Volkswagen Cross Coupe: more spice, less space

Practicality is often sacrificed on aesthetic's altar for sporty cars, but as the Cross Coupe concept shows, it might become a trend for high-riding four-wheel drives, too.

Prior to the BMW X6, SUVs prided themselves on the promise of adventures new and a view over other vehicles, not to mention the extra passenger and luggage space they offered over their sedan siblings.

Now, though, it seems car makers, especially those from Germany, want to give buyers that sense of adventure and a high driving position, but with a bit less practicality.

Sized between the Golf and Tiguan, the Cross Coupe concept features a plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

There are two electric motors: the one powering the front wheels can produce 40kW/180Nm, while the one at the rear makes 85KW/270Nm.

The Lithium-ion battery pack allows the Cross Coupe to operate as a purely electric vehicle for up to 40km.

A turbo petrol engine completes the package. With petrol and electric motors working in concert, there should be around 200kW at the driver's disposal. Zero to 100km/h is completed in seven seconds, while the top speed is rated at 200km/h.

Space on the boot floor isn't too bad, but overall luggage space is compromised by the angle of the rear hatch.

Four very firm bucket seats are fitted to the Cross Coupe.

Derek Fung travelled to the Tokyo Motor Show as a guest of Toyota Australia.