NEW CROSSPOLO COMES TO MZANSI

The next generation of the CrossPolo is ready for new adventures. After the launch of the new Polo early in 2010, the new CrossPolo becomes the second model of the Polo series to be introduced in South Africa. With its refreshingly cheeky design, unique choice of colours and features and a higher ride height (15 millimetre gain), the CrossPolo is a very appealing offering in its class.

The rugged-sporty character of the CrossPolo is reflected in many of its details. Especially striking is the individually styled front apron – in anthracite colour − with integrated front fog lights and large air inlet at the centre. It gets a black honeycomb insert bordered by fine chrome trim. Towards its lower edge, the bumper finishes with a section in light silver with the visual appearance of underbody protection. Taken from classic Polo styling are the upper radiator grille with its chrome inlay and the Volkswagen logo integrated here; the same applies to the dual headlights.

The side profile of the new CrossPolo also shows very tough qualities. Here sporty black wheelarch extensions and coordinated body sills set the styling. The latter continue visually into the lower door area. In off-road driving and in the jungle of metropolitan parking spaces, these rugged plastic guards protect the car from damage. Fitting the character of the CrossPolo are the 17-inch alloy wheels (“Budapest” style) in 5-spoke design with size 215/40 tyres.

Another unmistakable characteristic of the CrossPolo are the silver anodized roof rails. They are a traditional feature on this model, and are certainly not just decorative. They can be used to mount roof boxes and carrier systems with a weight of up to 75 kilograms. Also colour coordinated with the roof rails are the door mirrors that are painted in silver. At the rear, the CrossPolo continues the rugged all-terrain look in the bumper, whose lower section is also designed in a black, rugged plastic. At its centre, a separate section painted in silver catches the eye that is styled to look like a diffuser.

Five exterior colours accentuate the powerful style of the CrossPolo. These include new colours that are exclusively offered in the new CrossPolo namely, Magma Orange and Terra Beige Metallic.

The high-end interior of the CrossPolo is a fitting match for the all-terrain look of the exterior. Here it is primarily the two-tone fabrics of the sport seats, the rear bench and the door trim that create a friendly and youthful ambiance. Up to four different colour trims are available, depending on the exterior colour. While the outer areas of the seats are always in anthracite, customers can choose from the colours such as Hot Orange, Orange, Latte Macchiato and Grey for the inner seat panels and middle sections of the door trim panels. The “CrossPolo” signature is embroidered into the backrests of the front seats.

The steering wheel it has a fine perforated leather cover with spokes that are produced from a brushed chrome application.

The seams of the steering wheel cover and the leather-trimmed parking brake handle are given the colour of the interior trim. The CrossPolo’s high level of quality is highlighted by the instrument panel, finished in “Slush” technology with its soft surface texture that is pleasant to the touch.

The new CrossPolo has an ample array of standard equipment. In the interior, specific standard features include height-adjustable sport seats, an asymmetrically split rear bench and backrest, pockets on the backs of the front seats leather-trimmed steering wheel, centre armrest in front (with storage compartment), pedal caps in aluminium look and chrome on various switches and components. The latter include the door handles, surrounds for the window lift switches and air vents. Also standard: electric adjustable and heated door mirrors, electric window lifts all around, illuminated make-up mirrors in the sun visors, multi-function display (MFA) and central locking with RF remote control.

As mentioned, the rear bench can be folded with a standard 60:40 split. When it is completely folded, the car’s cargo capacity increases from 280 to 952 litres. Four tie-down eyes simplify secure fastening of the cargo to be transported, while two hooks in the side trim panels keep bags from tipping over.

The new CrossPolo will be offered in 1.6 petrol and diesel engines with power outputs of 77kW.  The 1.6 four-cylinder, 16-valve engine petrol engine reaches its peak power at 5 250 rpm and its maximum torque of 155Nm is available at 3 500rpm. It has frugal fuel consumption average of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres and its CO value is 157 g/km.

The 1.6 common rail direct-injection turbodiesel (TDI) engine with Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) has 250Nm of torque which is available between 1 500 to 2 500 rpm. Its average combined fuel consumption is 4.3 litres diesel per 100 kilometres and has CO2 value of 113 g/km. The CrossPolo TDI engine complies with the Euro-5 emissions standard. Both models are mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.

The Volkswagen of South Africa manufacturing plant in Uitenhage is the sole producer of the new CrossPolo for right hand and left hand drive global markets.  Approximately 12 000 CrossPolos will be produced at the Uitenhage plant in 2010.

CrossPolo can be further individualised by an extensive offering of options including Park Distance Control, cruise control, ESP and curtain airbags. It comes standard with a 3 year/120 000km and a 12 year Anti Corrosion warranties, as well as a 5 year/60 000km Volkswagen Automotion Maintenance Plan (R9 141).