The rugged sport features of the Cross Polo are reflected in many of its details
We drive the VV Cross Polo and discover this rugged new Polo comes with an air of adventure
What is it? Volkswagen’s Cross Polo is a beefier and rugged looking version of their popular Polo hatchback.
Who is it aimed at? If you love SUV styling, but not the colossal fuel bills or the unwieldy road presence then the VW Cross Polo will definitely appeal. The funky colour options target a young urban dweller while the spacious interior, practicality and build quality will attract a wider range of buyers.
Styling? Based on the Polo hatchback the Cross Polo rides slightly higher and is clad with the obligatory SUV styling cues. Sporty wheel arches, roof-rails and dark plastic cladding at the front and rear gives the Cross Polo a convincing brawny appearance.
Under the Bonnet? Power comes courtesy of a tiny 1.2 litre diesel engine. Certainly not swift by any measure, the Cross Polo goes from 0– 100 km at a very leisurely 13.9 seconds.
What’s it like inside? The interior has a spacious feel with large windows and while it is familiar VW Polo territory there are nice touches that set it apart, in particular the leather trim and colour-coded stitching accentuating the sporty appeal. Front and rear there’s decent room for four but boot space is not huge and we found child car seats particularly tricky to fit.
On the Road? Behind the wheel of the Cross Polo there is a good commandeering view and it is very easy to manoeuvre around town. The small engine provides enough grunt to get it up to speed on the motorway but at speed it can be particularly noisy. Around town and away from the motorway the Cross Polo is a nimble and sprightly performer.
And Safety? The VW Cross Polo received the maximum five stars when it was tested by the Euro NCAP and safety features include four airbags, ABS and ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme)
Options? Buyers can choose from two versions of the Cross Polo a 1.2 litre petrol and a 1.2 litre diesel engine. The petrol is priced at €18,245 and the diesel €19,775.
How about Fuel Economy? Fuel economy for the Cross Polo is very impressive; it manages 4.1 litres per 100km (68.9 mpg) on average and in town 5.1 litres per 100km (54.4 mpg). Emissions are just 108g/km making the annual motor tax bill the lowest possible at €160.
Okay so the verdict? With its brawny styling, functional and spacious design the Cross Polo is a good option. It gives you rugged off-road looks without the high running costs but would we buy it over the regular Polo? It’s tempting, but probably not.
Rivals;
Nissan Juke 1.5d SV €21,595
Toyota Urban Cruiser D-4D (1.4) Luna €25,495
Why you’ll buy one? Styling, spacious interior, build quality and practicality
Why you won’t? The regular Polo is better value; diesel engine is noisy; boot is small
Cross Polo 1.2 TDi 75hp 5 door
Engine: 1,199cc engine putting out 55kW(75bhp) and 180Nm of torque at 2,000rpm
Max speed: 170km
0-100km/h: 13.9 seconds
Emissions (motor tax): 108km (€160)
Starting price: €18,245
Model price range: €18,245 – €19,775
No of Doors: 5
Euro NCAP: 5 stars
Fuel type: Diesel
Fuel Economy (combined cycle): 4.1 litres per 100km
Boot Capacity Seats up (seats down): 280 litres ( 952 litres)
Car Seats: 2 Isofix points in the rear seats.
Length: 3970mm
Width: 1682mm
Height: 1462mm
Wheelbase: 2469mm
For more information check out Volkswagen.ie or the VW Ireland Facebook page.
1st October, 2012
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