Interiors and cabin features
Step inside and you get to witness firsthand the premium interior which VW offers through its model range, the Cross Polo, needless to say, is no different. Although the interiors are dark and devoid any flowing curvy panels or lightly colored multi-tone surfaces, they are simple and well laid-out. The cabin is typically German – very minimalistic yet highly convenient with exceptional build quality. The design of the steering wheel for instance exudes function and simplicity; easily one of the simplest 3 spokes around. Well it had to be, since Walter de Silva`s (Head of Group Design) “La Simplicita” or “the simplicity” has to reflect in each of the company’s products. The theme has been immaculately executed in the Polo (remember this is a Polo?). In the top designer’s own words, “…simplicity does not mean diminishing features/quality” and true to his words, the design remains simple and build quality – fantastic.
The hard wearing plastic on the dashboard top has a big grain finish and does away with soft touch surfaces that are gaining popularity with manufacturers these days. There are no flashy graphics on the MFD or the two DIN audio system with integrated blue tooth connectivity placed under the high mounted AC vents. Instead, the central multimedia system has an antiglare effect screen with white characters which are easy to read even in bright light and pleasing to look in darkness.
The red back lit buttons for various functions are thoughtfully laid out while the HVAC controls take space below the audio system, and operate with an assuring tactile feel. The glove box opens with a flip handle which is easy to open while leaning from the driver’s seat as well, confirming VW`s claims of interiors being built around driver convenience. The glove box has a small recess for service book and happens to be one of the well-designed parts of the car. The wing mirror adjust stick, the vertically placed door lock-unlock buttons on the grab handle of the door, the rotary multi-function rotary light switch amongst many other bits, fall within easy reach and are intuitively placed.
The simplistic steering wheel with telephony/volume buttons, can be adjusted for tilt and reach, makes getting comfortable behind the `wheel a breeze. The white backlit dials on the Cross Polo are clear and bold while being easy to read at all times, requiring a mere glance. A small red-lit LCD screen sits between the tachometer and speedometer dials and displays a host of information which can be cycled through using the menu button on the wiper stalk. The MFD includes travel time, distance travelled, average speed, fuel efficiency, trip meters, distance to empty meter, outside temperate, clock and even the service interval! While a lot of diesel engine cars do not have a redline, the tachometer on the Cross Polo redlines at a lofty 5000rpm (more on that later)
The spacious seats are clothed in `Livon` Titanium black upholstery and look classy while complementing the interior theme. They offer generous support and padding while also having height adjustability on the driver side. The Cross Polo`s interiors have many places to stow away belongings. The central console has twin cup holders placed ahead of the gear lever. A conveniently positioned cigarette ligther /12v socket is between the cup holders and a deep receptacle under the HVAC controls. The door pads have integrated bottle holders; and to break the monotony, you find a lot of silver bezels and surrounds in the interior which up the premium feel.
The rear seats of the Cross Polo are a bit of disappointment when it comes to space. The rear knee room is a bit compromised even though the overall comfort remains good. The adjustable head restraints, the back angle, the under thigh support and the knee room are all great if you measure up to 5`7. Taller occupants are likely to complain about the knee space, the leg room and the head room (in that order). The central hump on the floor board doesn`t do any good for the middle occupant, and it remains a squeeze more often than not.
Flip the VW logo on the trunk to access the boot, which at 280 litres is ample by hatchback standards. As the Cross Polo comes with alloy wheels, trunk carries a full size spare mounted on a steel disc.
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