kick plate within the lower valance panel.

Inside, Volkswagen upgraded the standard Beetle’s innards with sportier seats featuring contrasting stitching, as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Standard equipment includes the latest generation MIB II infotainment system, which serves as the foundation for Volkswagen’s available Car-Net® suite of features. USB and Bluetooth compatibility are included, as is compatibility with various apps and a wide range of smartphones-through Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink systems.

German vehicle manufacturer Volkswagen India has commenced pre launch bookings for their upcoming auto new Beetle from Tuesday, the company informed in a statement.

Final specifications have not yet been revealed for the Beetle Dune, although it has been confirmed it will come with the choice of a six-speed manual as standard, and an optional six- or seven-speed dual clutch automatic.

Buyers will be asked to choose from three colors called Sandstorm Yellow (pictured), Pure White, and Deep Black Pearl, respectively. The coupe goes on sale in the first quarter of 2016, with the convertible hitting the market in the third quarter.

The Beetle coming to India will come with a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine which delivers 148bhp and will be available with a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox.

About Volkswagen of America, Inc. VWoA sells the Beetle, Beetle Convertible, CC, Eos, e-Golf, Golf, Golf GTI, Golf SportWagen, Golf R, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan, and Touareg vehicles through approximately 652 independent USA dealers.