Volkswagen T-Cross makes world debut

Volkswagen has revealed its all-new compact SUV simultaneously in Amsterdam, Shanghai and Sao Paulo overnight, after being teased earlier this month (twice), spied in August, driven in prototype form in July, confirmed for Australia in April and previewed by the T-Cross Breeze concept in 2016.

Due for Australian release in the second half of next year, the 2019 Volkswagen T-Cross will slot beneath the mid-size Tiguan, large Tiguan Allspace and the full-size Touareg flagship, which will be replaced in the first half of 2019.

It will compete directly with popular small SUVs including the Mitsubishi ASX, Mazda CX-3, Hyundai Kona, Holden Trax and, soon, an entrant from Kia codenamed the SP2.

That’s not the end of Volkswagen’s global SUV onslaught, however. Beyond the Polo-based T-Cross and Golf-based T-Roc, which is yet to be confirmed for Australia, the German car-maker says it will offer more than 30 SUVs globally by 2025, when SUVs are expected to account for half its total sales – up from 20 per cent now.

Volkswagen already sells two country-specific SUVs – China’s Teramont and North America’s Atlas, which could one day come Down Under – and its first electric SUV, previewed by the I.D. Crozz, will be launched in 2020.

Based on the VW Group’s flexible MQB AO platform. The T-Cross measures 4110mm long, rides on a 2560mm wheelbase and is aimed at young urban families that want maximum rear legroom and cargo space in a small package.

The T-Cross’ rear seats slide fore-aft by 140mm to increase rear knee room or luggage space, which ranges between a sizeable 385 and 455 litres, while part of the backrest can be folded forward to make way for bulky gear like a wakeboard.

Other standard kit includes City Emergency Braking System with pedestrian detection a height-adjustable driver’s seat, while high-tech options will include fully digital instruments, keyless entry/start, LED headlights, automatic adaptive cruise control, up to four USB outlets and wireless phone charging.

Available safety features will include Lane Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Traffic Alert, Driver Alert System and Park Assist, while measures to differentiate the Volkswagen T-Cross from its larger SUV stablemates include a full-width rear reflector band.

Under the bonnet in Europe, there will be the choice of two 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engines (70kW and 85kW), VW’s 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four (110kW) and a 70kW 1.6 TDI diesel four.

All engines will drive the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG auto. No all-wheel drive versions will be offered.

The T-Cross will be built and sold in China, South America and India (but not North America -- yet), while VW’s Pamplona plant in Spain is expected to supply both the European and Australian markets.