When Car Showroom first saw photos of the Volkswagen Cross Coupe a few months back we immediately thought this was going to be Volkswagen’s rival for the BMW X6, but the newcomer’s unveiling at the Tokyo Motor Show proves photos can be deceiving.
In fact the Cross Coupe is shorter than Volkswagen’s Tiguan compact SUV, but slightly longer than a Golf. With wheels pushed forwards and backwards as far as possible, the Cross Coupe delivers a purposeful look and its wheelbase (2630mm) is actually 52mm longer than the Golf.
Volkswagen says the Cross Coupe is a crossover but its high ride height and 24.2/32.5-degree approach/departure angles point to more than a little off-road agility.
The drivetrain is very interesting - Volkswagen Cross Coupe is a petrol-electric hybrid with two electric motors and the TSI engine used as a generator (Audi uses the same system). But in this case, the Volkswagen Cross Coupe all-wheel-drive uses an electric engine to drive the rear wheels – which means there is no conventional drive shaft running under the vehicle which provides increased interior space and frees the Volkswagen designers to craft an interior which is very stylish.
Volkswagen also mounts the lithium-ion battery under the vehicle where the driveshaft would normally be and this position enhances a low centre of gravity for the Cross Coupe – for enhanced ride and handling.
Looks – directed by Volkswagen’s styling ‘guru’ Walter de Silva and brand design chief Klaus Bischoff – are a breakthrough for Volkswagen with some passing resemblance to the Touareg and the brand’s hallmark front grille.
Volkswagen does two types of concept cars – ones that are futuristic and cutting edge and others which look very close to production cars. The Cross Coupe shown in Tokyo was in the latter category…interesting.
