Volkswagen: Cross is beautiful

Hot on the heels of the Volkswagen CrossPolo and Volkswagen CrossGolf comes the sporty all-rounder version of the Touran. Volkswagen’s German partners are now taking orders for this latest addition to the Cross family.
Sales and advance orders to date show that this series has been a big hit amongst customers. One in ten Polos are now from this special-edition series.

The third member of Cross family has now also been available for order since the beginning of the year: the Volkswagen CrossTouran. The strikingly styled, front-wheel-
drive Touran now emerges as a practical and lifestyle-oriented vehicle. Major new features are the additional ground clearance (12 millimeters) and a variety of visible body elements. Particularly conspicuous are the new front spoiler in a "matt chrome" look, silver-anodized roof rails and dark headlamp mounts; lower bumper sections, side skirts, wheel arches and side protective molding are made of robust, high-quality composite material. The impressive standard equipment package includes both fog lights and a range of interior details such as the unique CrossTouran steering wheel in perforated leather, the fold-down passenger-seat backrest with table and through-load feature, and folding tables on the backs of the front seats.

Another striking feature is the mixed tyre arrangement; 6.5-inch wide and 17-inch diameter alloy wheels with 215/50 tires at the front combined with 8-inch wide, 17-inch alloy wheels with 235/45 tyres at the back underline the unique visual appeal of the Volkswagen CrossTouran.

The body colour schemes range from "Candy White" to "Deep Black" and also include the exclusive "Red Rock Metallic". Among the attractive interior colours are "orange/grey" or the more subtle "latte macchiato".

The European market launch in spring 2007 will incorporate three petrol-driven engines and three TDIs (standard-fitted with diesel particulate filter), with outputs ranging from 75 kW to 125 kW. The 125 kW TSI Twincharger with standard DSG is undoubtedly a highlight. The CrossTouran will be available for as little as 24,743.79 euros.

The name "Cross" stands for freedom, fun and adventure

This special Volkswagen model series combines the visual appeal of an off-roader with the comfort of a sedan. Although three distinctly separate vehicles, the CrossPolo, CrossGolf and CrossTouran share a robust exterior and additional ride height.

"This model strategy demonstrates that Volkswagen is right up-to-date", says Christoph Stürmer, analyst at Frankfurt-based market intelligence specialists Global Insight. "Cars like the CrossTouran offer the psychological advantages of an off-roader and have a huge appeal to customers because they communicate the feeling of dependability." What is meant here is the muscular styling, tried-and-tested technology and the superior outward visibility thanks to the higher Seat position.

The Volkswagen Cross family in fact has its roots in the Polo Fun, launched in December 2003. Its first production run was sold out in a matter of months.

2006 then saw the birth of an entire new series with the introduction of the CrossPolo in January. Although the success of the Polo Fun was not unexpected, the unit sales figures surprised even the marketing specialists at Volkswagen. One out of every ten Polos sold in Germany is now a Cross model.

Next up was the CrossGolf, which first went on show at September’s Paris Motor Show. Advance sales commenced in December.

The family has now been completed with the latest addition, the CrossTouran – unveiled at the Bologna Motor Show.


TDI, TSI, DSG and Twincharger are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG or of other companies belonging to the Volkswagen Group in Germany and other countries.