After the introduction of the standard three-and five door versions of the Polo in 2009, the uber fuel-efficient BlueMotion that's due to be launched onto the market this year, as well as the 180HP GTI model that will also have its premiere in Geneva, Volkswagen is completing the Polo series with the presentation of the new CrossPolo
Like its predecessors, the five-door only CrossPolo is a faux-offroader that tries to battle the wild jungle of city parking spaces with SUV-like elements such as rugged plastic guards that cover most of the lower body and wheel arches, a 15mm higher ride height and larger 17-inch alloy wheels in tires size 215/40.
Other specific styling cues include the uniquely trimmed front and rear bumpers, honeycomb grille, silver anodized roof rails and the high-gloss black paint finish for the cover trim of the B and C pillars and the window frames, and well, that's about it as the CrossPolo keeps the standard model's front-wheel drive configuration - no AWD option here.
Inside, Volkswagen focused on making the interior look more premium with two-tone fabrics sport seats, a leather steering wheel, gearbox knob and parking brake handle that all come with contrasting seams, pedal caps in aluminium look and chrome on various switches and components.
Buyers can choose from three petrol (1.2L 70HP, 1.4L 85HP and 1.2 TSI 105HP) and three common rail TDI engines (1.6L TDI with 75HP, 90HP and 105HP). Three of the six engines are offered optionally with a 7-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission.
The fastest version of the CrossPolo with the 1.2 TSI petrol engine accelerates to 100 km/h (62mph) in 9.9 seconds, reaches a top speed of 188 km/h or 117 mph and has a combined fuel consumption of 5.5 lt/100km or 42.7mpg US with 128 g/km of CO2. It is offered with a standard 6-speed gearbox or optionally, the 7-speed DSG.
All three diesel variants return a combined 4.3 litres of diesel per 100km (54.7 mpg US) and emit 113 grams CO2 per kilometer.
Volkswagen will begin accepting orders for the CrossPolo in March with first deliveries to take place in May.
