Volkswagen CrossBlue SUV – production body teased

Volkswagen CrossBlue test body

As reported earlier, the production version of the Volkswagen CrossBlue Concept SUV will be built at the company’s Chattanooga plant in Tennessee, US. Now, the carmaker has released an image that reveals the first assembled metal test body for the upcoming SUV.

According to Volkswagen, full production of the new model is scheduled to begin late this year, and will hit the market in 2017. This test body build is used for checking the calibration of body shop equipment and processes. The body is then passed on for further testing and development.

At the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, Volkswagen rolled out the CrossBlue Concept, which previewed a midsize seven-seater SUV. Built on the Golf’s MQB platform, the concept measured five metres long, and packed a diesel-electric hybrid powertrain.

With a 190 hp TDI Clean Diesel engine mated to a 54 hp electric motor in front and a 114 hp unit at the rear, the concept’s combined output is rated at 305 hp and 700 Nm of torque. The transmission fitted is a six-speed DSG, while the electric motors are powered by a lithium ion battery located in the centre tunnel.

The production CrossBlue will fight popular North American “midsize” SUVs like the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer. If the CrossBlue name sounds familiar, it was also used on the sportier CrossBlue Coupe concept that premiered in Auto Shanghai 2013.

GALLERY: Volkswagen CrossBlue Concept


GALLERY: Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe Concept

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Gerard Lye

Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard's strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.

 

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