Apparently, Volkswagen is keen on launching an entry-level SUV, which will be previewed by a Polo-based concept at Geneva.

The concept, allegedly called T-Cross, will be a high-riding vehicle with SUV-esque characteristics described as a sister model to the T-Roc concept – a Golf-based prototype previewed by the German automaker in 2014. To make matters more interesting, Autocar reports that both variants (the T-Roc and the T-Cross) will make it into production, as “Wolfsburg sources” say, in 2017 and in 2018.

Last year, Volkswagen already informed us about its intention to introduce a sub-Tiguan, Golf-based SUV, but apparently the company wants to further expand its sport utility vehicle/crossover line-up with a production variant of the upcoming T-Cross concept car. The model will allegedly be roadworthy in 2018, and will challenge the likes of the Mazda CX-3 and Nissan Juke in the sub-£18,000 ($25,623) market.

A highly placed Volkswagen manager apparently said that the T-Cross and T-Roc form part of a volume-segment SUV model strategy, commenting:

“We will position production versions of the T-Cross and T-Roc underneath the Tiguan and Touareg in a part of the market that is currently experiencing large growth for SUV models, including Europe.”

Both cars are said to be conceived around Volkswagen’s highly flexible MQB platform, and will allegedly be available with a choice of either gas, diesel or plug-in hybrid drivetrains, with front or all-wheel-drive.

Volkswagen T-Roc Concept pictured

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