2011 Volkswagen Cross Coupe Concept

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At 171.1 in (4,345 mm), the concept car being shown in Tokyo is longer than a Golf and shorter than a Tiguan. The width of 73.5 in (1,868 mm) and height of 60 in (1,523 mm) also come exactly in between these two bestsellers, meaning that the Cross Coupe's dimensions place it at the heart of the globally in-demand A segment.

The concept car's 103.5 in (2,630 mm) wheelbase is very long in relation to its overall length (2 inches longer than the Golf and 1 inch longer than the Tiguan). The overhangs are correspondingly short. This gives the car a very compact but dynamic appearance, which is emphasized by wide tracks widths. It's not just coupe-like though: off-road, it possesses figures that almost fall into the range of classic SUVs. The front angle of approach, for example, is 24.2 degrees and at the rear 32.5 degrees. The Cross Coupe also features good off-road ground clearance.

The design of the car - penned by a team led by Volkswagen Group Chief Designer Walter de Silva and Brand Design Chief, Klaus Bischoff - features the characteristic horizontal lines of the Volkswagen 'face' at the front while linking to the future with a completely new light and grille treatment. The rear is dominated by steeply sloping angles and new distinctive light clusters which are combined with SUV-like chunky bumpers and twin tailpipes.

The Cross Coupe has not one but three motors, which work together efficiently as a hybrid system.

The four-seat Cross Coupe is powered by two electric motors (one front and one rear) which generate 54 hp (40 kW) of power and 133 lb-ft (180 Nm) of torque and 114 hp (85 kW) of power 199 lb-ft (270 Nm) respectively, and a TSI direct injection turbo petrol engine. With overall power of 265 hp, the Cross Coupe can accelerate to 62 mph in just seven seconds and on to a top speed of 125 mph. It can travel up to 25 miles (40 km) on purely electric power.

The all-wheel drive system with 'electric drive shaft' also represents an innovation for Volkswagen, with the rear axle being driven by the rear electric motor. In this situation power is supplied to the rear electric motor by the one at the front, which during this phase acts as a generator powered by the TSI engine. This means that in the Cross Coupe, the flow of electrical energy thus replaces the conventional transfer of power by means of a drive shaft - which creates room in the central tunnel (which would usually house the drive shaft) to hold the lithium ion battery. The resulting low position of the battery and layout of the drive systems give the vehicle a very low centre of gravity and a balanced spread of axle loading, endowing the car with dynamic coupe-like handling qualities.