http://auto.spokesman.com/blogs/bra...s-diesel-electrical-outlets-world-domination/
The seven-seat Cross-Blue SUV -- with an ultra-frugal diesel-electric hybrid powerplant -- is Volkswagen’s next move to tap into the North American market.
The CrossBlue “concept” on show in Detroit follows previous VW concepts in being near production-ready. The concept vehicle is on show with six separate seats but VW product head Dr Ulrich Hackenberg says the production version will have a more conventional seven-seat layout in a two-three-two configuration.
VW says the mid-sized vehicle achieves 2.1litres/100km when using power from the lithium-ion battery and engine in the European test cycle or 6.7 litres from the diesel donk alone.
“With the CrossBlue we offer one of the most fuel-efficent cars ever with the practicality of a mid-sized SUV and the (fuel) consumption of a compact city car,” Hackenberg says. Total output from the 2.0-litre engine and pair of motors is around 225kW/700Nm and VW says the car will sprint from rest to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds.
A 9.8kW battery can drive the rear electric motor for up to 33km in electric vehicle mode, while all-wheel drive is achieved by using the engine to power the front wheels and operate the front motor as a generator to power the rear motor. Confusing, but VW says it is an effective and efficient way to manage propulsion.
The 5m long CrossBlue is larger than the Touareg but will be priced below VW’s premium SUV as it chases mainstream American buyers.
The Toyota Kluger and Hyundai Santa Fe are obvious rivals and the biggest issue will be how long it takes VW to put the car into showrooms to tap into the growing demand for SUVs with three-row seating.
Of more interest to Australians will be whether VW expands its vision for the car to global markets and builds right-drive versions, or whether it will be, as conceived, an American-only proposition.
Article courtesy of Carsguide.
I told myself I'd never drive a minivan. Then you drive one with kids in it -- it's amazing. 3 TV screens, 2 DVD players, auto side doors, auto rear hatch, auto seats that go up and down into the floor, heated everything, cup holders everywhere, ample seating for 2 car seats, 5 large adults, 2 full size strollers stacked in the trunk + luggage, full size jogging stroller, roll up window shades inside, etc...
You get the point. Life is stressful enough, anything that now lessens the stress is a blessing. Carrying a kid on your hip, holding two coffees and a heavy grocery bag, in a tight parking spot where you couldn't even open your door if it was a swing open -- press of a button the side door slides opens.
Trust me, selling my FX was one of the hardest decisions, but going to Andy and the fact my wife has been begging for a minivan -- I've made the greatest choice for this exact moment in my life.
Will I drive this thing forever? No, kids that can open doors, get in, and buckle themselves, the minivan is GONE, and QX56, JX35, FX50S, etc... here I come.
Until then, my VW Routan has been my greatest purchase.
If you are going to have 2 kids, you'll need 3 rows for those times where the in-laws, friends, parents, etc... come along to stuff. It's so much nicer to have your parents/friends in the same car when you go to the zoo, dinner, etc... than to take two cars -- not a big deal, but to me it is important since I live in Chicago where parking is a premium and traffic is crazy.
you always make due of the space you have, I have friends that have three kids and their only car is a toyota corolla. Just get the car you like.