The model is one of three SUVs planned for production to join the Tiguan and Touarag, and would slot in at the bottom of the range.

Klaus Bischoff, head of design for the Volkswagen Brand, said: “The T-Cross Breeze is a teaser for the most compact sport utility vehicle that Volkswagen plans to make – and the nucleus of a new SUV and convertible design in the compact sector.”

The four-seater T-Cross Breeze is 4,133mm long, 1,798mm wide and 1,563mm high with a wheelbase of 2,565 mm.

The concept is powered by a 110hp 1.0 litre TSI turbo petrol engine and offers a 0-100kph time of 10.3 seconds and a top speed of 188km/h. Fuel consumption and CO2 values are 5.0 l/100 km and 115g/km

Features include an interactive cockpit with touch-sensitive surfaces and newly developed “by-wire” solutions replace conventional switches and buttons.

VW added that its SUV expansion plans will see it offer an SUV in every relevant segment, starting with the launch of the new Tiguan later this spring followed by a new mid-size SUV for the USA and China that will join the Touareg. Also planned is a Golf-sized SUV in the same style as the T-Roc concept car along with the T-Cross Breeze.