Volkswagen is slated to introduce a small SUV called the T-Cross later this year.

In a teaser video previewing their lineup for 2018, Volkswagen announced that the T-Cross would "start rolling out" this year. The small SUV will be inspired by the T-Cross Breeze Concept — a design study that was positively received when it was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 2016.

The production version of the T-Cross is expected to carry the same striking and fresh design of the T-Cross Breeze Concept. However, the former isn't expected to adopt the soft-top convertible body style of the latter. The forthcoming small SUV is also expected to share some design elements with the T-Roc, specifically its headlamps and grille.

The launch of the T-Cross will serve to strengthen Volkswagen's SUV lineup. Once released, it will sit below the T-Roc, Tiguan and Touareg SUVs. The T-Cross will appeal to customers who are looking for a Polo-sized crossover. Compared to the larger SUVs in the lineup, the T-Cross will be offered at a lower price point and will be both easier and cheaper to maintain.

The T-Cross will built on the MQB platform, which is used by other Volkswagen vehicles like the Polo. This will allow for a variety of powertrains — gasoline, diesel and maybe even a plug-in hybrid variant. The base model is expected to have a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that produces between 75 to 115 horsepower.

The powertrains will be mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or a dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The T-Cross will come with a front-wheel drive. Volkswagen will likely forgo an all-wheel-drive system in order to keep the T-Cross' price competitive.

Reports suggest that the production version of the T-Cross could be introduced as early as the Geneva Motor Show this March. However, since the event will likely be used for the unveiling of the third-generation Touareg, Volkswagen may instead decide to introduce the T-Cross at the Paris Motor Show in September.