A late arrival challenges the status quo in the hotly contested baby SUV market

$29,990 drive-away, while the premium TCross Style adds $3000 to the bill.

Both models have the same engine — a turbocharged 1.0-litre, three-cylinder unit that uses 5.4L/100km to make 85kW and 200Nm. A seven-speed dual-clutch auto drives the front wheels.

We went for the basic Life model, which rides on 16-inch alloys. It looks a little plain but comes well equipped with an 8-inch infotainment screen loaded with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and wireless charging.

Safety kit is limited to six airbags, auto emergency braking and lane keeping assistance. A $1200 safety pack adds active cruise, blind-spot monitoring and rear crosstraffic alerts. Tech types will want a $1900 pack with satnav, a digital dash and Beats stereo.

Hard plastics could disappoint VW fans but the new car wins points with an enormous boot, full-size spare wheel and the most accommodating back seat here — helped by a sliding rear bench. It even has twin USB points for rear occupants.

The three-cylinder engine sounds grumpy but delivers more punch than you’d expect.

Sweet steering and powerful brakes join suspension that feels overly firm on rough roads, though it retains impressive composure at speed.

It’s a sweet car on the road but a grabby dualclutch auto feels awkward when parking.

As with most new cars (including the Mazda and Hyundai), the T-Cross is backed by a fiveyear, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Servicing is a little dearer than average at $1800 for five years.