The China-spec production version of the Volkswagen Cross Blue SUV has been spotted sans camouflage. Showcased first in 2012 and then again in sport coupe form in 2013, this new car will slot in between the Tiguan and the Touraeg SUV in VW’s global lineup.
This Chinese model gets a new grille and a much more traditional design for the headlamps, a bit of departure from the normal VW design language. However, the silhouette of the concept car is very visible indicating its VW origins. The tail lamps too have got a new design and are in line with the ones we saw on the Phidon luxury sedan (also visible in the photos). Previous spy photos indicate standard VW interiors with a seven-seat option where the third row can fold down for additional boot space.
Engine options for China are expected to include 1.8-litre TSI, 2.0-litre TSI and possibly a high performance version powered by a 3.0-litre TSI mill. Diesel friendly markets are also expected to get the 2.0-litre TDI and the 3.0-litre TDI options for this SUV.
The SUV will be built by the Shanghai-Volkswagen JV while the Cross Coupe will be built by FAW-VW JV for the Chinese market. Most of the other global markets will get cars built at the German automaker’s plant in Tennessee, USA.