The boom in the crossover market shows no sign of slowing down and there is another mini-crossover on its way in the shape of the Volkswagen T-Cross.

It takes the total number of SUV-styled models in the VW fold to five and the T-Cross will be based on the same running gear as the Polo.

Although details are pretty vague at present, VW has released this design sketch image which – apart from the bulging wheel arches and big alloys – shows clear similarities to a design study which graced the Volkswagen stand at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.

That show car – called the T-Cross Breeze – was a stylish SUV-cum-convertible and the fact that Volkswagen says that the production T-Cross is part of a “programme” rather than a single model, opens up the possibility of a drop-top model a little later on.

The T-Cross, which will arrive in showrooms next year, will compete against the likes of the Renault Captur, Hyundai Kona, Kia Stonic, Citroen Aircross, Ford Fiesta Active, its own stablemate, the SEAT Arona, and the Nissan Juke – itself due for an extensive revamp next year.

At 4,107mm, it will be slightly shorter than most immediate rivals, but one innovative feature will be a back seat which can be adjusted lengthwise allowing more knee room or more space for luggage.  

The company says the T-Cross will come with a wide range of standard-fit assistance systems, including traffic monitoring and lane departure warning systems.