The T-Cross is the smallest SUV in the Volkswagen range and competes alongside models such as the Renault Captur and Nissan Juke.

It is based on the same platform as the Polo, sharing its underpinnings with the Seat Arona and Skoda Kamiq. 

VW has been a bit more adventurous with the styling of the T-Cross than with the better-selling and larger T-Roc.

The chunky crossover looks like a scaled down Tiguan, but features a unique full-width reflector at the rear – a design cue previously only used by Audi and Porsche within the VW Group. It comes in some flamboyant colours, such as turquoise and orange, with matching interior trim pieces.

The T-Cross is only 5cm longer than the Polo and around 14cm taller, yet it costs about £1,700 more, like-for-like.

Is it worth the extra? Well, the T-Cross does feel much more spacious inside and comes with more standard equipment.

Rear legroom can be sacrificed in favour of boot space, or vice-versa, thanks to a sliding rear seat.

In the rearmost position, there is adequate room for an adult to travel in the back seats and 385 litres of luggage space. 

Moving the seat bench forward extends luggage space to 455 litres. With the rear seats folded completely, the T-Cross offers 1,281 litres of storage volume.

To improve passenger comfort, the rear seats are mounted higher than in the front, giving passengers a better view and easier access.

Up front, the dashboard is similar to the Polo’s. It’s well laid out and easy to get to grips with. VW's touchscreen infotainment system is fitted as standard and, while a little dated, it has a very user-friendly interface.

Hard plastics are used on the dash, centre console and door cards but the interior has a quality and robust feel.

There are three engine options. A 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit is available, producing 95 or 110PS. There's also a 1.5-litre petrol with 150PS

The 95PS car is fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox, while the 110PS model gets a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DSG. The 1.5 is only offered with a DSG.

CO2 emissions range from 130-140g/km and most models can achieve close to 50mpg.

For most drivers the entry-level T-Cross should be more than adequate. It can accelerate from 0-60mph in 11.5 seconds and, provided you are willing to use all of the revs, makes steady progress.

The 110PS version offers a more relaxed drive with an extra 25Nm of torque to help things along. At motorway speeds the extra gear helps minimise engine noise, but be prepared to downshift if you want to speed up as there is little grunt below 2,000rpm. 

Light controls make the T-Cross easy to manoeuvre and there is good visibility. The ride is fairly soft too, making for smooth and quiet motorway journeys.

The entry-level Match model comes well-equipped with alloy wheels, lane-keep assist, electric rear windows and parking sensors. It also has air-con, an eight-inch touchscreen with digital radio, and AEB.

The T-Cross cheap to run, easy to drive and dependable. It is more practical than a Polo and offers a more premium alternative to the Seat Arona.

The Kamiq, however, offers a similarly compelling package for slightly less money.