We could say that the T-Cross started with an idea or the concept, presented about two years ago at the Geneva Motor Show. But this tiny crossover is born from need, that for a small soft-roader to compete at the bottom of VW's range.
Volkswagen didn't make a lot of money with small cars in Europe and was even considering dropping the Up! city car. However, they have a huge presence in emerging markets, and we're hearing a lot of chatter about the T-Cross being made for South America and India.
Hyundai has had huge success with the Creta, a crossover cheaper than the Kona that's sold in Asia but not available in Europe. The T-Cross is designed to compete with that and will have a longer wheelbase for the Indian market. In addition, Volkswagen is having Skoda work on the affordability of MQB A0 crossovers.
The T-Cross is underpinned by the Polo, just like the SEAT Arona is derived from the Ibiza. All of them will have a wheelbase of around 2,566m, while the overall length of the body will be about 4,140mm.
The engines are going to be somewhat market-dependant. For example, if they sell it in Russia, it might get a naturally-aspirated 1.6-liter. South America, meanwhile, will have ethanol-powered versions of the 1.0-liter.
As for Europe, people will mostly be looking at the 1.0 TSI with 95 or 115 HP. The 1.6-liter diesel might not even be available in the VW range by next year. A few crazy folks with deep pockets might also enjoy the smoother 4-cylinder 1.5 TSI.
The overall shape of the test prototype is fine. It's upright and narrow, which is standard in this segment. With front-wheel-drive only, this is like a glorified MPV. But we're puzzled by the lack of LED headlights, which its SEAT sister car and the Polo both have. Cut this be a cut-price Dacia Duster alternative with no features.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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