Volkswagen Cross Coupe Concept

VW is showcasing its SUV concept at Tokyo this week in the form of the Cross Coupe. Longer than a Golf and shorter than a Tiguan, the AWD plug-in hybrid hints at how a crossover that sits between a four-door coupe and an SUV may look. Designed by Walter de Silva and Klaus Bischoff, the car features the characteristic horizontal lines of VW’s face combined with a new light and grille treatment. New distinctive light clusters combined with chunky SUV bumpers and twin tailpipes dominate the rear. Inside, a programmable instrument cluster and advanced infotainment system has been fitted and the four-seater features bucket seats with integrated headrests. Cargo capacity can be increased from a modest 13.4 to a substantial 43.4 cubic feet by folding the back seats and front passenger seat. The plug-in hybrid powertrain combines a TSI direct injection turbo petrol engine producing 148hp and 144lb-ft of torque with two electric motors. 54hp and 133lb-ft of torque is produced at the front, and the electric motor mounted to the rear axel is rated at 114hp and 199lb-ft of torque, but is only activated in electric-only mode or AWD. When all three power sources are combined, 262hp is produced enabling the crossover concept to sprint from 0-62mph in 7.0 seconds and reach a 125mph top speed. On purely electric power it has a 40km range. The electric motors’ 9.8 kWh lithium ion battery is housed where the driveshaft would ordinarily be, and this low position coupled with the layout of the drive systems result in a low center of gravity and better balance. SUV functionality is thus complemented by coupe-like handling.

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Frank Okemwa