Car makers can be very good at overlooking the obvious. None of the publicity material that accompanied the Volkswagen Polo Dune's launch pack made any mention of the Polo Dune that was launched in 2004. It's a mystery to you too? That's not surprising. The car wasn't on sale very long and it didn't exactly floor dealers with demand in the period that it was. Therefore, it's probably fair to say that the current generation Dune has very little to live up to.
Prices start from £12,645 for 75bhp petrol power or £13,495 for the 70bhp diesel, both 1.4-litre units. Both are well mannered engines with the diesel just getting the nod in terms of driveability. Its fuel economy is superior too. With unit injector technology and variable geometry turbocharging this is a state-of-the- art diesel unit and is a lot more refined and progressive in its power delivery than previous generation TDI powerplants.
Volkswagen has striven to give the Polo Dune a burly appearance but retain the standard Polo's agility. Many drivers like the raised ride height as it allows them to see over other traffic, hedges, walls etc, giving a subconscious feeling of safety. This secure feel is aided by the beefy front and rear bumpers, the side and wheel arch protection and the chunky tyres. BBS alloy wheels, silver coloured roof rails and door mirrors with integrated indicators are also part of the Polo Dune styling package.
The interior of the Polo Dune has been jazzed up to offer a younger look and feel than the rather sombre Polo cabin. The chrome-plated instrument surrounds, aluminium effect pedals, sports seats and leather trim for the steering wheel and handbrake set the Dune apart from lesser Polo models.
Standard trim is generous and includes semi automatic climate-controlled air-conditioning, electric windows all round, a multifunction computer, an MP3-compatible CD stereo, front fog lights and electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors.
Volkswagen has certainly scored with the first count but the Dune is by no means a snip with prices starting at £12,645.
