If Volkswagen’s latest ‘design study’, the Concept A, a sports car/compact SUV crossover due for show at Geneva, follows in the tyre tracks of 2004’s Concept C, which became the Eos coupe-cabriolet, something similar will likely be that new Golf SUV recently cleared (and just delayed) for production.
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The Concept A is 144 mm longer and 95 mm wider than the current Golf at 4,348 mm long and 1,854 mm wide. Height is 1,551 mm, compared with 1,485 for the Golf; while its 2,602 mm wheelbase is 24 mm longer.
The concept combines a sleek coupe-style silhouette with the raised stance of an SUV. The shield-like front grille looks similar to those on the current production Passat and Jetta but has been developed to emphasise the new vehicle’s off-road styling by forming part of the underbody protection. High-efficiency LED headlights are fitted.
At the rear, the concept has a hatchback tailgate coupled to a pick-up style fold-down rear section beneath the rear LED light clusters. We’ve previously seen something like this on a Fiat station wagon and a mid-90s Honda Civic hatchback model. The VW’s hatch can be opened independently and remain open while driving for carrying long loads.
The Concept A has no traditional B-pillar between front and rear doors. Instead it has opposite opening wing doors said to allow easy access for front and rear passengers as well as giving a feeling of space and light. The airy feel is enhanced by a concertina-style soft-top which slides all the way back to the C-pillar.
Inside, the crossover has four sculpted, patent leather seats and a stylists’ dream facia.
Under the bonnet is a 150 PS TSI petrol engine with Volkswagen’s latest turbo and supercharger technology for maximum performance and minimum fuel consumption. In a further hint that a production version is coming, designers say alternative engines, including the automaker’s popular TDI diesel units, could also be fitted.
Power in this case is distributed through a six-speed DSG automatic transmission to all four 20-inch wheels using the 4MOTION system from the Passat and Golf lines.
Volswagen would say only: “Production plans for the vehicle have not been confirmed” but added that the concept further expands its model range, “at a time when customers’ needs continue to diversify”.
