Volkswagen Cross Polo 1.2 TSI (DSG) Review
Supermini fashion

Story and photos by Raymond Lai
27 Aug 2012

Volkswagen adds some variety to the Polo range with the fashionable, crossover SUV inspired CrossPolo. Raymond Lai checks out the new supermini model.

Introduction, styling

To conquer or even to create new niches, manufacturers go all out to introduce defining models. Examples include four-door coupes like the first generation Mercedes-Benz CLS did, estates with crossover SUV overtones like the Subaru Outback and the Audi A6 allroad, crossover SUVs with coupe overtones like the BMW X6 and the Infiniti FX, MPVs with crossover SUV styling features like the Renault Scenic RX4 and Volkswagen CrossTouran and now there’s the supermini hatchback with crossover SUV looks in the form of the new Volkswagen CrossPolo.

The CrossPolo might be the first Volkswagen with SUV-inspired styling to land in Singapore but it certainly isn’t the first the brand has offered. Back in the 1980s there was a Golf variant that was called the Golf Country. The model offered SUV styling cues like a raised ride height, chunkier bumpers, a bull bar as well as a spare wheel attached to its tailgate. Unlike Volkswagen’s current ‘Cross’ models though, the Golf Country offered an all-wheel drive drivetrain for light off roading work.

The CrossPolo and the abovementioned CrossTouran are just two of the several current Volkswagen models with SUV-inspired looks and character. Other such models include the Golf Plus based CrossGolf as well as the Passat Alltrack. The current CrossPolo isn’t the first Polo model with SUV-inspired looks. The Polo Fun and Polo Dune (it was called Fun or Dune depending on the market) were the precursor to the facelifted Mk IV model and today’s CrossPolo.

Obviously, the CrossPolo’s USP is its SUV-inspired styling and stance. These unique SUV styling features include the black plastic cladding on the bumpers, side sills, lower sections of the doors as well as on the wheel arch extensions; matte aluminium roof rails that are matched by the wing mirror covers finished in the same shade, 17-inch ‘Budapest’ alloy wheels as well as the 15mm increase in ride height. Another CrossPolo distinguishing feature are the optional unique paint shades like the Magma Orange on the car tested here and Terra Beige.

The CrossPolo’s SUV-inspired styling aren’t just for aesthetics purposes though – the roof rails for example, can be used to mount boxes and carrier systems with a weight of up to 75kg. All in all, the CrossPolo offers a nice blend of ruggedness and sportiness in the way it looks. Its bright colours also give the CrossPolo a much more funky and fashionable character than the standard Polo. The CrossPolo also features its own visual character that offers significantly more presence that the standard Polo models.

Next Page - Performance, ride and handling

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