Automotive

Volkswagen unveils T-Cross Breeze convertible SUV at Geneva

Volkswagen unveils T-Cross Breeze convertible SUV at Geneva
In a nutshell, the T-Cross is a downsized, two-door, convertible Tiguan
In a nutshell, the T-Cross is a downsized, two-door, convertible Tiguan
View 12 Images
In a nutshell, the T-Cross is a downsized, two-door, convertible Tiguan
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In a nutshell, the T-Cross is a downsized, two-door, convertible Tiguan
VW says that the T-Cross is a glimpse of new, planned sport utilities coming to its lineup over the next couple of years
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VW says that the T-Cross is a glimpse of new, planned sport utilities coming to its lineup over the next couple of years
LED lighting is featured on the concept as well, including a more accentuated daytime running light signature at front
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LED lighting is featured on the concept as well, including a more accentuated daytime running light signature at front
Unlike the Tiguan, the T-Cross Breeze has a wider grille, more dynamic stance with wheels further into the corners
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Unlike the Tiguan, the T-Cross Breeze has a wider grille, more dynamic stance with wheels further into the corners
The company plans to augment the Tiguan and Touareg with three other crossover SUVs
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The company plans to augment the Tiguan and Touareg with three other crossover SUVs
The interior of the T-Cross is a big leap forward for Volkswagen
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The interior of the T-Cross is a big leap forward for Volkswagen
Also shown in the T-Cross Breeze is Volkswagen’s new-generation digital dashboard called the Active Info Display
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Also shown in the T-Cross Breeze is Volkswagen’s new-generation digital dashboard called the Active Info Display
The concept’s interior goal is to showcase the company’s new human-machine interface design
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The concept’s interior goal is to showcase the company’s new human-machine interface design
The use of 3D printing and hybrid fibers is also highlighted
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The use of 3D printing and hybrid fibers is also highlighted
Underpinning the VW T-Cross Breeze concept is a front-wheel drive architecture powered by a 1.0-liter turbocharged, direct-injection gasoline engine (TDI)
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Underpinning the VW T-Cross Breeze concept is a front-wheel drive architecture powered by a 1.0-liter turbocharged, direct-injection gasoline engine (TDI)
The engine outputs 110 PS (81 kW) and 129 pound-feet (175 Nm) of torque
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The engine outputs 110 PS (81 kW) and 129 pound-feet (175 Nm) of torque
VW predicts 47 mpg (5.0 l/100km) from the T-Cross Breeze
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VW predicts 47 mpg (5.0 l/100km) from the T-Cross Breeze
View gallery - 12 images

Convertible sport utilities are a tough sell, as most automakers know. Most enter the game and then quietly bow out amid the giggles and snickering. Volkswagen is now taking a turn, though only in conceptual form, with the new T-Cross Breeze concept debuting at Geneva.

VW says that the T-Cross is a glimpse of new, planned sport utilities coming to its lineup over the next couple of years. The company plans to augment the Tiguan and Touareg with three other crossover SUVs. In a nutshell, the T-Cross is a downsized, two-door, convertible Tiguan; though that description is a bit simplistic on its own.

Unlike the Tiguan, the T-Cross Breeze has a wider grille, more dynamic stance with wheels farther into the corners, and a new development in a double character line along the side panels. LED lighting is featured on the concept as well, including a more accentuated daytime running light signature at front.

The company plans to augment the Tiguan and Touareg with three other crossover SUVs
The company plans to augment the Tiguan and Touareg with three other crossover SUVs

The interior of the T-Cross is a big leap forward for Volkswagen. Not generally known for plush or stylish interior accoutrements, the T-Cross bucks the expected VW trend with a much more modern look. The concept's interior goal is to showcase the company's new human-machine interface design, which aims towards better usability and higher integration of technology into the cockpit. The use of 3D printing and hybrid fibers is also highlighted.

Additionally shown in the T-Cross Breeze is Volkswagen's new-generation digital dashboard called the Active Info Display. This is a grahics-based environment allowing customized and personalized information in a three-dimensional, animated display environment. Similar to apps on a smartphone, information can be organized and displayed on-screen per the vehicle designer's specification.

The addition of artificial intelligence elements which learn from and predict driver behavior to enhance the interior experience, driving experience, and safety is also being shown in the T-Cross concept. Radar and camera-based inputs add to the driver's informational display, showing not only clear parking and maneuvering information, but also off-road safety through terrain analysis.

The interior of the T-Cross is a big leap forward for Volkswagen
The interior of the T-Cross is a big leap forward for Volkswagen

Several updates were made to the new center dashboard screen, called the Head Unit. This large, tablet-like screen allows functions to be freely arranged and rearranged on a grid like apps on a tablet. This includes full integration of mapping that can be viewed traditionally, topographically, or in combinations.

Underpinning the VW T-Cross Breeze concept is a front-wheel drive architecture powered by a 1.0-liter turbocharged, direct-injection gasoline engine (TDI). The engine outputs 110 PS (81 kW) and 129 pound-feet (175 Nm) of torque. A seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission gears output. Engine stop-start and kinetic recovery are also part of the drivetrain's efficiency dynamics. VW predicts 47 mpg (5.0 l/100km) from the T-Cross Breeze.

Source: Volkswagen

View gallery - 12 images
3 comments
3 comments
Fairly Reasoner
Well, better than Nissan's effort.
justme70
In what sense is this an SUV?
wanderkip
@justme70- Exactly! Let's just jack-up the suspension and add some fake, plastic skid plates to jump on the SUV marketing bandwagon. Not even AWD. Besides being an answer to a question no one asked, this might only appeal to those media-brainwashed "me too" baby-boomers needing entry/egress height for old knees! My convertible needs a lower CG, turbo and AWD to be functional. Hope that 1.0L TDI eventually makes it into some US model though...