The CrossPolo is characterized by such exterior features as chunky plastic cladding on the lower body, prominent wheelarch extensions, a revised front apron with integrated foglamps, CrossPolo decals on the lower flanks, a honeycomb grille and a ride height raised by 15 mm to allow some degree of dirt road ability. In keeping with the CrossPolo’s hiking/surfing/skiing lifestyle proviso, the silver anodized roof rails are not just there for show – they can shoulder a load of up to 75 kg. The CrossPolo rolls on a set of 17-inch “Budapest”-style alloy wheels.
Five exterior colours, including two model-specific hues (Magma Orange and Terra Beige Metallic) are available to the CrossPolo. Across the board, the upper areas of the bumpers and handles (door, tailgate) are in body colour-coded, while the cover trim of the B and C pillars and the window frames are treated in a high-gloss black.
Among the interior highlights are two-tone fabric sport seats, available in a choice of four trim colours (including Hot Orange, Orange, Latte Macchiato and Grey for the inner seat panels and middle sections of the door trim panels),”CrossPolo” signatures embroidered into the backrests of the front seats, a leather/chrome steering wheel, aluminium pedal boots, heated door mirrors, electric windows, multi-function display and remote central locking. The rear bench can be folded 60:40, taking the luggage space from 280 to 952 dm³. Four tie-down eyes simplify secure fastening of the cargo to be transported, while two hooks in the side trim panels keep bags from tipping over.
Among the optional extras on offer are park distance control, cruise control, ESP (standard on the TDI model), a removable tow bar and curtain airbags.
Two engines are offered; a petrol and a turbodiesel both displacing 1,6-litres petrol and developing 77 kW. The petrol unit develops its maximum power at 5 250 r/min and 155 N.m of torque at 3 500 r/min, while the turbodiesel produces its 250 N.m of torque between 1 500-2 500 r/min. In terms of fuel economy and emissions, the petrol unit returns 6,6 litres/100 km while emitting 157g/km of CO2. The turbodiesel returns a claimed 4,3 litres/100 km and produces 113g/km of CO2.
The CrossPolo is manufactured exclusively at VWSA’s Uitenhage plant and distributed for both right- and left-hand drive markets. The production run for this year has been pegged at 12 000 units.
Pricing:
CrossPolo 1,6 Comfortline R198 500
CrossPolo 1,6 TDI Comfortline R224 500
The CrossPolo comes standard with a 3 year/120 000 km and a 12 year Anti Corrosion warranties. A 5 year/60 000 km maintenance plan (R9 141) as well as a 5 year/ 60 000 km service plan (R6 856) are available as options. The service intervals are every 15 000 km.