Golf's Heading Off-road

It's in 4-motion! These spy shots prove a Golf SUV is on its way. Based on the VW Golf Plus, driven for the first time in issue 843, the newcomer will go head-to-head with the Volvo V50 AWD when it hits showrooms next year, priced from around £17,500.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Craig Cheetham

08th February 2005

The mag's pictures show how the prototype - expected to be called the CrossGolf - has wider, beefier wheelarches, modified bumpers and a revised front end. Changes to the nose are likely to include Passat-style headlamps plus a chunky off-roader-style bumper, complete with grilles over the foglights and a raised air intake. The CrossGolf - to be unveiled at September's Frankfurt Motor Show - rides 60mm higher than the Plus. It's also likely to have underbody and sump guards for protection when off-roading, while the 4WD set-up will be based on that of the Golf 4MOTION, which distributes power evenly between the front and rear. Engines should include 1.6 and 2.0-litre FSI petrol units and 1.9 and 2.0 TDI turbodiesels. VW's excellent DSG gearbox is likely to be an option. A hot CrossGolf hasn't been ruled out; the 4WD system could be combined with either VW's proven 2.8-litre V6 petrol motor, or the 198bhp 2.0 FSI turbo unit from the Golf GTI.

For an alternative review of the latest Volkswagen Golf visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk