One of the few surprises to be sprung at the Tokyo Motor Show was the unveil of Volkswagen’s new Cross Coupé concept, pointing to the look of a possible Tiguan replacement but, more importantly, showing the way VW’s future SUVs will look.
With its compact look, short overhangs, pushed back roof line and narrow glasshouse, there’s a nod in the direction of the Range Rover Evoque.
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Product development chief Ulrich Hackenberg said: “We are looking at a new phase of VW SUVs. The Cross Coupé shows the future of SUV design at the company.”
The Cross Coupé is powered by a petrol-electric hybrid system which can drive either the front wheels or all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
It uses VW’s turbocharged 1.4-litre, four-cylinder direct-injection engine with a pair of brushless electric motors, one front-mounted that delivers 54hp and a larger 114hp motor at the rear.
As expected, Hackenberger also pulled the wraps off the new Passat Alltrack, a four wheel-drive version of the Passat wagon, covered last week by just-auto.
The Alltrack adds VW’s ‘4Motion’ four-wheel drive and a raised ride height for greater off road performance along with body enhancements that also provide some protection from scrapes in the rough stuff.
These include stainless steel-look front and rear underbody protection panels and flared side sills. Other features include matt chrome roof rails, window surrounds, grille and exterior mirror casings.
Suspension has been raised to increase ground clearance and the car also features an off-road mode, similar to that on the Tiguan Escape. When switched on, this activates hill descent assist which automatically brakes the vehicle when the descent angle is greater than 10 degrees. The ABS function is also altered, with higher thresholds for operation on loose surfaces.
In the UK, the Passat Alltrack will be available with 2.0-litre TDI 140PS turbodiesel engine with six-speed manual gearbox or a 2.0-litre TDI 170PS with six-speed DSG automated ‘box.
UK dealers are expected to start taking orders for the new car in April, with first deliveries scheduled for July.
