T-Cross Concept Signals Start of VW CUV Onslaught

GENEVA – Volkswagen chooses the Geneva auto show to reveal its smartly styled T-Cross Breeze concept, one of three high-riding models the German automaker is launching within the next two years to diversify its lineup.

While the entry-level T-Cross Breeze melds CUV and convertible worlds, a more traditional 4-door fixed-roof hardtop model is slated for production, VW says.

Styled under Klaus Bischoff, VW design boss, it shares exterior elements with the 2-year-old T-Roc concept car, including its full-width grille, taut body surfacing, structured flanks and large wheel openings.

VW has provided the T-Cross with distinctive flourishes to help set it apart from the larger T-Roc, including large LED daytime running lamps mounted low within the front bumper, as well as more structured flanks with a distinct character line.

“The T-Cross Breeze reflects the new start of our brand,” says Bischoff. “We want to stir enthusiasm with a design that is equally crisp and expressive.”

Although the concept’s fabric convertible top hints at taking on the more upscale Range Rover Evoque Convertible unveiled at the Los Angeles auto show in November, Wolfsburg officials say the initial entry into the segment will not be a drop-top.

VW says the concept interior reveals plans for touch-sensitive controls.

The T-Cross provides clues to a new-look interior VW is considering, featuring touch- and pressure-sensitive surfaces, a range of new connectivity functions and a 300-watt Beats Audio sound system.

The CUV shares underpinnings with the sixth-generation Polo and, with a structure that combines aluminum and hot-formed high-strength steel, weighs just 2,756 lbs. (1,250 kg).

Power comes from a new turbocharged 1.0L 3-cyl. gasoline engine producing 110 hp and 129 lb.-ft. (175 Nm) of torque at 1,500 rpm. Power is routed to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-shift double-clutch gearbox. VW says the T-Cross Breeze hits 62 mph (100 km/h) in 10.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 117 mph (188 km/h).

The T-Cross dimensions, 162.7-ins. (4,133-mm) long, 70.8-ins. (1,798-mm) wide and 61.5-ins. (1,562-mm) high, mirror the production version due in 2018, the automaker says. While the concept is front-wheel drive, VW confirms the production version will offer all-wheel drive. A range of 3- and 4-cyl. engines are planned.

Joining the T-Cross in the expanded lineup will be production versions of the larger T-Roc and CrossBlue concepts – the latter of which will be produced at VW’s plant in Chattanooga, TN, starting in 2017. The new models complement the recently unveiled second-generation Tiguan and upcoming third-generation Touareg.