Volkswagen Cross Polo 1.2 TSI (DSG) Review: Supermini fashion

What we like:

Superb looks

sufficient performance

not significantly more expensive than the Polo Sport

affordable to fuel and tax

cheerful and funky character

What we dislike:

Cloth seat option looks much better than leather

not exactly affordable due to the COE prices

can do with more standard kit like auto headlamps and rain sensor

To suit its funky and colourful character, the CrossPolo interior features splashes of colour to lift the otherwise drab ambience of the standard car’s cabin. Standard door trims and seat upholstery feature two-tone fabrics with inserts that can be had in funky colours like Orange, Grey and Latte Macchiato. In addition, contrasting stitching that matches the fabric colours are used on the gearshift boot among other places. The colour coordinated stitching can also be found on cars fitted with the dealer fitted leather seat option. We’d rather go for the fabric option rather than the leather though, thanks to its funky and colourful fabric choices.

The rest of the cabin is typical Volkswagen. The dashboard is ergonomically designed and is constructed from the best materials in the class while the instruments are clear and easy to read at a glance thanks to its white backlighting. The use of soft touch plastics and switchgear means a high level of perceived quality.

There are some nice and convenient touches in the cabin as well, like the large door bins, the retractable driver’s arm rest with a storage compartment underneath, the storage compartments under the front seats and so on. The driving position is highly comfortable thanks to the reach and rake adjustable steering wheel and the height adjustable driver’s seat. Thanks to its taller ride height, the driver gets a more commanding view out of the CrossPolo when compared to a standard model, a feature that will undoubtedly be a favourite of the ladies.

Although not as spacious or as cleverly packaged as models like the Honda Jazz, the Polo’s rear offers sufficient headroom but legroom could certainly be better. The boot is not only well-shaped but also offers several thoughtful features including the 60/40 split/fold seat backs and the cargo floor that can be adjustable to two height levels.

The CrossPolo possesses all the virtues of the standard Polo while offering more style and its own unique character on both the inside and out. To further justify its cause, the CrossPolo’s sticker price is not too significantly more than that of a Polo Sport.

Credits: Story and photos by Raymond Lai