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Text & Photos edited by Frank de Leeuw van Weenen
Source: Volkswagen AG
May 24, 2007
20mm extra ride height
A distinctive new version of the Golf Plus is set to join the Volkswagen range later in the summer with the arrival of the Golf Plus Dune. Based on the versatile Golf Plus platform, the new Dune model’s styling is based on that of its ‘little brother’, the Polo Dune. As such it features a raised ride height, revised exterior styling and additional standard equipment.
Revised springs and dampers raise the ride height by 20 mm to improve ground clearance and give the Dune model a more purposeful stance. This is enhanced by a set of unique BBS 17-inch alloy wheels, wrapped in 225/45 R17 tyres.
The raised ride height is accentuated by a set of bespoke matt blistered wheel arches and tough, textured plastic front and rear. Set into the front bumper is a deep air dam framed by a set of fog lights, while the rear bumper is intersected by a contoured, silver panel. Completing the look are silver roof rails and durable plastic rubbing strips running down the side of the vehicle. Just three colours – Ice Silver and Steel Grey metallic as well as Blue Graphite pearl effect – will be offered.
Beneath the unique body styling is an efficient 1.9-litre TDI engine developing 105 PS and 184 lbs ft of torque. The engine is fitted with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) as standard to reduce emissions. As a result the Golf Plus Dune is capable of returning a combined economy figure of 50.4 mpg while emitting only 148 g/km of CO 2. These gains don’t come at the expense of performance. The Golf Plus Dune has a top speed of 121 mph and the ability to sprint from standstill to 62 mph in 12.1 seconds.
Along with the exterior changes, the Golf Plus Dune also comes with additional equipment inside the cabin. Unique interior trim is joined by a leather steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake. In time for the summer, Climatic semi automatic air conditioning is fitted as standard along with automatic driving lights and windscreen wipers, electric front and rear windows, a multifunction computer and an eight-speaker CD stereo system. And like all Golf Plus models, the Dune also features six airbags, ABS and Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP).
The Golf Plus Dune costs £18,495 (RRP on the road) and is available to order from Volkswagen UK retailers now. Production is limited to 400 vehicles.
Source WCF: Volkswagen Golf Plus Dune Limited Edition (UK)
