It's not really clear to us why people with perfectly average driving styles like to drive cars with big tires, huge fenders, and an altogether aggressive look. But whatever—people gotta drive something, and if their stylistic preferences mean even-meaner-looking, actually purposeful stuff for us, then we’ll let it slide. Volkswagen is catering to both preferences within one model lineup at this year’s Geneva auto show, satisfying speed merchants with the already revealed Polo GTI and serving the rest with this crossover-inspired CrossPolo.
Compared to the standard Polo, the CrossPolo’s body has been raised by about an inch, which should help immensely for off-roading expeditions through city parks. Rugged gray plastic skirts and fenders will take almost any kind of shrubbery-inflicted abuse. But the 17-inch alloy wheels will demand your utmost attention during parallel parking to avoid curb damage.
The CrossPolo comes only as a five-door hatchback, emphasizing its practical nature. Six colors are available, including exclusive Magma Orange, which highlights the wild and crazy nature of the car, and Terra Beige Metallic, which takes on the spirit of your last trip to the Gobi desert. Standard roof rails will support the fuel and water supplies for your next exploration mission.
VW is offering three diesel engines and three gasoline engines. The diesels are all 1.6-liter four-cylinder units making 75, 90, or 105 hp. The gas engines include a 70-hp, 1.2-liter four; an 85-hp, 1.4-liter four; or a turbocharged 105-hp, 1.2-liter—you guessed it—four-cylinder.
It’s worth noting that VW is actually sort of a pioneer in the crossover arena. The 1990 Golf Country, a sort of jacked-up Outback-ish model based on the second- generation Golf, was sneered at in its time, but is a sought-after collector's item today.
While we poke a bit of fun at it here, the VW CrossPolo really is a fun twist on an efficient little car. Sales start in May in Europe and Japan, but this Polo variant is unlikely to make it to the U.S.
Thanks to: Car and Driver
