New Volkswagen T-Cross driven

Our verdict as VW’s Polo-based baby SUV shapes up to be a real winner

- Steve Sutcliffe

THE Volkswagen Polo-based T-Cross will be the company’s third new SUV in 18 months when it launches next spring, completing a family lineup of five off-road-inspired models.

We’ve been for an early drive in Volkswagen’s new mini-SUV in all-but finalised pre-production form, ahead of the car’s official debut in October.

The front-wheel-drive SEAT Arona rival is a bit longer than a Polo, at 4,107mm. It’s also 110mm higher, and the driving position has been raised by 100mm, too. As a result, it’s considerably bigger than a Polo in every direction, despite featuring an identical wheelbase.