After the launch of the new Polo early in 2010, the new CrossPolo becomes the second model of the Polo series to be introduced locally. With its cheeky design, unique choice of colours and features and a higher ride height (15 millimetre gain), the CrossPolo is something different.

The rugged-sporty character of the CrossPolo is reflected in many of its details. Beginning at the front, the CrossPolo distinguishes itself from standard Polo with individually styled front apron, with integrated front fog lights, black honeycomb insert and finished off with a section in light silver adding the visual appearance of underbody protection.

The side profile illudes to tougher qualities, with black wheelarch extensions and coordinated body sills intended to guard against damage in the car parks of the urban jungle. The CrossPolo rides on 17-inch alloy wheels (“Budapest” style) with size 215/40 tyres.

Another characteristic of the CrossPolo is the silver anodized roof rails. They are a traditional feature on this model, and can be used to mount roof boxes and carrier systems with a weight of up to 75 kilograms. Also colour coordinated with the roof rails are the door mirrors that are painted in silver.

At the rear, the CrossPolo’s lower bumper is also finished in a black plastic. At its centre, a separate section painted in silver is styled to look like a diffuser.

The CrossPolo is available in five exterior colours, two of which are exclusive to the CrossPolo, namely Magma Orange and Terra Beige Metallic.

Inside the CrossPolo features two-tone, fabric covered, sport seats up front and bench seat in the rear. Up to four different colour trims are available, depending on the exterior colour. The “CrossPolo” signature is embroidered into the backrests of the front seats. The driver grips a 3-spoke leather covered steering wheel, with stitching that is coloured matched to the interior trim and that is also applied to the leather-trimmed parking brake handle.

Standard equipment includes height-adjustable front seats, centre armrest in front (with storage compartment), pedal caps in aluminium look and chrome on various switches and components. The latter include the door handles, surrounds for the window lift switches and air vents. Also standard: electric adjustable and heated door mirrors, electrically operated windows all around, multi-function display and remote-control central locking.

The new CrossPolo has a cargo capacity of 280-litres, or 952-litres with the rear seats folded down in a 60/40 split. Four tie-down eyes and two hooks in the side trim panels of the boot keep bags from tipping over and help to secure loose items.

Under the hood, the 1,6-litre 16-valve petrol engine reaches its peak power at 5 250 rpm and its maximum torque of 155 Newton-meter is available at 3 500 rpm. Average fuel consumption is 6.6 l/100km and its CO2 value is 157 g/km.

The 1.6 common rail direct-injection turbodiesel (TDI) engine with Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) has 250 Newton-meters of torque, which is available between 1 500 to 2 500 rpm. Its average combined fuel consumption is 4.3 l/100km and has CO2 value of 113 g/km.

Both engines are available with a 5-speed manual transmission.

The Volkswagen of South Africa manufacturing plant in Uitenhage is the sole producer of the new CrossPolo for right hand and left hand drive global markets. Approximately 12 000 CrossPolos will be produced at the Uitenhage plant in 2010.

The new Volkswagen CrossPolo comes standard with a 3 year/120 000km and a 12 year Anti Corrosion warranties. A 5 year/60 000km Volkswagen Automotion Maintenance Plan (R9 141) as well as a 5 year/ 60 000 km Service Plan (R6 856) are available as options.