The VW Cross Blue SUV is still fresh with its motor show glitter. In fact, it's not even a month old since its unveiling at the Detroit Motor Show.
At the motor show, the VW honcho's were pretty clear that it was targeted at the American market and would offer 'SUV like image and MPV like versatility'.
However, that hasn't stopped the Aussies from wanting one themselves. The Motor Report Australia reports that the Cross Blue SUV would be ideal for their market as VW is in bad need of a 7 seater SUV to ward off the competition from the Hyundai Santa Fe, the Kia Sorento and even the Ford Territory.
The Cross Blue draws power from a 190 bhp TDI diesel engine and two electric motors with 54hp and 114hp which are in turn powered by a 9.8 KWh Li-ion battery pack in the center tunnel. A 6-speed DSG propels the car from 0-100 km/h in 7.2 seconds.
VW claims that the Cross Blue would achieve 37.63 km/l in electric mode and a respectable 14.81 km/l in hybrid mode. Needless to say however that the Cross Blue would not be offered as a hybrid if at all it does make to production outside the USA. The mainstay variants in of the production model would be like any other SUV, with power coming from turbocharged petrol and diesel motors.
While the Cross Blue is in fact a 6 seater concept (as the hybrid takes up some space), VW Australia's head, Anke Koeckler says that the production model would eventually offer 7 seats.
In fact, VW Australia are so keen on getting the Cross Blue there that Ms. Koeckler says - "Next week we are heading off (overseas), and presenting our case. We see potential for this car".
Australia as you might know is a right hand drive market, like us. The Cross Blue SUV is a left hand drive car focusing on the left hand drive American market. So in order for the Aussies to get the green light for the Cross Blue SUV, VW must ensure that the RHD Cross Blue sees other RHD markets as well. Cue for South Africa, the UK and even India to prove that the potential for a 7 seater SUV is indeed vast. We've seen Mahindra launch the Rexton, and this year Hyundai will come with a renewed Santa Fe while Mitsubishi India is gearing up for the new Outlander as well.
Will Volkswagen see a case for the RHD Cross Blue?
[Source - TheMotorReport.com.au]
