Review: "Dune and Dusted"

dxg · Post by **dxg** » Tue Aug 10, 2004 11:38 pm

Hello everyone,

Can I draw your attention to uk-polos' review of the very first Lime Green Dune in the UK, located here.

This review was made possible by Volkswagen's UK Press Office, so I'm sure they'll by interested in your responses. If you've got comments or questions on the review, please post them below and I'll do my best to answer them.

Cheers,

Deek.

Tahrey1043 · Post by **Tahrey1043** » Wed Aug 11, 2004 11:21 am

One small non serious thing.....

Wasn't the New Beetle VW's first lifestyle vehicle, putting looks etc over performance? Take a 2-litre Golf, whack a cutesy but impractical body shell on it, add a flower holder...

This one looks a lot better, but I sure hope there aren't many sold in that colour combo... grey + lime green

KarlM · Post by **KarlM** » Wed Aug 11, 2004 11:43 am

Nice title

Si_GTi · Post by **Si_GTi** » Wed Aug 11, 2004 12:08 pm

On the subject of those alloys - I asked about those a few weeks ago, here. I was helpfully informed by Speedlaw that they are the 17" flavour of the BBS RW alloy, also available as a split-rim. Won't fit on my GTi though

how about you 9n owners?

Strange colour that lime green btw. Are pastels 'in' this season?

Good review though - look forward to next year when you guys get your mitts on the next-generation GTi

Cheers

des_pd_ tdi · Post by **des_pd_ tdi** » Wed Aug 11, 2004 12:13 pm

Derek, My questions below

Will the engine line up be increased for the Dune? if so when and what engines will they use? I'm hoping for the 130pd tdi

When the model line up is revised will the spec change, ie will curtain airbags be as standard becuase they are currently offered as an option.

Have they resolved the suspension issues for the Dune that we've all experienced with the standard 9n model. Where is the dune built as this seems to have an effect on build quality. (You answered this in your Review)

Will we be invited to give our opinions on the forthcoming facelift. I think a uk-polo review/update would be a valuable contribution for VW UK given the worldwide input we receive.

Cheers

Des

pukka · Post by **pukka** » Wed Aug 11, 2004 1:10 pm

Good review dxg!

Would of liked to of seen more photos tho Eg. of the dash/dials, boot cubby hole and more close-ups. But can understand you had limited time with car.

No spare wheel

... no wonder the Dune isn't much heavier than a standard Polo.

Lime Green is the way to go if anyones gonna get a lifestyle vehicle, imo

.

Regards.

KarlM · Post by **KarlM** » Wed Aug 11, 2004 1:27 pm

There should be plenty of hi res VW press shots about online - try a google search

hth

carmadaaron · Post by **carmadaaron** » Wed Aug 11, 2004 1:35 pm

Si_GTi wrote:On the subject of those alloys - I asked about those a few weeks ago, here. I was helpfully informed by Speedlaw that they are the 17" flavour of the BBS RW alloy, also available as a split-rim. Won't fit on my GTi though how about you 9n owners?

Strange colour that lime green btw. Are pastels 'in' this season?

Good review though - look forward to next year when you guys get your mitts on the next-generation GTi

Cheers

i think split rim comes in 18" !

Si_GTi · Post by **Si_GTi** » Wed Aug 11, 2004 1:41 pm

Sadly no Dune pics but plenty of high-res 9n pics to be found here

Post by **mole** » Wed Aug 11, 2004 1:43 pm

Deek may have more pics - ask him.

dxg · Post by **dxg** » Wed Aug 11, 2004 9:53 pm

Thanks for the feedback. We're really pleased to have been able to bring you this content, and we're hoping that Volkswagen will help us out again in the future.

In the meantime, let me try to respond to your queries...

First off, here are some follow-up images that should provide additional information (look at the mpg in the first one!!):

Secondly, let me answer your questions...

Will the engine line up be increased for the Dune? if so when and what engines will they use? I'm hoping for the 130pd tdi

I did ask this question and the answer is "maybe". VW are waiting to see how enthusiastic their customers are to the idea of the Dune. If it goes well, then you'll be seeing a broader engine range in all probabily, but nothing confirmed at this time.

~~~~

When the model line up is revised will the spec change, ie will curtain airbags be as standard becuase they are currently offered as an option.

VW's response = "too early to say"

~~~~

Have they resolved the suspension issues for the Dune that we've all experienced with the standard 9n model. Where is the dune built as this seems to have an effect on build quality. (You answered this in your Review)

This was the question I asked on this issue, with VW's response below:

> - Can VW comment on the design revisions (other than ride height) made to
> the Dune to differentiate it from standard Polos (.e.g spring stiffness)?
> Do any of these revisions tackle the "knocking over speed humps" defect that
> some existing owners have experienced and for which VW have issued revised
> suspension bushes to dealers?
The suspension differs from that of other Polos by having its height raised
by 20 mm, plus there are stiffer springs and dampers.

So, no real answer beyond what we already know.

~~~~

Will we be invited to give our opinions on the forthcoming facelift. I think a uk-polo review/update would be a valuable contribution for VW UK given the worldwide input we receive.

All being well, we should be getting a look at the facelift at the same time as other journalists in the UK. There's nothing formally in the pipeline to get an "early look", however you are strongly encouraged to post any specific questions you might have about the facelift on this board, as that will let the moderators collect those questions up and forward them to VW from time to time. That way, we might be able to learn more about what's coming down the pipe, depending on how much information VW's marketing strategy allows them to share prior to the formal unveiling.

~~~~

I hope the above information is useful. If you have any further questions please let us know.

Deek.

dxg · Post by **dxg** » Wed Aug 11, 2004 10:04 pm

Tahrey1043 wrote:Wasn't the New Beetle VW's first lifestyle vehicle, putting looks etc over performance? Take a 2-litre Golf, whack a cutesy but impractical body shell on it, add a flower holder...

Odd, I'd never really thought of the Beetle as a lifestyle vehicle, but now that you mention it, I guess that it is one... The convertable certainly is!

Also, there was the Golf Country from years ago, so the Dune's not the first 2wd pseudo 4x4 that VW's done. I don't know much about it, though -- that's why it's not mentioned in the review. Although there is a whole website for it: http://www.vw-golf-country.de/home.htm

Tahrey1043 · Post by **Tahrey1043** » Thu Aug 12, 2004 12:57 am

pukka wrote: No spare wheel ... no wonder the Dune isn't much heavier than a standard Polo.

Does it have one of those emergency repair kits... yknow, the little can of highly compressed tyre sealant or whatever.. (sorry I didn't get so far into the review to spot that, had to nip off

) ??
Or is it just.... you get a flat... you're screwed

Well, at least there's *space* for a spare. Shouldnt be too expensive (or heavy) to pop a generic space saver in there.

Lime Green is the way to go if anyones gonna get a lifestyle vehicle, imo .

No way, ohhhhh no way. Mark my words man. It's been done before and regretted before, in the late 70s/early 80s.... Too bad people have short memories!

Pastel Lime is the Beige of the future...
(hey! does it even come in a beige?? yknow... with some kind of fancy name like Desert Sand to disguise the fact they're using dulux's cheap leftovers (very fitting for a "dune")?

hehe)

Do like those dials tho, very smart if merely the VW standard right now. Interior seems well sorted, if deathly dull when the camera isnt pointed on those designer seats - too much featureless smooth grey plastic expanse... and what's going on with the one rear-window heater switch in the minority in the middle (by the hazard flashers) flanked by no less than *five* unused blanks? What bits of missing kit are supposed to go there?

And I just can't disrespect 66mpg straight off the production line now, can I... Really, it didn't dip below 52 for the whole test, even when (if?) you pounded it? *wub*

Interesting car... lets see what Jezza makes of it

Interesting too the Golf Country - a bit like a modern SUV... got the slightly ludicrous off road looks but probably not much prowess (2wd? in mud? even with that ground clearance... you mad?) but dicky handling and naff fuel economy to match the modern incarnations. 34mpg at 55, 24 at 75 and in town, a top speed and acceleration a 1.3CL could beat (from a 1.8 engine)... wierd! (Give me a Panda 4x4 any day

)

Nelson_Wilbury · Post by **Nelson_Wilbury** » Tue Aug 31, 2004 7:34 pm

Just thought i'd mention. Theres a silver 1.4 16v Dune at my local dealership which also only has one under seat drawer on it. So perhaps this is a standard thing after all?