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Volkswagen teases a cutesy new crossover that’s ready to T-Roc

As Volkswagen looks to put Dieselgate in its rearview mirror, the German automaker is doubling down on two critical market segments: electric vehicles and crossovers.

To address the EV component, VW has increased its e-Golf’s range considerably and is experimenting with an all-new architecture to underpin several electrified models in the coming years (previewed by the I.D. Buzz Concept in Detroit).

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Alternative energy model planning will be important for future sales growth, but CUVs and SUVs are needed to keep VW afloat until then. For this reason, Volkswagen has introduced a new midsize model, the Atlas, and has updated its Tiguan. To round out its new crossover lineup, the automaker is planning to launch a subcompact based on the European market Audi Q2.

Our first look at this Golf-based model came in 2014 when VW introduced the T-Roc Concept. Our latest look is at a camouflaged version of the production car. In this brief, low-budget teaser, VW shows a four-door, fixed-roof model tearing through the desert. Apart from the car’s overall shape, we’re still in the dark about details — including whether the Jeep Renegade-esque removable roof panels will make it to production.

Like the Q2, the production T-Roc will be based on VW’s MQB scaleable platform. Power could come from a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder to the tune of 170 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. That much grunt in a pint-sized body should make for some lively performance. A dual-clutch transmission will send power to the front wheels, but buyers can opt for VW’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system for an additional fee.

Europeans can expect to see the T-Roc at dealers by the end of this year (meaning the T-Roc will debut very soon — perhaps at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September), but U.S. buyers will have to wait until 2019 to get behind the wheel.

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