Crossover vehicles seem to be all the rage these days. A number of these type of vehicles that blur the lines between car and SUV and promise to offer the best of both worlds have been introduced in recent years while some are yet to be released. Volkswagen, long known for its excellent German engineered vehicles, is out to get a big slice of this growing segment. Volkswagen’s venture into the Crossover realm, generically named as Concept A, was unveiled at the recently concluded Geneva Auto Show. The Volkswagen Concept A is a cross between a coupe and a compact SUV. This is the embodiment of Volkswagen’s vision for a future crossover vehicle.
At first glance, the Concept A does look cool with its fresh look highlighted by a new brushed aluminum 3D crest radiator grille and prominent, high-efficiency LED headlights that give the concept a confident stance. The crossover’s sleek configuration, despite its SUV-like proportions, is emphasized by the striking intense blue finish, called Glacier Metallic. Meanwhile, the 20-inch wheels with 295/40 tires and the short overhangs give the Concept A an impression of strength and aggressiveness.
The Concept A’s body is compact and sculpted with a long hood and short rear, molded side skirts, seamless sillboards, wheel arches and fenders. One of the most distinctive characteristic of the Concept A is the absence of the B pillar and the opposing opening wing doors. This allows for generous entry and easy access. The vehicle’s rear features a practical hatchback tailgate and a pickup style fold-down rear section under the LED light clusters. This hatch can be opened independently and can remain open to transport long items.
Inside, the Concept A boasts of a light and spacious cabin emphasized by the lack of B pillars. Four bucket seats provide excellent comfort and are arranged in space saving manner. Interior amenities are covered in a variety of materials with very cool names: Black Reflection, Frozen Ice, Frozen Surface and Antarctica, which is a half transparent and extremely breathable fabric used to upholster the concept’s seats.
Furthermore, The Volkswagen Concept A draws its power from a 1.4 liter, 150 horsepower, direct injection TSI engine that utilizes both turbo and super charger technologies. The concept’s engine also features a 6-speed DSG transmission and 4Motion system, which are currently available in the Passat and Golf R32.
Wolfgang Bernhard, head of the VW brand announced that the Concept A is slated to be introduced in 2008 and will be marketed as the small brother of the Touareg SUV. It will compete against the likes of the successful Toyota Rav4 and BMW X3. The final name of the concept has not been finalized yet though it definitely will not be called “Marrakesh†or “Bedouin†in keeping with the African inspired naming of the Touareg. One thing is for sure though, once the Concept A is released as a production model, it is definitely a cool and exciting addition to Volkswagen’s excellent vehicle lineup.