Volkswagen Planning Several New Crossovers

Even though Volkswagen and Suzuki are still in the midst of a bitter divorce, the German automaker is pushing forward with its plans of developing several crossover models on its own, now that the relationship with Suzuki will clearly not result in any co-developed cars.

It’ll be at least several years before a sub-compact Polo crossover will make its official debut, but it and other crossovers that Volkswagen has planned might be worth the wait. Rumor has it that the Polo crossover will be a true all-terrain vehicle, equipped with all-wheel drive, a dual-clutch transmission, all-season tires, skid plates, and heavy-duty suspension.

In addition, the new Polo crossover will be 176 lbs lighter than the current five-door hatchback model and buyers will be able to choose from six different powertrains: gas, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric, and ethanol. Volkswagen insiders predict at least four different 1.4-liter TSI engines ranging from 105-hp to 150-hp, and diesel choices of a 1.4-liter TDI three-cylinder and a pair of 2.0-liters with 115-hp and 150-hp.

Up on the German automaker’s working list as well is the Up! Alltrack and a larger Golf Variant Alltrack. The Up! Alltrack model will aim for a roomier cabin, larger wheels, and a more attractive exterior, while the Golf Variant Alltrack will feature 4Motion all-wheel drive. Depending on the success of those models, VW may follow it up with a Touran Alltrack MPV in early 2015.

We can also expect an updated Touareg model, which will be much lighter than the current Touareg (661.4 lbs less) and will be offered for the first time with a four-cylinder powerplant. It is expected to come in early 2015.

[Source: Automobile Mag]