Recently we've seen the arrival of the
performance version of the Volkswagen Polo and the
economy variant. Now the supermini has been given an off-road makeover to create the CrossPolo.
Just like its predecessor - sold as the
Polo Dune in the UK - there is no four-wheel drive hardware, although raised suspension and plastic body cladding is included. Other cosmetic changes include a new front bumper, 17-inch alloy wheels and silver anodised roof rails. The CrossPolo also gets two unique colours: Magma Orange and Terra Beige Metallic.
The interior gets a splash of colour too. Customers can choose Hot Orange, orange, Latte Macchiato or grey for the inner seat panels, the centre part of the seats and door panels. The steering wheel and handbrake are finished in leather with stitching that matches the colour of the seat trim. In the boot there are handy points to tie down luggage.
Power comes from a choice of three petrol and three diesel engines spanning a range of outputs from 69- to 104bhp. The most powerful petrol motor is the 1.2-litre TSI, which is claimed to give 0-62mph in 9.9 seconds and 51.4mpg with 128g/km CO
2 emissions. All diesel engines have identical consumption and emissions figures: 61.4mpg and 128g/km.
The CrossPolo will be officially unveiled at the
Geneva Motor Show. Available exclusively in the five-door body, it should go on sale in the UK from the summer and prices will be announced nearer the time. We should also find out whether it will keep the CrossPolo name or revive the Dune moniker.
John Lambert - 22 Feb 2010
