Volkswagen T-ROC leaked

An image claimed to be the forthcoming Volkswagen T-ROC SUV has surfaced online.

Created to sit below the Tiguan in the firm's SUV line-up, when it arrives towards the end of this year, the T-ROC won't be the car maker's first ever small SUV, but it will be the first time the German brand has taken direct aim at the Nissan Juke in global markets.

From the single pic released, it looks like the 2014 Geneva motor show concept's well-received styling has been toned down for the production model.

Speaking to motoring.com.au, a Volkswagen spokesman said the image "wasn't an accurate representation of the T-ROC".

An insider, meanwhile, who works closely with the German car maker confirmed the image was, indeed, genuine but misleading as the actual production car's design is closer to the original concept.

Whatever the case, the T-ROC could be a crucial model for Volkswagen in the booming SUV market.

The T-ROC is set to share engines and transmissions with the next all-new Polo that will be unveiled this September at the Frankfurt motor show.

Like the small Volkswagen hatchback, the T-ROC will be based on the Volkswagen Group's latest AO platform that is derived from the MQB architecture underpinning both the Golf and the larger Tiguan.

Under the bonnet, the Polo will come with turbocharged 75kW 1.0-litre three-cylinder and 86kW 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol and diesel variants,

A more powerful 1.8-litre turbo petrol and 1.6-litre turbo-diesel is also likely, while all engines will come with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission.

Only the most powerful engines will come with the option of all-wheel drive, with the majority of all production vehicles expected to be front-wheel drive.

Set to go on sale towards the end of 2017 the T-ROC is almost certain to be confirmed for Australia, priced from around $24,000.