VW Squirming To Present a Compact SUV

The high sales of sport utility vehicle (SUV) variants in the global automotive market, making German car manufacturer, Volkswagen curious to make a similar variant. VW had already matured a plan prepared challenger for Nissan Juke, Mini Countryman, and Ford EcoSport. The three variants above carrying average 1,600 cc capacity of engine, that is becoming a trend because its design is cosmopolitan and modern.

Not to mention its compact dimensions, making it quite agile while moving in traffic jams in big cities. "We had to increase the variance in the segment of compact SUVs. Moreover supermini car segment is now growing rapidly and we are designing an appropriate model for the segment," said Ulrich Hackenberg, VW's Head of Research and Development.

Volkswagen 2012 Cross Coupe SUV concept. (Picture from: http://www.autoblog.com/)

Actually, the German manufacturer has long been interested to plunge into the compact SUV market. It was shown by presenting the design Cross Coupe concept at the prestigious automotive exhibition 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Car design that is no less beautiful than the Nissan Juke. However, due to concept the engine of plug-in hybrid technology.

Volkswagen 2012 Cross Coupe drivetrain. (Picture from: http://www.seriouswheels.com/)

This Geneva-bound Cross Coupe concept also demonstrates more of Volkswagen's new MQB (Modular Transverse Matrix) chassis technology. The outside of the Cross Coupe continues to show a unique five-door shape, with a stubby and angular tail that results from a sharply sloped rear window.

Volkswagen 2012 Cross Coupe dashboard. (Picture from: http://rxcars.com/)

The complicated powertrain consists of two electric motors, and a turbodiesel inline-four engine coupled to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. One electric motor, rated for 180.32 Nm (133 lb-ft) of torque,is attached to the front wheels and can propel the car or act as a generator. The second electric motor, rated for 269.81 Nm (199 lb-ft), is attached to the rear axle and draws power either from a 9.8-kWh lithium-ion battery or from the front electric motor/generator. The 2.0-liter TDI turbodiesel enginedrives the front wheels, is newly designed for cars on the MQB platform, and produces 399.97 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque.

That power can generate acceleration from 0-100 kph (60 mph) in 6.5 seconds and reach a maximum speed 220 kph (136,7 mph). For fuel consumption by New European Driving Cycle test is claimed to achieve 55 kpl (129,37 mpg) with CO2 emissions of 46 gram/km. So if the solar tank and the battery is fully charged, can travel a distance of 1,280 km (795,36 miles). For short-haul trips could use a pure electric motor with a mileage of 45 km (27,96 miles) with a maximum speed of 120 kph (74.56 mph). *** [MOTORTREND | OVI | PIKIRAN RAKYAT 19102012]

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