Volkswagen T-Cross Baby SUV Getting Ready For Its Debut

If reports are to be believed, the long-awaited Volkswagen T-Cross could premiere as soon as this fall. Based on these spy shots of the crossover, we think a launch could indeed be just a few months away.

Snapped testing high in some European mountains (and, more recently, the Nurburgring), this T-Cross prototype has shed a significant amount of camouflage and bears some similarities to the concept. However, the exterior design appears far more restrained than the show car, making the vehicle look largely like a small version of the Tiguan.

At the front, headlights similar in shape to those from the Tiguan are featured alongside a grille with three horizontal slats. Elsewhere, the short front and rear overhangs are particularly pronounced while black and white camouflage shields important elements on the rear fascia from view.

If you’re confused by Volkswagen’s recent SUV naming scheme, you’re not alone. The German marque unveiled its eye-catching T-Roc crossover towards the end of next year as a larger alternative to the T-Cross.

As VW’s smallest SUV, the new T-Cross is going to be positioned between the Seat Arona and the T-Roc in terms of pricing. Judging from the spy shots, the upcoming T-Cross will adopt a slightly more sober styling than the T-Roc but we could be proven wrong once the wraps come off (or not).

Another day, another new VW crossover…

It’s unclear what powertrains the T-Cross will be offered with but we wouldn’t be surprised to find some of the T-Roc’s engines feature. For example, these could include a 187 hp 2.0-liter TSI, a 147 hp 2.0-liter TDI, 147 hp 1.5-liter TSI, 113 hp 1.6 TDI, and a 187 hp 2.0 TDI.

The biggest sellers in the range however are expected to be powered by VW’s turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder petrol engine, offered in various states of tune. Don’t expect any electrified versions as the T-Cross will play the role of the budget option in VW’s SUV range.

A dual-clutch transmission and a six-speed manual are both expected to be available. Unfortunately for those few prospective T-Cross owners planning to take the vehicle off-road, they’ll be dissapointed to learn that front-wheel drive is set to be the only configuration. Underpinning the T-Cross will be the same MQB platform as the Polo.

Market positioning will be a tough one, at least in Europe

Inside, the upcoming T-Cross will likely share most of its interior with the T-Roc and Polo, meaning a large infotainment screen positioned above the central air vents on the dashboard. It remains to be seen if VW will offer the T-Cross with the same vividly colored inserts as the T-Roc as the two models appear to be too close for comfort, at least in the crowded European market.

Last April, Volkswagen revealed that it will build the T-Cross SUV in south Brazil at its Sao Jose dos Pinhais plant.

When it launches, the VW T-Cross will rival the likes of the Nissan Juke and Peugeot 2008.

*Article updated with new spy shots and info by Michael Karkafiris