A new small SUV was launched today, called the Volkswagen T-Cross. The all-new nameplate was debuted in three events taking place in Amsterdam, Shanghai and São Paulo.

Growing the family

With the Volkswagen T-Cross, the German firm expands its SUV offering. VW’s current SUV line-up includes the Touareg, Tiguan, and Atlas.

As the smallest member of the family, the T-Cross has compact dimensions, making it ideal for the urban environment – according to Volkswagen. It is based on the same modular transverse matrix (MQB), that underpins the Golf 7 as well as other small VW/Audi products. T-Cross measures 4 110 mm in length and has a 2 560 mm wheelbase. Volkswagen claims the boot volume is between 385 and 455 litres thanks to a sliding rear seat.

Read our driving review of the all-new Hyundai Kona small SUV by clicking here.

Powerplants

Volkswagen T-Cross buyers have a choice of four engines: three petrol and one diesel. A 1,0 TSI three-cylinder petrol engine is available with either 70 kW or 85 kW. The range-leader is powered by a 1,5 TSI four-cylinder engine with 110 kW. A single turbodiesel rounds off the range. The oil-burning 1,6 TDI four-cylinder engine produces 70 kW.

Standard kit

Volkswagen says that the T-Cross will be available with all manner of connectivity options, in keeping with the demands of its target audience. Though, the type of connectivity will be entirely market-dependent.

The standard safety features list will include Front Assist area monitoring system with Pedestrian Monitoring and City Emergency Braking System, the lane keeping assistant Lane Assist, Hill Start Assist, and the Blind Spot Detection lane change assist system with the integrated Rear Traffic Alert.

Worldwide production

To keep up with the expected demand, Volkswagen T-Cross will be manufactured in VW’s Spanish Volkswagen factory in Navarra, in South America and China. Models produced in the latter two locations will be tailored for those markets.

The T-Cross is headed for SA, but you’ll have to keep your eye on the company’s SA site for more info.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lxrCB7V5xU&feature=youtu.be