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In some ways, it was “hatchapalooza” at Volkswagen’s press conference this morning, as the automaker unveiled the CrossGolf, CrossPolo, and Polo GTI.
The largest of the trio is the refreshed CrossGolf, essentially a Volkswagen Golf that’s been raised up a bit and outfitted with some plastic panels around the bottom of the body to give it a more rugged, off-road look. Slightly larger than a standard Golf hatchback, the CrossGolf is meant to fill a seemingly small niche between MPV van and crossover. A 1.4-liter turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder gasoline engine or one of two diesel engines provides power to the front wheels only.
In the same vein as the CrossGolf is the new CrossPolo, which is the same concept applied to the smaller Polo hatch. Six engines are available in the CrossPolo in both gasoline and diesel flavors and they send power to the front wheels via six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. A two-tone interior matches the plastic-clad exterior in minor visual updates.
Going the opposite direction is the Polo GTI, the latest hot-hatch from Volkswagen. With only 2600 pounds to pull, the 172-horsepower turbocharged and supercharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine and seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox can launch the car to 62 mph in 6.9 seconds with 184 pound-feet of torque. A top speed of 142 mph and 47 mpg combined make this a formidable entry in the small car segment. New fascias and LED lights are complemented by new 17-inch wheels to give the Polo GTI an extra-sporty appearance.
While all are expected to do well in Europe based on the success of past models, don’t look for any of them stateside. The Polo isn’t sold in the U.S. and the CrossGolf isn’t likely to win over many crossover and SUV buyers here.
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