Volkswagen teases new T-Cross SUV
BY ROBBIE WALLIS | 4th Jul 2018
VOLKSWAGEN has released a single teaser image of its upcoming T-Cross baby SUV, with the new Polo-based baby high-rider set to be revealed in the third quarter ahead of an Australian debut sometime next year.
Few concrete details have been released about the T-Cross, other than it will be the smallest SUV in Volkswagen’s line-up, even smaller than the T-Roc crossover that has gone on sale overseas but will not arrive in Australia until about 2020 due to supply constraints.
Volkswagen Australia general manager corporate communications Paul Pottinger said that the company was definitely interested in bringing the T-Cross here, adding that the company was hoping to introduce it “sometime next year”.
The single teaser image shows a rear three-quarter sketch of the T-Cross, hinting at muscular proportions, large alloy wheels, short overhangs and a rear LED lighting signature that runs across the width of the tailgate.
Also featured are roof rails, a rear spoiler, black wheelarch cladding and a styled rear bumper. The production version is expected to wear a front fascia similar to the T-Roc.
Built on Volkswagen’s shared MQB platform, the T-Cross measures just 4107mm long, only 54mm longer than the Polo which it is expected to share much of its hardware.
Volkswagen describes the T-Cross as being “always front-driven”, suggesting an all-paw version will not be offered.
Powertrains will likely be shared with the Polo, namely a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged mill developing either 70kW/175Nm or 85kW/200Nm, driving the front wheels via either a five-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
If Volkswagen opts for something more punchy, there is also the 110kW/250Nm 1.4-litre turbo four-pot unit from the entry-level Golf, while the 147kW/320Nm 2.0-litre unit in the upcoming Polo GTI could also be an outside chance if Volkswagen wants to expand its range of performance variants.
The company says the MQB platform allows for “surprising” amounts of interior room, with the rear seats capable of being moved forward and back to prioritise legroom or luggage space.
Volkswagen also claims the T-Cross will enter the market as “one of the safest vehicles of its class”, with autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning to be included as standard.
Additional details for the T-Cross will be made available at its release in the third quarter.
