Tuesday, November 22, 2005

World Premiere of the CrossPolo at the Essen Motor Show

Text and photos from Volkswagen AG.
All-round talent to be launched in February 2006 at a starting price of 15,150 euros

Wolfsburg, 20 November 2005 - World premiere of the Volkswagen CrossPolo at the 38th Essen Motor Show. The striking design of the four-door vehicle with a large tailgate makes it a practical and robust lifestyle statement. This attractive and progressive Volkswagen has running gear raised by 15 millimetres, new 17-inch alloy wheels, robust bolt-on parts in a contrasting colour and re-designed bumpers in off-road style. The interior of the versatile CrossPolo is characterised by special upholstery fabrics, sport seats and chrome trims.

The CrossPolo will be introduced to the German market in February 2006. It is the successor of the extremely successful Polo Fun which exceeded initial sales forecasts threefold. The starting price for the 1.2-litre petrol engine (47 kW / 64 PS) is 15,150 euros, placing it well below the price of 16,225 euros its predecessor cost. The engine line-up comprises three petrol engines (47 kW / 64 PS, 55 kW / 75 PS, 74 kW / 100 PS) and two TDI engines (51 kW / 70 PS und 74 kW / 100 PS).

For skiing, mountain biking and rock-climbing in beautiful scenery or simply for shopping trips to the city: unconventional vehicles such as the CrossPolo developed by Volkswagen Individual are immensely popular. Unusual concepts and designs in this type of leisure vehicle provide great versatility and make a clear lifestyle statement. The message is driving fun, excellent product quality and good value for money. This is the profile of the new CrossPolo.

Its raised running gear and practical roof railing fitted as standard have increased the height of the CrossPolo considerably: the running gear and tyres contribute to an added height of 32 millimetres; its height to the top of the aluminium roof railing is 70 millimetres above other vehicles in the range. The CrossPolo has a total height of 1,537 millimetres.

The exterior mirror housings in shiny chrome paintwork continue the metal theme started by the roof railings. The modified front skirt also picks up on this design element: the central air-intake is framed in matte aluminium look, and is extended to suggest an under-run bumper. The fog lights on either side are standard equipment.

The silhouette of the CrossPolo clearly makes it a model in its own right. The 215/40 tyres on 17-inch rims comfortably fill the wheel housings which are framed by robust wheel arch flares. The wheel arch flares form a unit with the sill panels which are extended into the doors. These panels and the bottom elements of the front and rear bumpers are made of robust plastic in a dark matte finish. In contrast, the body is available in six fresh colours: magma orange, lime, flash red, black magic, Ravenna blue and reflex silver. The handles and upper protective side strips in body colour are standard.

The colour of the paintwork determines the details of the vehicle interior – which is fitted with sport comfort seats. A range of details give the CrossPolo an individual character. The four-spoke steering wheel is enhanced by painted trim plates and coloured seams. The gearstick gaiter and leather handbrake also have coloured seams. The gear knob is enhanced by a CrossPolo logo. The combi-instrument has a chrome ring design. The CrossPolo has aluminium pedal caps.

Further features of the high-specification standard package include: electric windows in front and rear, remote control central locking, pockets on the rear of the front seats, height-adjustable driver seat with drawer and two reading lights for rear-seat passengers. Optional extras include heated front seats, an asymmetric (1:2) folding rear seat and backrest, sliding/tilting roof and almost all extras generally available for the Polo provided they do not conflict with seat upholstery and seat assembly.