Volkswagen is trying hard to regain some of the face they lost over the past couple of month over the Dieselgate scandal at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show with cars like this, the new Volkswagen Beetle Dune and Dune convertible. They are hoping the legendary name and cool looks of the new model will help people forget about them being a bunch of cheating sods.

At any rate, the new Volkswagen Beetle Dune does look like a fun car to hit the beaches of California in, what with the raised ride height, interesting body colors like “Sandstorm Yellow Metallic” and “Dark Bronze Metallic” with black wheels and black side trim strips, and LED lights bar. It also comes with a large rear spoiler in two-tone finish and a rear diffuser in “Reflex Silver.”

The highlights of the interior for the new Dune include Dash Pad (styling panel on the dashboard) painted in body colour, extensive contrasting stitching  on the sport seats, leather-trimmed steering wheel, parking brake grip, and black-painted seat system, door trim panels, roof pillars and headlining. Depending on the model, you can get DAB+ digital radio, Bluetooth, and a Fender audio system.

Engine-wise, Volkswagen Beetle Dune and Dune convertible – both of which sit 10mm higher than the normal Beetle – can be had with three petrol engines (77 kW / 105 PS1, 110 kW /150 PS2 and 162 kW / 220 PS) and two diesel engines (81 kW / 110 PS4 and 110 kW / 150 PS5). We have a sneaking suspicion the diesels will be hard to sell.