Slotting in below the T-Roc and inspired by the T-Cross Breeze concept shown in Geneva two years ago, the latest spy shots taken in Europe sees the T-Cross adopting a similar profile to that of sister brand Seat’s Arona, with the front, despite the large amounts of disguise, adopting elements from both the Polo and Tiguan. Despite the rear facia being shrouded in masking, expect it to differ slightly from the Arona.

As it will become the latest model to make use of the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform, the T-Cross will boast the same interior as the Polo, equipped with an array of connected features and driver assistance systems to suit its younger target audience.

Using the MQB will see the T-Cross come powered by the same engines as the Polo, with the core power unit likely to be the 1.0 TSI that develops 70kW or 85kW.

In the Arona, motivation also comes from the 110kW 1.5 TSI Evo, a 1.6 TDI delivering either 70kW or 85kW and in some markets, an 81 kW normally aspirated 1.6. Lower spec models will come equipped with a five-speed manual, with a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG being offered on higher up models.

Like the Arona, the T-Cross will send its power to the front wheels only as a cost-saving measure, although Britain’s Auto Express claims that a performance model could become a reality given the T-Cross’ underpinnings. If approved, expect that model to feature the 147kW 2.0 TSI from the Polo GTI.

With the T-Roc not earmarked for local introduction, the T-Cross could serve as Volkswagen South Africa’s smallest crossover model, but only expect it to arrive next year if given the go-ahead.