Earlier this month, we reported how the Volkswagen
T-Cross for India would be very different from the European version. Speaking
exclusively to IAB, Steffen Knapp, Director, Volkswagen India confirmed that
the India-bound SUV would share only some components with the European-spec VW
T-Cross CUV. Much like the Indian SUV, the Brazilian T-Cross will be different
from the EU-spec. A test mule of the Brazil-spec VW T-Cross was snapped by
Renato Maia, a reader of Motor 1.
The Brazilian VW T-Cross has the same adversaries as
in India - the Hyundai Creta and Nissan Kicks. While the European-spec T-Cross
has a wheelbase of 2.56 metres, the Brazilian model, which shares its platform
with the VW Virtus, has a wheelbase of 2.65 metres. This will lead to higher
legroom for the rear occupants. Akin to the Europe-spec SUV, the Brazilian
model will get sliding seats that can be folded to achieve a flat floor. It
gets several new body panels and notably longer rear doors.
Also, the front passenger seat will have a
forward-folding feature to free up space for loading big objects. The new SUV
will have a boot-space of 380 litres. It will also offer an airier cabin than
the Virtus, which will be owing to the higher roof. The Brazilian-spec Volkswagen
T-Cross will offer the same features as its European sibling. The equipment
list will include Active Info Display, 8-inch touchscreen for the infotainment
unit, traction control, Electronic Differential Lock (XDS), a brake pads drying
system and the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System.
The entry-level Volkswagen T-Cross will be available
with a 1.0-litre TSI engine that outputs 128 hp of maximum power. Transmission
choices will include a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. The higher
variants will offer a 1.4-litre TSI engine that outputs 150 hp. This engine
will be available with a 6-speed automatic transmission only.
Manufacturing of the Brazil-spec VW T-Cross will
take place at the company's São José dos Pinhais facility. Production will
commence early next year, and the launch should happen in April 2019. India can
expect to see the T-Cross in late 2020 or early 2021.