Volkswagen Could Launch CrossPassat Next Year

Volkswagen has a number of jacked up versions of its regular cars, including the CrossPolo, CrossGolf and CrossTourer, all of which are brand-spanking-new models with up to date styling. However, one particular sedan has been conspicuously missing a raised suspension and those silly plastic wheelarches.

We are of course talking about the 2012 Passat, more specifically the estate version of the car. That’s all about to change soon, as German publication AutoBild reports the CrossPassat is coming in 2012, letting it be understood that engineers are already heading into the advanced stages of development, despite the fact that the car has never been spotted testing in camouflage.

The vehicle will adopt a “go anywhere” attitude, thanks to its 4Motion AWD system, while also being capable of packing all the essential of you’d need for a whole month of camping. The suspension will of course be raised significantly to provide extra ground clearance, while the usual plastic body cladding will protect and provide a more rugged look. The jacked-up estate will also get better underbody protection, and the bumpers might also be fortified to cope with dings.

Unfortunately, there are no clear details of what to expect under the bonnet, though knowing Volkswagen, a 2.0-liter TDI will probably be the mainstay, with 1.4-liter petrols bringing up the rear.

Say what you will about such an odd looking car, but it will probably sell due to its practicality. The only problem we foresee is that the plastic usually associated with a Cross model doesn’t fit well with the Passat’s new-found clean design language.