Volkswagen->ke94 is promising to build a production version of the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle Dune Concept, but it’s clear that the automaker isn’t ready to make a big fuss about the off-roading Beetle just yet. The official announcement was made last summer in a short video where production of the coupe and convertible were briefly mentioned, and now the high-riding Beetle has seemingly been confirmed for the U.S. market in an equally unassuming manner.

Squeezed in almost as a footnote in the official announcement debuting four Beetle concept vehicles at the New York Auto Show->ke226 last week, Volkswagen’s press release said that the Dune will “arrive in dealer showrooms in early 2016.” Considering that the concept was originally unveiled at last year’s North American International Auto Show->ke222 in Detroit, this really doesn’t come as that big of a surprise.

As a refresher, the Beetle Dune Concept was taller and wider than a standard Beetle, and it used the same powertrain as the turbocharged Beetle R-Line. The problem here is that the Beetle is front-wheel drive, and it would be a huge missed opportunity if VW builds the Dune as the same.

Continue reading to learn more about the Volkswagen Beetle Dune Concept.

Why it matters

Depending on how Volkswagen markets this new model, the production Volkswagen Beetle Dune could be positioned as a two-door version of small crossovers starting to flood the market, like the Jeep Renegade and Mazda CX-3. Personally, I’d love to see Kia muster up the courage to bring the Trail’ster Concept to life – that would make for an incredibly fun head-to-head battle.

Volkswagen Beetle Dune Concept

Read our full review of the Volkswagen Beetle Dune Concept here.