Volkswagen Cross Coupe debuts in Tokyo

With its brawny crossover looks, long-wheelbase stance and 262-horsepower plug-in hybrid drivetrain, the Cross Coupe shows how Volkswagen sees the crossover market evolving. (Photo: Volkswagen)

more new models and concepts will be revealed to the public. Volkswagen's new Cross Coupé concept is scheduled to make its world debut at the show and blends the appeal of a "four-door coupe" with that of a compact SUV.

Volkswagen's brawny Cross Coupé sits on 20-inch alloy wheels and is powered by a plug-in hybrid drivetrain consisting of a TSI direct-injection turbocharged gasoline engine and an electric motor at the front. The engine generates 148 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque while the motor produces 54 horsepower and 133 pound-feet of torque.

A second electric motor is used to power the rear wheels exclusively to provide all-wheel drive traction. This second electric motor generates 114 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. Volkswagen says that the total overall output of the Cross Coupé's all-wheel drive powertrain is a robust 262 horsepower.

With its unique powertrain, the Cross Coupé can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 7 seconds and has a top speed of just over 200 km/h. Volkswagen's 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission handles shifting duties for the Cross Coupé.

Inside the Cross Coupe Concept there are four individual bucket seats. The passenger seat and rear seats can be folded to provide plenty of practical cargo space. (Photo: Volkswagen)

The Cross Coupé also features a regenerative braking system that turns the electric motors into generators to charge the battery when the brakes are applied. The TSI engine can also be used to charge the motive battery, by pressing a button located next to the shift lever.

Climbing inside the Cross Coupé reveals four bucket seats with integrated headrests. The front passenger seat and the two rear seats can be folded forward to accommodate large amounts of cargo, and the seats feature a durable outer surface.

Drivers can set the Cross Coupé to Sport, City or Offroad mode depending on the surrounding road conditions. Each mode produces a custom layout on the Cross Coupé's display screen. The Offroad setting for example, displays a topographic map and compass for drivers to take advantage of. Additionally, a multifunction colour display informs the driver of audio settings, vehicle information, a phone menu and navigation information.

With its unique powertrain and bold styling, the Volkswagen Cross Coupé concept vehicle is a strong indication of the future of the compact crossover vehicle. The Cross Coupé concept will be displayed to the public at this year's Tokyo Motor Show which opens on December 3.©(Copyright Canadian Auto Press)]]>