The Volkswagen T-Cross has been revealed, as the brand predicts that by 2025 half of all the cars it makes will be SUVs.
Globally, the T-Cross is considered a vitally important model for Volkswagen, emphasised by three separate unveiling events on the same day in Amsterdam in Holland, Shanghai in China and Sao Paulo, Brazil.
The T-Cross takes over the mantle of smallest VW SUV from the recently launched T-Roc and completes the now five-strong model range. It will target big-selling small crossovers such as the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur.
Like its sister SUV the SEAT Arona, launched last year, the T-Cross is based on the platform of the Volkswagen Polo supermini. It makes use of much of that car’s mechanical specification including the powertrains, the significant difference being the body styling.
Volkswagen describes the T-Cross as ‘an urban crossover with masculine design’. It measures up at 4.1 metres long, 5cm longer than the Polo on the same 2.6-metre wheelbase. It is also 13cm shorter than a T-Roc.
Volkswagen quotes luggage space of between 385 and 455 litres for the T-Cross, thanks to a rear seat that can be slid back and forth by 14cm. With the rear seats folded cargo capacity goes up to 1,281 litres.
When the T-Cross goes on sale in January 2019 it will be offered with a four-strong engine range, three petrol and one diesel. All are familiar VW Group turbo units and compliant with the latest Euro 6d-Temp emissions standard.
Two of the petrol engines are of 1.0-litre capacity, with either 95 or 115hp. Most powerful is the 150hp petrol and there is also a 1.6 diesel with 95hp.
Volkswagen is promising a strong safety specification on the car. Driver assistance systems included as standard include the Front assist autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping and hill-start aids, blind-spot detection and a rear traffic alert.
The brand’s bold SUV expansion began only two years ago with the launch of the latest Tiguan large model. In 2020 the I.D.Crozz will joint the range as Volkswagen’s first completely electric SUV.
