Volkswagen CrossBlue concept has been clearly designed for the Canadian and American markets. With an impressive powertrain and a great fuel economy, the 7 seat SUV is based on the same platform as the Golf. Making it a plug-in diesel hybrid, the Concept is getting apiece of all that action from the brand. Volkswagen knows very well that it cannot ignore the 3 row crossover segment any longer that is expected to grow more than 2% in the coming years. CrossBlue, though may not be very attractive to look CrossBlue could foresee a production model in future, that would offer a capacity for 7 passengers.
Let’s go through the comprehensive Volkswagen CrossBlue concept review:
Exterior and Interiors
CrossBlue offers a very confident stance with the wide front and rear tracks. Those 21-inch aluminum alloy-wheels and flared wheel-wells integrate well with the prominent and lengthy hood of the model. You will find elements of Audi Q7 and Touareg but with a much more angular theme. The CrossBlue gets a pronounced beltline due to a sharp crease running from the headlights to the taillights. Those squared wheel arches give the car a broad-shouldered look.
The most outstanding material used on the exterior is aluminum, which you will find in the grille and taillight. The dual-outlet exhaust makes an exit through stainless steel cladding into the bumper. A look at the inside will get you introduced to those banana tree wood trims on the door panels, dashboard and center console. There is a large 10.2-inch touchscreen on the centerpiece of the dashboard that controls many of the vehicle’s functions including the infotainment system as well as check the state of the hybrid system.
Engine and Performance
Volkswagen CrossBlue concept can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just under 7.2 seconds and make 700 Nm of torque. That power is sent by a plug-in hybrid. However, there is a TDI diesel engine instead of a gasoline engine to support the two electric motors and batteries. The front wheels get power from a 190 horsepower diesel and if requested, there is 54 horse electric motor that supports the front wheel and 114 horse electric motor to propel the rear wheels. That would make for 516 lb-ft. of torque and 305 horsepower.
Eco mode shift helps manage the parameters like accelerator, air conditioner fir minimum fuel and electrical consumption. When in Sport mod, stress is on getting more power out of the drive. CrossBlue concept can travel up to 14 miles on a single charge of its battery and while in E-mode, it switchesback to its diesel engine. You can use a 230-volt outlet to charge 9.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Two additional electrical sockets behind the door near the driver charge the lithium-ion battery and can be utilized as a plug-in. A six-speed dual clutch transmission channels the drive.
Safety Features
Volkswagen CrossBlue concept is rich in safety features. With a good all-round visibility, 12 airbags and four-wheel drive, that are standard, it is nice to feel safe in the car.
Pros
- Good fuel economy
- SUV like ride
- Great Ride and handling
Cons
- not enough rear leg room
It seems, Volkswagen is prepared to face the still completion in the future. With Volkswagen CrossBlue concept, it shows that it is eyeing the mid-sized SUV segment and is ready to fill the slot. Volkswagen expects good sale figures from the Concept tha will be built in US at Volkswagen’s new Chattanooga plant. The prices are expected to be less than $44,000. It’s a good looking vehicle and it is hard to believe the Cross Blue is a VW.
