Saar: As part of the world premiere campaign, three iterations of the compact crossover were unveiled in three continents. We’ll be focusing on the one that will raid the European market.

Say hello to one of the coolest-looking models that Volkswagen has produced in recent times – the Volkswagen T-Cross. The compact crossover made its world premiere in three iterations, each of which were showcased in three continents – Amsterdam (European model), São Paulo (Latin American model) and Shanghai (Chinese model). To keep the confusion level at bay, we’ll be focusing on the one that will raid the European market.

The T-Cross is the smallest SUV that Volkswagen currently has in its portfolio. And, in all probability, the Wolfsburg-based automaker won’t go down in size for SUVs any further. The Volkswagen T-Cross is underpinned by the same platform – MQB A0 – that does duty in the sixth-gen Polo hatchback. The SUV measures 4.11 metres in length and has a wheelbase of 2.56 metres. Volkswagen claims that there’s enough room for five passengers inside the cabin. For the rear seat passengers, the comfort level can be increased by sliding the seats backwards by up to 14cm.

As for the luggage room, the minimum is 385 litres with the rear seats fully slid backwards. Slide them all the way forward and the capacity goes up to 455 litres. If that’s not enough either, you can fold away the rear seats to accommodate 1,281 litres of stuff. For carrying long things, the front passenger side seat can be folded down completely as well. That’s some versatility for you!

In the engine department, the Volkswagen T-Cross will come with a choice of four turbocharged engines – three petrol and one diesel. The two 1.0-litre TSI, 3-cylinder petrol engines will generate 95PS or 115PS. The range-topping derivative of the SUV will house a 1.5-litre TSI, 4-cylinder engine with 150PS on tap. The only diesel that will be offered is a 1.6-litre TDI, 4-cylinder mill which will have 95PS of power. The engines will be offered with a 5- and 6-speed manual transmissions as well as a 7-speed DSG.

Volkswagen is yet to reveal the full set of features that will be offered with the T-Cross. But, just to name a few, it will be offered with wireless mobile phone charging, up to four USB ports, a fully-digital instrument cluster, LED headlamps, adaptive cruise control, ambient lighting, 17-inch alloy wheels and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. On the safety front, all variants of the Volkswagen T-Cross will come with gizmos like front and rear parking sensors, Pedestrian Monitoring, City Emergency Braking System, Lane Keeping Assist, Hill Start Assist and Blind Spot Detection.

For Europe, Volkswagen will produce the T-Cross in Spain. In India, Volkswagen will introduce the T-Cross but in a slightly different package. For instance, it will be underpinned by the MQB A0 IN platform, which is tailor-made for the Indian market and will make the T-Cross bigger in size. Other differences could include a toned-down spec sheet to keep the costs in check. It won’t come to India before the year 2020 because that’s the year when Skoda will introduce its SUV, part of the India 2.0 project, underpinned by the same aforementioned platform. The said SUV will land in the same space which is currently dominated by the Hyundai Creta. Do you think Volkswagen will be able to crack the Indian market with the T-Cross?

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Rachit Shad Trehan
A car nutter by heart. A hopeless engineer by education. Gunning for one goal - simplify cars.

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