Volkswagen T-Cross Breeze Concept Is a Tiny Droptop Crossover
Like a Range Rover Evoque Convertible on a budget.
Volkswagen is taking a page from Land Rover's book with a new small crossover convertible concept that's a dead ringer for theRange Rover Evoque Convertible. Called the Volkswagen T-Cross Breeze, this droptop crossover gives us an early look at a forthcoming subcompact SUV that Volkswagen plans to introduce to sit below the Tiguan.
While last year's Volkswagen T-Roc concept was meant to give an idea of what a Golf-based small SUV would look like, this T-Cross is based on the even smaller subcompact Volkswagen Polo that's not sold in the U.S. The T-Cross Breeze does use similar design language to the T-Roc, though, with a relatively squared-off look that incorporates a two-bar grille shape, grey lower body cladding, and a strong character line that runs along the side.
To go along with its small size—the T-Cross Breeze is 7 inches shorter than a Honda HR-V—this concept is powered by a diminutive, 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. The engine's 108 hp and 129 lb-ft of torque are routed through the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and Volkswagen claims fuel economy numbers around 47 mpg.
Of course, the most novel element of the T-Cross Breeze concept is its lack of a roof. The power-operated softtop covers a four-passenger cabin that incorporates an infotainment system with gesture controls. Lest you think that the convertible bodystyle is just a styling exercise, though, Volkswagen Chairman of the Board Herbert Diess says in a statement that, "we can well imagine putting such a convertible on the market as a production model."
