Currently reading: Volkswagen CrossBlue confirmed for 2016 launch

Seven-seat SUV to be launched in two years' time; new car will be based on flexible MQB platform and likely to launch at Detroit next year

A production version of the Volkswagen CrossBlue concept has been confirmed, and will enter the US market in 2016.

The new SUV, which won't retain its CrossBlue name for production, will likely be introduced at the Detroit motor show next year. The seven-seat SUV will become the largest vehicle to sit on VW's MQB platform, a feat made possible thanks to the car's transversally mounted engines. While a range of power options are likely, sources suggest the production version will use a 187bhp 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine, possibly featuring hybrid drive.

A pre-production prototype driven by Autocar featured that engine in conjunction with two electric motors, pushing the combined power output to 302bhp.

The car will also be used as the basis for the next Volkswagen Tiguan, and will be built in the US alongside the US-market Passat.

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