SUMMARYCross Polo flaunts new bumpers, body cladding, roof rails, exclusive upholstery, but we expected more from Volkswagen.
As far as sales are concerned, last year didn’t fare well for a host of carmakers in India, including Volkswagen. But the German automaker did stand out as far as introducing technological marvels in the sub-Rs 10 lakh segment is concerned; the company launched three such products—the Polo GT TSI, the Polo GT TDI and the Vento GT TSI. Then, Volkswagen also gave us a sporty ‘crossover’ style of the Polo, called the Cross Polo, which flaunts new bumpers, body cladding, roof rails, new alloy wheels and exclusive upholstery.
As far as sales are concerned, last year didn’t fare well for a host of carmakers in India, including Volkswagen. But the German automaker did stand out as far as introducing technological marvels in the sub-Rs 10 lakh segment is concerned; the company launched three such products—the Polo GT TSI, the Polo GT TDI and the Vento GT TSI. Then, Volkswagen also gave us a sporty ‘crossover’ style of the Polo, called the Cross Polo, which flaunts new bumpers, body cladding, roof rails, new alloy wheels and exclusive upholstery.
Exterior
There is no doubt that, with the Cross Polo, what Volkswagen has essentially done is made the already pretty car prettier. The new Cross Polo, in fact, commands a lot of attention on the roads with its rugged new ‘cross’ front and rear bumpers, black side cladding and wheel arches, silver painted mirrors, halogen headlamps in black finish, silver roof rails and five-spoke alloy wheels. It also gets heat insulating glass for windscreen, side and rear windows, and a galvanised body with a six-year anti-corrosion warranty. The bodykit of the Cross Polo adds a few millimetres to the standard Polo’s length, width and height.
Interior
The Cross Polo gets ‘Livon’ titanium black upholstery that looks fresh. The steering wheel, gearshift knob and handbrake lever handle come leather-wrapped, while there is a chrome interior trim all around. Then there are some thoughtful touches such as the Climatronic automatic air conditioning system, multi-function steering wheel, speed-related electronic power steering and speed-sensing auto door locks. Although the car does get rear parking sensors, there is no rear parking camera.
Safety
Advanced occupant safety is one of the key features of the Cross Polo, which comes equipped with ABS, dual front airbags, electronic engine immobiliser, pinch guard safety for all power windows, high mounted third brake light and more.
Practicality
The Cross Polo retains the diesel Polo’s powerplant—the 1.2-litre TDI engine with a maximum power of 75PS@4200rpm and a maximum torque of 180Nm@2000rpm with a five-speed manual gearbox. Available in three colours—flash red, reflex silver and deep black pearl—the car is priced at R7.82 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi. Now, the Polo isan important car for Volkswagen in India and, with the Cross Polo, the company has been able to keep the Polo relevant and exciting. But, at the same time, because Volkswagen spoiled us with its technological marvels last year, we expected more from the Cross Polo than just cosmetic updates. In fact, recently, at a Volkswagen dealership in Delhi, I overheard a few customers discussing why Volkswagen didn’t raise the ground clearance of the Cross Polo and why, among other things, the car doesn’t get bolder wheels. Over to Volkswagen.
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