The modern age is a funny one. Small hatchbacks are becoming larger and SUVs now come in pint sizes. In the midst is a curious amalgam of compact hatchbacks. Volkswagen wants to start a new trend with the new Cross Polo, which actually lands up somewhere as a mixture of all of these. Let’s be honest here, very few people actually want to do the hardcore off-road bit, and they use specialised vehicles with chunky tyres and 4 wheel drive. The only reason we want small SUVs is that we want to feel adventurous, while driving to the grocery store.
EXTERIORS
The Polo is a handsome looking car, nearly perfect as a hatchback. The Cross Polo in essence is the same as the Polo. What differentiates it is the plastic cladding at the bottom around the entire car. This does increase the length, breadth and height of the Cross Polo over the regular one by tiny proportions. The nicest thing about this hatch is that it looks distinct on our roads. An appeal similar to this was generated by the long gone Tucson, the rugged SUV from Hyundai. It looks tough and surely will take minor bumps and scraps with ease. Our beef is that the international Cross Polo comes with 17 inch alloy wheels, which are not offered here. We promise you they look stunning. While the 15 inchers offered in India look very small considering the muscles on this car, it’s got the Johnny Bravo looks and we all love him.
INTERIORS
We need to come straight at it, no changes here at all. The only new thing here is the fabric upholstery called Livon. Everything that one finds in the Highline trim of the Polo is here. But then you do get everything that you need---- climate control, audio system with four speakers, steering mounted controls, height adjustable driver’s seat and more. The dashboard matches the appeal of the car, strong and tough. Everything fits well and will stand the test of time. The steering wheel, gear knob and the handbrake lever get wrapped in fantastically stitched leather. The outside rear view mirrors can be electrically adjusted from a knob on the driver’s door.
ENGINE AND PERFORMANCE
No surprises here again. The engine is the same 1.2 litre diesel unit powering the TDI Polo. Since it s a 3-cylinder diesel, it is not very quick or responsive, but it is right there where needed. The International variant’s 1.6 litre unit would have been a scorcher in this car, but so would have been the price. At low speeds the 1.2 litre TDI feels gutless and you need to work the gearbox while driving in traffic. However the performance is very satisfying on open roads or on the highway. The Cross Polo will comfortably return 18km to a litre of diesel. The engine is noisy but the noise isolation levels are pretty good, as you do not get to hear that once inside the car. The Cross Polo wins aces when it comes to handling bad bits of the tarmac. Driving over broken roads does not disturb the composure of the car. It doesn’t exactly irons out bumps, but rather smashes them down with a steel fist.
The Cross Polo is yet again a breath of fresh air. To be honest it will not rack up a lot of sales for Volkswagen, but will be bought by people looking for a change than the regular crowd of hatchbacks. If you look for value for money before personal opinion, the Cross Polo is not for you. This hatch is for people who place individuality and personal taste in the hot seat, and not sheer numbers.
VOLKSWAGEN CROSS POLO SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Transmission
Max Power
Max Torque
Ground Clearance
1199cc, 3-cylinder Diesel
5-speed Manual
74 bhp@ 4200rpm
180 Nm@ 2000rpm
168 mm
Suspension
Front/Rear
Brake
Front/ Rear
Fuel Tank Capacity
Tyres
Price
McPherson strut with stabiliser bar/Semi-independent trailing arm
Disc/Drum
45 litres
180/60 R15
Rs.8,83,000
(on-road, Delhi)
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