New Volkswagen Nivus SUV breaks cover

Volkswagen has confirmed the 2021 Volkswagen Nivus SUV originally created for South America and Mexico will now be offered in Europe later this year, potentially opening the door for right-hand drive markets like the UK and Australia.

Designed to be a sportier SUV coupe take on the small Volkswagen T-Cross, the Nivus differentiates itself from the entry-level SUV with a lower, coupe-style roofline and a longer and wider body.

Confirming that it will be introduced to European markets from the third quarter of 2021, Volkswagen chief Ralf Brandstätter made the surprise announcement during the company's annual press conference.

Based in the VW Group's smallest MQB A0 platform, the Volkswagen Nivus is heavily related to both the T-Cross and current Polo supermini.

Created to battle the Toyota C-HR and Ford Puma, among others, in South America the Volkswagen Nivus is available with just a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine. In Europe that's set to be joined by a more powerful 1.5-litre turbo.

During the press conference Brandstätter didn't specifically mention on whether the Volkswagen Nivus would be introduced in the right-hand drive UK market, but if it is, the small SUV could find itself under consideration for our market.

As well as the Nivus launch, Brandstätter confirmed that both the Volkswagen Polo and T-Roc would be facelifted in 2021, with both models set to benefit from upgrades to "enhance design, quality and digitalisation".

The refreshed Volkswagen Polo is due to be introduced in the third quarter, while the Volkswagen T-Roc is scheduled to arrive in the final quarter.

Timings have yet to be announced for Australia.