Volkswagen is in the process of adding the finishing touches to the T-Cross – its smallest SUV – for global markets. The Volkswagen T-Cross SUV is likely to be unveiled in the latter part of this year.

The Volkswagen T-Cross was previewed by a convertible T-Cross Breeze SUV concept at last year’s Geneva Motor show. This new SUV will be positioned below the Volkswagen T-Roc.

The production version of the T-Cross will get VW's signature full-width grille now seen on most of the carmaker's new-gen models. It will also get wider wheel arches for the rugged VW SUV look earlier seen on the larger Tiguan and the T-Roc.

The T-Cross will be underpinned by the VW group’s MQB A0 modular platform which also forms the basis for the latest-gen Polo hatchback and a few other models. The SUV is expected to share its engine and gearbox configurations with the new Volkswagen Polo, too. First up, the production T-Cross is likely to come with the same 112hp, 1.0-litre TSI three-cylinder petrol engine powering its front wheels. The engine will be mated to a seven-speed gearbox. It’s thought that the entry-level unit of the production car will be joined by two turbocharged four-cylinder engines.

Closer to home, India will get a derivative of the MQB A0 platform which will be called the MQB A0 IN architecture. This will underpin a range of Skoda and Volkswagen models which could include SUVs, sedans and hatchbacks. Skoda will first build an SUV on this platform to take on the Hyundai Creta. This new SUV will also have a Volkswagen equivalent but in the quest to dramatically reduce costs – a prerequisite for entering the Indian market – the Skoda and VW SUVs could share some body panels along with engines and drivetrains.