Volkswagen has now taken a new CrossGolf blanket, which is also scheduled to make its world debut next week at the Geneva Motor Show 2010. In addition to bringing the latest Golf model family to the sixth count, the range now includes the standard Golf, longer wheelbase Golf Plus, Golf Variant wagon and the sporty Golf GTI and the new Golf R.
Like all the new Volkswagen models that have been released recently, the CrossGolf is defined by the horizontally-aligned band of the radiator grille between the headlights, which is reflected to the horizontal form of the front bumper. The interior gets sport seats (front) with two-tone fabric covers and a "small leather package" with a three-spoke steering wheel, gearshift lever trim and grip-in leather.
Compact turbocharged engine lineup consists of gasoline and diesel engines, with outputs ranging from 105 horsepower in the base model with 160 horsepower in the range-top. A six-speed manual as standard but customers came to choose Volkswagen's brilliant seven-speed DSG dual clutch transmission.
In initial markets, the new CrossGolf will already be available for purchase in April. Buyers of the cleverly designed five-door will be able to enjoy a new generation of engines that offer huge fuel economy advantages. These engines are exclusively direct-injection turbocharged petrol (TSI) and diesel (common rail TDI) engines. They are as agile as they are economical.
This is illustrated by the example of the Golf Cross 1.4 TSI with 118 kW / 160 PS: The (from 1,500 rpm) 240 Newton-metre strong turbo- and supercharged petrol engine (Twincharger) enables a top speed of 207 km/h, but when shifted by a 6-speed gearbox it has a combined fuel consumption of just 6.8 litres of fuel (equivalent to 159 g/km CO2). Even compared to the 20 PS weaker TSI of the first generation car, it shows a fuel consumption advantage of 0.5 litres. As an alternative the TSI is available with an optional 7-speed DSG; in this case too fuel consumption is 6.8 litres. Other available TSI engines are the variants with 77 kW / 105 PS and 90 kW / 122 PS.
As would be expected, the new common rail TDIs of the CrossGolf are extremely fuel-efficient. They have power outputs of 77 kW / 105 PS (1.6 litre) and 103 kW / 140 PS (2.0 litre) and are paired with a standard diesel particulate filter. For example, the 140-PS TSI, shifted by a 6-speed gearbox, consumes just 5.3 litres of fuel (138 g/km CO2). The torque of this engine already reaches the impressive maximum value of 320 Newton-metres from 1,750 rpm.
Currently there are no plans to bring a new Volkswagen CrossGolf to the U.S. but we will likely see the version of the Golf Variant wagon used to make the road to the local showroom last.