Volkswagen has started testing the new T-Cross SUV on international roads. This new SUV is likely to be unveiled in 2018 in production guise. The model will share its underpinnings with the next-gen Volkswagen Polo, but sees a slight increase in dimensions in all directions.
Taking inspiration from the T-Cross concept seen at this year’s Geneva motor show, the production version is likely to wear a full-width grille and wider wheel arches to give the new compact SUV a more distinctive, rugged image.
These looks will be shared with the production T-Cross’s larger sibling, which will be based on the Golf and take influence from the T-Roc concept that was unveiled in Geneva two years earlier. Both SUVs will sit below Volkswagen’s Tiguan – which is headed to India soon – and the Touareg models. The small SUV market that the production T-Cross and T-Roc will be positioned in, is currently a hot segment globally.
The engine is likely to be based on the T-Cross concept's turbocharged 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine with 110hp and 174.9Nm of torque on offer. Driving the front wheels was a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. This entry-level engine will be joined by one or two turbocharged four-cylinder units in the production car. In standard form, the SUV will be front-wheel drive, but all-wheel-drive versions will almost certainly be offered too.
Along with the T-Cross VW is also readying a slew of new SUVs that will come to India in future. Read about them here.