Volkswagen reveal cross up!
Volkswagen has released full specifications and images of the all new cross up! ahead of the model’s debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.
The cross up! is a mini SUV version of the original Volkswagen up! city car. It sports roof rails, 16 inch alloy wheels and larger bumpers than its older brother, as well as black body cladding for the wheel arches and side sills.
There are many similarities with the Fiat Panda 4×4, itself a crossover version of the Fiat Panda city car. However, the cross up! is only available as a front-wheel drive, unlike the Panda 4×4 which can be purchased as a rear-wheel drive.
The same two engines fitted to the standard up! are available for the cross up! – two 1.0 litre three-cylinder offerings. Buyers can choose between the 59bhp and the 74bhp.
With the current state of the UK climate, Volkswagen really couldn’t have pitched the timing of the cross up!’s release any better. Snow continues to fall in many areas leaving standard city cars struggling. The cross up! should be much more accomplished at tackling the white stuff. Consequently it is safe to say servicing costs will be cheaper on the whole.
Additions to the cabin include new upholstery and floor mats, while the instrument panel has been updated and there is more chrome trim.
There is just one issue hanging in the balance however – Volkswagen has still not decided whether the cross up! will be offered for sale in the UK. More information should be available next month when it is officially unveiled in Geneva.