There are some vehicles which mainstream automakers sell overseas that we wish we could get in the United States. Faux-offroaders like the outgoing Volkswagen CrossPolo (pictured overhead) aren’t among them. The preceding CrossPolo (sold as the Polo Dune in the UK) is little more than a some body-cladding applied to the model hatchback that is supposed to make it look more rugged. Thankfully, the new-generation CrossPolo will actually dispose the machinery to back up the image: Volkswagen has deemed to equipment the soft-roader with its 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, effectively making this an even smaller brother to the Tiguan crossover and a worthwhile competitor to the upcoming MINI Crossman.

What relics to be seen is whether the new model will carry the same manner (and badge) as the model it replaces, upgrading the standard Polo with some body-cladding, or whether Volkswagen will give it an exactly more SUV-like body styled after the Tiguan. Engines options will include 1.2-liter inline-3s with 60-70 hp, a 1.4 liter unit producing 85hp and a range-topping 1.2-liter TSI pumping 105 horses through those four little wheels, while diesels will have being offered lengthwise the same output range together with a Bluemotion powertrain option.

[Source: AutoExpress via paultan.org]

Tag: Crossovers/CUVs, Hatchbacks, Volkswagen,