New Volkswagen T-Cross is the carmaker’s latest and smallest SUV

Volkswagen is introducing its smallest sports utility vehicle so far, this further expanding its SUV lineup. With the new and tiny Volkswagen T-Cross, the German carmaker is taking advantage of the continued growing demand for SUVs, whether large or small.

With a styling that makes it appear like a smaller brother of the Volkswagen T-Roc, the new VW T-Cross is underpinned by the A0 version of the VW Group’s MQB platform. This is the same platform that underpins other models in the VW Group such as the VW Polo and Audi A1 as well as the SEAT Ibiza and SEAT Arona crossover.

The compact nature of the new VW T-Cross is wrapped in its small dimensions. It boasts of a length of just 161.8 inches (4.11 meters), making nearly as long as the Nissan Juke small crossover. Inside, the new VW T-Cross can accommodate between 13.6 cubic feet (385 liters) to 16.07 cubic feet (455 liters) of cargo, depending on the position of the rear seats. These rear seats can slide 5.5 inches (14 cm), thereby increasing or reducing the available cargo space. When the rear seats are folded down, the cargo space offered by the VW T-Cross increases to 45.24 cubic feet (1,281 liters). An optional folding front passenger seat can be availed by customers who need more cargo room.

As for its propulsion power, the new VW T-Cross is fitted as standard with a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. This engine comes in two power flavors – one offers 94 hp (70 kW) of max output while the other mill offers up to 113 hp (85 kW). For those who wanted more power out from their new T-Cross, they can avail of a 1.6-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder mill that delivers 94 hp of max output.After the launch, VW will making available a more powerful 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that can provide 148 hp (110 kW) of output.

Depending on the power unit chosen by the customer for their new VW T-Cross, the carmaker’s smallest SUV will feature a five- or six-speed manual gearbox. A seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox will also be available. These transmissions will channel the power from the engine to the front wheels. As standard, the base version of the VW T-Cross is laden with height-adjustable driver's seat, power windows and radio. All versions of the T-Cross come standard with systems like blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning as well as an anti-collision system with pedestrian detection.

When the Life trim is availed, the VW T-Cross is provided with a multifunction steering wheel, air conditioning, an adjustable cargo floor, a storage box in the center console as well as front and rear parking sensors,. When the Style top variant is availed, the T-Cross gains a leather steering wheel, ambient lighting, automatic climate control and front sport seats as well as LED headlights and 17-inch wheels.

Likewise, the new VW T-Cross can be availed with a digital instrument pane and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display. It can also be availed with adaptive cruise control, high-beam assist, keyless start, and a Beats sound system.

Volkswagen will the new VW T-Cross in Europe at a starting price of EUR17,975. The small SUV won't be sold in the United States.