Volkswagen's New CrossGolf Gets Better Mileage, But No U.S. Distribution
By John O'Dell February 26, 2010
Volkswagen is giving the updated version of its CrossGolf crossover better gas mileage and more power.
But the company still won't give it to Americans.
The new CrossGolf, which is being unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show next month, will go sale in its initial markets in April and will be available with turbocharged gasoline engines ranging from 105 to 160 horsepower as well as with several turbodiesel options, Volkswagen said.
The most efficient gas version will get about 35 miles per gallon with both a six-speed and seven-speed transmission. While this is a European figure, which tends to be more generous than the U.S. EPA mileage standards, it still represents a 7 percent increase over the first-generation gasoline CrossGolf's 33 miles per gallon.
The CrossGolf diesels get even better mileage, with a 140-horsepower version getting about 45 miles per gallon - unchanged from the first generation.
The crossover gives VW six variations of is warhorse Golf brand, at least in Europe, where the automaker will also sell the classic version as well as the Golf Plus, Golf Variant, Golf GTI and the new Golf R.
Last year, European sales accounted for about half the 6.29 million vehicles Volkswagen Group delivered worldwide.
As for the U.S., VW will stay with the Golf IV and GTI gas models and Golf TDI diesel and has no immediate plans to sell the CrossGolf with its more-efficient gas engine, according to Volkswagen spokesman Steve Keyes.
North America accounted for just 7 percent of VW deliveries last year.
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