by Japanese Tuning Atelier Ludix
Japanese tuner Ludix specializes in creating off-road versions of Volkswagen vehicles. Among the key modifications:
The company plans to expand its activities to Mercedes, Porsche, and Audi models.
Wave of Special Versions in Japan
Japan has been experiencing a real wave of special versions and off-road conversions of cars in recent years, and not all of them come from major automakers. Ludix has become one of the brightest examples of a local tuning atelier that gained fame for creating Baja-style adventure vehicles based on Volkswagen.
The team’s goal is to create cars “for work, fun, and everything else”
Currently, the company focuses on Volkswagen New Beetle, Beetle, and Golf models, but plans to work with Mercedes, Porsche, and Audi in the future.
New Beetle Transformation
Starting with the New Beetle model (1997-2011), Ludix transforms the retro hatchback into a vehicle ready for off-road. A significant suspension lift, new wheels with Toyo Tire Open Country tires, and a matte wrap set the main tone.
Special details include a protective bull bar bumper, overfenders, a roof rack with a spare wheel and additional LED lights, as well as a rear cargo carrier. Under the hood remains the standard 2.0-liter TSI engine without modifications.
Latest Generation Beetle and Golf VII
Ludix also offers a conversion for the latest generation Beetle (2011-2019), which resembles the factory Dune trim. This version retains many similar elements: steel wheels, off-road tires, fender flares, roof rack, and two-tone wrap, although the suspension is lifted less than in the previous model.
Moving to the Golf VII, Ludix applies a similar adventure formula. The result looks much more rugged than Volkswagen’s own Golf Alltrack, and closer in spirit to the Golf Country of the 90s.
Technical Features
The main elements remain unchanged: black steel wheels with off-road tires and raised suspension. The ground clearance increases by approximately 70 mm, making the Golf taller than the Tiguan.
Details are also well thought out: bumpers receive a special textured finish that mimics unpainted plastic – not for cost savings, but for protection against stones and scratches. Buyers can complement this with custom wraps, stickers, roof racks, and additional LEDs for a more adventurous look.
Interestingly, the model is based on the Golf Comfortline BlueMotion with a 1.2-liter TSI engine and front-wheel drive. However, the same parts will likely fit any Golf VII, including models with 2.0 TDI and 4Motion all-wheel drive system.
Cost of Modifications
Ludix sells its creations in several forms: ready-made cars, conversion kits, and individual components for owners.
The Golf VII GNC kit costs from 550,000 to 900,000 yen (approximately $3,500-5,700 at current exchange rates) on top of the base car price. Modifications for the New Beetle, on the other hand, can reach 1.7 million yen ($10,800).
Browsing the company’s social media reveals even more experiments, including a lifted Polo Mk4 that looks ready to tackle a forest trail.
The popularity of such conversions indicates a growing demand for versatile vehicles capable of combining urban use with off-road capability. The Japanese market is particularly interesting because it traditionally has strong local tuning traditions as well as interest in European cars. The uniqueness of Ludix’s approach lies in combining German engineering with Japanese customization philosophy, creating an entirely new product at the intersection of two automotive cultures.
