VW Cross Coupe at Tokyo Show

Dec 7, 2011, 4:06 GMT

Tokyo - Volkswagen is showcasing at the Tokyo Motor Show its concept of a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) of the future as an all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid and crossover between a four-door coupe and a compact SUV.

At 4,345 mm the concept car being shown in Tokyo is longer than a Golf and shorter than a Tiguan. Defining features are a long bonnet, a completely new front section design and the passenger compartment set way back. Compared to conventional SUVs the window line is very low.

Featuring short bodywork overhangs, the four-seater SUV is powered by two electric motors (one in the front, one in the rear) and a direct injection turbo petrol engine (TSI). The Cross Coupe can drive a distance of up to 45 kilometres purely on electric power, according to the car maker.

The low position of the lithium ion battery in the centre tunnel gives the vehicle a low centre of gravity and facilitates a balanced spread of axle loading.

Volkswagen lists the TSI engine's fuel consumption at just 2.7 litres per 100 km, which equates to a carbon dioxide emission figure of 62 grammes per kilometre. With a fuel tank capacity of 55 litres, the theoretical range in hybrid mode is 815 kilometres. Adding in the electric range, the Cross Coupe can do 855 km without stopping for fuel.