► New Volkswagen T-Cross Breeze concept
► Compact SUV powered by 1.0-litre engine
► Previews future design and range direction
It’s not an Evoque Convertible. Honest. For starters, the new Volkswagen T-Cross Breeze concept – unveiled today at the 2016 Geneva motor show – is some 24 centimeters shorter than the visually similar Range Rover.
The new concept is reputed to offer the ‘first look at an entirely new Volkswagen SUV’. It’s powered by a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox ands a host of modern infotainment and design features.
Dr Herbert Diess, chairman of the board of management of Volkswagen, said: ‘Our T-Cross Breeze is the first open-top SUV in its class and, at the same time, an affordable, cheeky cabriolet with a raised seating position that gives you a perfect view.’
Any technical details?
Yup. Because the concept weighs a relatively sensible 1250kg, its 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine – which puts out 109bhp and 129lb ft – should provide adequate pep. VW claims a 0-62mph time of 10.3sec and a top speed of 116mph for the front-wheel-drive concept. CO2 emissions are rated at 115g/km and it’s reputed to average 57mpg.
To give you some idea of scale, it’s roughly 10cm bigger than a five-door Polo in every direction – so still quite compact. Despite being relatively small the concept does have 19-inch wheels, though, because concept. It packs a 300W BeatsAudio sound system, too, because younger audience.
Am I likely to ever see one on the road?
Although the T-Cross convertible is described purely as a concept – albeit one that could be easily put into production – the idea of a compact VW SUV is one that will likely become a reality in due course.
Diess added: ‘The T-Cross Breeze is a teaser for the most compact sport utility vehicle that Volkswagen plans to make – and the nucleus of a new SUV and convertible design in the compact sector.’
You can expect more SUVs from Volkswagen in the near future, as the company says the existing Touareg and Tiguan will be joined by three more distinct models.
Read more of CAR’s 2016 Geneva motor show coverage here
Click here for CAR’s A-Z guide to the 2016 Geneva motor show
