Press Release
Design and dimensions.
The new CrossGolf forges a bridge between two vehicle segments. In the style of a SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) its body and chassis reflect robust toughness. Simultaneously, the car offers a spacious and variable interior approaching that of a MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle), in this case a compact van.
Both of these vehicle segments are in demand: In 2006 over 480,000 compact SUVs and nearly 1.4 million compact MPVs were sold in Europe. Its innovative crossover character puts the CrossGolf in an exceptional position without immediate competitors. Its design was drawn up by Volkswagen Individual, the company’s internal division for refinement and special vehicles.
Visually the CrossGolf makes it unmistakably clear that it is an offspring of the Golf family of cars. Nonetheless, numerous changes distinguish the exterior design from the Golf Plus. The body is set 20 millimeters higher. In side view the sporty 17-inch diameter wheels attract the onlooker; mounted on these wheels are wide 225/45 size tires. The standard roof rail is painted in silver color (“brilliant chrome�) and can handle up to 75 kilograms load. The new exclusive “Ice Silver Metallic� is offered as an optional body paint color.
The cladding of the lower body area contrasts with these glistening, bright components. In the version with high-grade anthracite colored plastic it integrates the side bumper areas, wheel arches, rocker panels and lower door edges. The cladding protects against stone impact in light off-road duty, while the color contrasting side strips on the doors protect the CrossGolf from being dented by doors of neighboring parked cars in the asphalt jungle. Appearing on the rear doors above these strips is a “CrossGolf� emblem.
At the front end a newly designed bumper outlines the standard fog lamps and air inlets whose positions and design were slightly modified – they impart a powerful look to the car. The middle area of the bumper has a visual shape similar to that of the underride protection, its sweep takes on the contour of the engine hood. At the rear end too the stylized underride protection emphasizes the powerful image of the new CrossGolf. As in the Golf Plus, LEDs are arranged on the outer perimeters of the tail lights. They serve as tail, brake and turn signal lights and exhibit quick reaction times and long life. The hazard flashers are activated automatically when the brakes are applied forcefully.
Compared to the Golf Plus the CrossGolf measures a few centimeters larger in all dimensions. Nonetheless the new Cross model remains compact and uncomplicated. Its length is 423.3centimeters (+ 2.3) and its width 177.6 centimeters (+ 1.6). Because of its higher ground clearance and roof rail its height has grown to 165.1centimeters (+ 3.1).
