Reader Test Team Volkswagen T-cross viewed in Wolfsburg

New £17k Polo-sized SUV competes with the likes of the Renault Captur

VOLKSWAGEN EXPECTS WORLDWIDE sales of SUVS to increase by around 65% over the next decade – and they’re far from unpopular as it is.

So, it has developed its fifth and smallest high-rider, the T-cross. Sharing its chassis with the Polo hatchback, it’s 127mm shorter than the T-roc. However, it offers good space for a car of its type and a 6.5in or 8.0in touchscreen infotainment system, while presenting plenty of possibilities for personalisation. Engines are two three-cylinder 1.0-litre turbo petrols, a 1.5-litre turbo petrol and a 1.6-litre diesel.

Will it be another sales hit? We took readers to Volkswagen’s factory in Germany to find out.

R-line is priciest of the four specs; boot volume is a decent 385 litres; pictured model has the sporty R-line bodykit