The 2011 Tokyo Motor Show has just begun and many automakers are showcasing their new models or concepts. And it is no surprise that Volkswagen has unveiled its crossover SUV concept there since it is one of the biggest auto events. The concept shows hints of what a compact hybrid crossover would look like when style, performance and efficiency are combined.

Volkswagen named it the Cross Coupe Concept. A spokesperson for the company said that it is how a crossover between a four-door coupe and an SUV would look like. This concept could also be the basis for Audi's crossover SUV.

The concept was designed by Walter de Silva and Klaus Bischoff and it is rather stunning. Measuring 4.34 metres long, the car is shorter than the current Volkswagen Tiguan but longer than the current VW Golf. The long front bonnet and the sloping rear lines give the car an aggressive stance.

The front headlights are uniquely connected to the centre grille. The chrome strips are more than just for aesthetics purposes. The bottom strips houses the daytime running lights and the top ones are for turn signals.

Interior wise, the car features four bucket seats with integrated headrests. Both front and back seats can be folded down to increase cabin space. The cargo trunk space has around 13.4 cubic feet of space and increases to 43.4 cubic feet when the seats are folded. A programmable instrument cluster, which is connected to the driving mode selector, displays various information relating to the driving mode, either sport, off-road and city.

The Cross Coupe is powered by three different sources. The front wheels are powered by a 148bhp turbocharged engine which is connected to an electric motor with 54bhp. The rear wheels are powered by another electric motor which will is activated when driving in all-electric mode or during all-wheel drive driving. The rear electric motor is rated at 114bhp and a total of 262bhp if you combine all three.

The batteries for the two electric motors are located where the driveshaft would normally sit. According to Volkswagen, this provides a better low centre of gravity and better balance which in turn will give the car the handling of a coupe with SUV functionality.

Photo credit: Auto Evolution and Motor Authority

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