Volkswagen Cross-Blue seven-seat SUV

The seven-seat Cross-Blue SUV -- with an ultra-frugal diesel-electric hybrid powerplant -- is Volkswagen’s next move to tap into the North American market.

The CrossBlue “concept” on show in Detroit follows previous VW concepts in being near production-ready. The concept vehicle is on show with six separate seats but VW product head Dr Ulrich Hackenberg says the production version will have a more conventional seven-seat layout in a two-three-two configuration.

VW says the mid-sized vehicle achieves 2.1litres/100km when using power from the lithium-ion battery and engine in the European test cycle or 6.7 litres from the diesel donk alone.

“With the CrossBlue we offer one of the most fuel-efficent cars ever with the practicality of a mid-sized SUV and the (fuel) consumption of a compact city car,” Hackenberg says. Total output from the 2.0-litre engine and pair of motors is around 225kW/700Nm and VW says the car will sprint from rest to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds.

A 9.8kW battery can drive the rear electric motor for up to 33km in electric vehicle mode, while all-wheel drive is achieved by using the engine to power the front wheels and operate the front motor as a generator to power the rear motor. Confusing, but VW says it is an effective and efficient way to manage propulsion.

The 5m long CrossBlue is larger than the Touareg but will be priced below VW’s premium SUV as it chases mainstream American buyers.

The Toyota Kluger and Hyundai Santa Fe are obvious rivals and the biggest issue will be how long it takes VW to put the car into showrooms to tap into the growing demand for SUVs with three-row seating.

Of more interest to Australians will be whether VW expands its vision for the car to global markets and builds right-drive versions, or whether it will be, as conceived, an American-only proposition.