Volkswagen to launch sporty new SUV

VW will display the Cross Coupé in Geneva this week again, though with a few changes bringing it a little closer to reality. The new paint colour is about the only visual update, but underneath is a new plug-in diesel hybrid powertrain.

At the Tokyo Motor Show last year Volkswagen surprised us all with the revealing of its cool Cross Coupé concept car. Smaller than the Tiguan, it seemed to preview a new rival for the highly popular Range Rover Evoque, along with a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain to enable four-wheel drive.

VW will display the Cross Coupé in Geneva this week again, though with a few changes bringing it a little closer to reality. The new paint colour is about the only visual update, but underneath is a new plug-in diesel hybrid powertrain.

The combination of a TDI diesel engine (of unknown capacity at this stage) plus two electric motors results in an astounding 157mpg (1.8 litres/100km) combined economy claim. Emissions of CO2 are quoted as 46g/km.

Despite all that, the Cross Coupé has a top speed of 220km/h thanks to a maximum power output of 306hp. The only other detail we've been give is the concept's not insubstantial mass, which is 1,858kg.

We expect to see a production version before the end of 2012.

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