Volkswagen will Launch Polo Cross in October 2013

The Polo Cross is to Volkswagen what the Fabia Scout was to Skoda. It is basically a beefed up version of the Polo hatchback with visual treatment that makes the car look bigger. The Polo Cross will be launched in India in the next few weeks as Volkswagen runs in damage control model against the onslaught of entry-level utility vehicles.

The Polo Cross is bulked up with extra cladding on the side, taller wheels, roof rails and larger restyled bumpers and both ends. This model might also carry the spare wheel on the tailgate to add to the butch image. The interiors will remain similar to that of the standard Polo, with the top-spec offering climatronic AC, 2-DIN music system and steering mounted audio controls.

It will be available with same petrol and diesel engines that power the Polo hatchback the 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol unit developing 74bhp / 110Nm and 1.2-litre three-cylinder oil burner putting out 74bhp and 180Nm. Both these engines will power the standard front-wheel-drive setup getting the power from five-speed manual transmission. There is a possibility that Volkswagen may also offer a 1.2-litre four-cylinder TSI engine and 7-speed DSG setup with the Polo cross, but the actual details will be available close to the launch.

Volkswagen is expected to price the car at around Rs 5.75 lakh – a notch below the starting point of compact crossovers. Although this is not a direct competition to entry-level UVs, it is an interesting option for people looking for a rugged hatchback.

Expected Launch: October 2013

Expected Price: ? 5.75 - 7.75 lakhs