Volkswagen is just about to unveil a brand new compact SUV at the Geneva Motor Show, kicking off later today. Meanwhile, the first set of this vehicle’s images have already leaked onto the interweb. Based on the Polo platform, the Volkswagen T-Cross is highly likely to make it to India as Volkswagen is yet to introduce a compact SUV here.
Shown in concept form, the T-Cross Breeze features a convertible SUV body style and 3 doors, a-la-Range Rover Evoque convertible. In production trim though, the convertible form could be ditched for a more conventional hard top, and a five door layout.
When it makes the transition from concept to production form, the T-Cross is expected to be Volkswagen’s least priced SUV, sitting under the T-ROC and Tiguan in terms of price and positioning. The Breeze variant could kickstart the convertible crossover segment in the compact SUV space.
While engine and gearbox options haven’t been revealed yet, the 1.2 liter TSI turbo petrol and 1.5 liter TDI turbo diesel motors are likely for the new compact crossover. Manual and twin clutch automatic gearboxes are also expected to be standard on different variants.
Deliveries are expected to begin in 2017, which is also when India is likely to get the T-Cross. The SUV’s Polo platform underpinnings will give it a ready access to an established vendor network and a production facility (Chakan, Pune here. In India, the latest VW SUV could rival the likes of the Ford Ecosport and the Renault Duster.
Volkswagen has already begun building heavily customized cars for India. One example is the Ameo sub-4 meter compact sedan. The T-Cross is could be another glocal (global car customized to suit the Indian market) model for India. That said, it remains to be seen whether the T-Cross will take the sub-4 meter or 4 meter+ length approach. The latter seems likely as India has a thriving market in both segments.