Coming after the standard Polo in 2009, Polo BlueMotion in 2010 and the thrilling Polo GTI, the CrossPolo now completes the series as a fourth model. And here's the other surprise: a Category A Passat
Photos by Low Fai Ming
With its refreshingly cheeky all-terrain look, unique world of colours and features, and a higher ride height (15 mm gained), the CrossPolo is very appealing as one of the most unconventional vehicles in its class. This all-rounder is powered by an extremely fuel-efficient TSI engine with a power output of 105 bhp.
The side profile of the CrossPolo also shows very tough qualities. Here, sporty black wheelarch extensions and coordinated body sills set the styling. The latter continue visually into the lower door area. In off-road driving and in the jungle of metropolitan parking spaces, these rugged plastic guards protect the car from damage. Fitting the character of the CrossPolo are the 5-spoke 17-inch 'Budapest' rims wrapped in 215/40 R-17 rubbers.
Another unmistakable characteristic of the CrossPolo: the silver anodised roof rails. They are certainly not just decorative; they can be used to mount roof boxes nd carrier systems with a weight of up to 75 kilograms. Colour coordinated with the roof railings are door mirrors that are painted in silver.
The high-end interior of the CrossPolo is a fitting match to the all-terrain look of the exterior. Here, it is primarily the two-tone fabrics of the sport seats, the rear bench and the door trim that create a friendly and youthful ambience. Up to four different colour trims area available, depending on the exterior colour.
While the outer areas of the seats are always in anthracite, customers can choose from the colours 'Orange', 'Latte Macchiato' and 'Grey' for the inner seat panels and middle sections of the door trim panels. On seat contact surfaces for the back and legs, the fabrics all have a black webbed structure, making them more durable. Of course, full leather seats with colour-coordinated stitching are also offered.
The 1.2 TSI engine, mated to a 7-speed DSG, produces 105 bhp. This particular combination has already proven its worth in several other Volkswagen models. This turbocharged direct-injectionpetrol powerplant accelerates the CrossPolo to 100km/h in only 9.9 seconds, while top speed is rated at 188km/h. At the same time, the car achieves a combined fuel consumption of just 5.5L/100km, equivalent to 128g/km of CO2. The CrossPolo meets the limits of the Euro 5 emissions standard. Price is set at $126,300, with COE.
At the same time, Volkswagen also introduced the new entry-level Passat. Powered by the 1.4-litre TSI engine and mated to a 7-speed DSG, it produces 122 bhp with maximum 200 Nm torque available from 1,500 rpm onwards. It accelerates to 100 km/h in only 10.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 203 km/h.
At the same time, it uses just 6.4 litres of fuel per 100km in the combined driving cycle, equivalent to 148 g/km of CO2 emissions.
A selection of highlights from the standard equipment list includes Hands-free Park Assist, Easy Open sensor-controlled boot, fatigue detection system, ventilated front seats with 12-way electric adjustment, safety-optimised head restraints, dual-zone climate control and KESSY keyless entry start and exit system. Price is set at $155,800, with COE.
