First look: VW heralds Bedouin with Concept A

VOLKSWAGEN’S Concept A is described as a cross between a sports car and a compact sports utility vehicle and points to the Golf-based Bedouin AWD wagon due in 2008.

At 4348mm long and 1854mm wide, Concept A is 144mm longer and 95mm wider than the Golf V. Height is 1551mm, compared with 1485mm for the Golf, while its 2602mm wheelbase is 24mm longer than the Golf’s.

The concept combines a sleek coupe-style silhouette with the raised stance of a 4WD. At the front, the shield-like front grille’s shared with the Passat and Jetta while the high-efficiency LED headlights add a further modern touch.

At the rear is a hatchback tailgate but it is coupled to a ute-style fold-down rear section beneath the rear lights. This hatch can be opened independently and remain open while driving so long loads can be carried.

Like the Mazda RX-8, the Concept A does away with the traditional B-pillar and adds wing doors for easy access.

The Concept A uses a 112kW TSI engine using VW’s latest turbo and supercharger technology.

Power is distributed via six-speed DSG automatic to all four 20-inch wheels using the 4MOTION system currently employed in the range-topping Passat and Golf R32.