When Volkswagen revealed the sleek Cross Coupé concept at the Tokyo Motor Show last November, it was powered by a hybrid drivetrain that consisted of a 148 horsepower TSI gasoline engine teamed with a pair of electric motors.
Now, the German automaker has unveiled a new version of the Cross Coupé at the Geneva show with a big change under the hood.
In place of the gas motor of the original Cross Coupé is a version of Volkswagen’s new EA288 turbodiesel four-cylinder that pumps out 295 lb-ft of torque from 1600 rpm and shifts through a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox. Augmenting the piston engine are a pair of electric motors that deliver 133 lb-ft of torque in front and 199 lb-ft at the rear, both of which are fed by a 9.8 kWh lithium-ion battery.
Combined, the three powerplants produce a maximum of 306 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of twist (hybrids require the use of some fuzzy math) and can propel the concept from zero-to-60 mph in 6.5 seconds.
Volkswagen claims that the latest Cross Coupé returns 130 mpg on the the New European Driving Cycle and is capable of driving 28 miles at nearly 75 mph in pure electric mode, which only utilizes the rear electric motor. Drivers have the choice of five different drive modes in which the powerplants and drive axles are coupled or decoupled based on the desired levels of fuel efficiency and power.
What else has changed since Tokyo?
Aside from the drivetrain and the exterior color, the concept displayed in Geneva is essentially the same as the one that bowed in Tokyo. It wears the same aggressive styling on the outside, and it keeps the four-seater configuration on the inside.
Penned by VW’s Walter de Silva and Klaus Bischoff, the Cross Coupé “hints at the future of SUV design at Volkswagen,” the automaker said back in November.
To us, that means it signals VW’s intent to build a sub-Tiguan crossover aimed primarily at European and Asian buyers. And we’d say this plan is pretty much set in stone since the concept looks like a thinly-veiled production car.
The Cross Coupé is smaller than a Tiguan at 171.1 inches in overall length, although VW says it stretches a bit longer than a standard Golf. However, its 103.5-inch wheelbase is long for the A segment, which combines with its wide track to give it an especially poised style.
Proportionally more like a Range Rover Evoque than a traditional SUV or crossover, the Cross Coupé features a low window line and a simplistic style reinforced by frameless windows and flared fenders. It rides on 20-inch tires, which help give it good ground clearance and impressive approach and departure angles for light off road use.
The devil is in the details with the Cross Coupé: New front lights create what VW calls its “visage” fascia scheme. The lower portion of the chrome fins built into the grille feature LED running lamps, while the upper fins incorporate the car’s turn signals.
Inside, the Cross Coupé is a four-seater with plenty of flexibility for larger items like surfboards or bicycles. With the rear seats folded, VW says the Cross Coupé can swallow around 43 cubic feet of the kind of lifestyle goods marketers all assume we regularly carry.
