Volkswagen Philippines is launching something soon: T-Cross or an all-new model?

“A new hue for the new you.” These are the words that Volkswagen Philippines posted along with a teaser image of its next launch. The image was posted on VW Philippines’ Facebook page with the very same caption that we quoted, but that begs the question, is it a new model or a new color? 

We think that it’s most likely a new “hue” for the T-Cross. The image shows what appears to be a T-Cross in blue, a color that has yet to be a part of the Volkswagen lineup in the country. Other sources point out that it could be a new model, the Volkswagen Tharu. We don’t think that this is the case for now.

While a new model would be an exciting prospect, especially to start the year 2023, a new T-Cross color seems more likely. Serving as Volkswagen Philippines’ best-selling model for now, a new color could excite a number of buyers who wanted a blue VW. Currently, the T-Cross is only offered in one variant, but in a myriad of colors, namely Polar White, Chinchilla Gray, Tribu Syringa Violet, and Romance Red. No blue option is yet available but once VW Philippines is ready, the color options will grow from five to six in total. 

As for other things to expect on this new T-Cross release, we may see a new wheel design for the subcompact crossover. The Chinese market gets blacked-out wheels for the 2023 model year, as well as blacked-out side mirror covers. Ambient lights were also added to the Chinese domestic market model as well, pointing to a more upscale model probably in the works. 

While adding an upper variant to the T-Cross now would be plausible, another addition that could probably make its way to the local stable would be a 1.4-liter turbo engine, the same one that can be found on the Volkswagen Lamando. With this powertrain, buyers are promised a more exciting drive with about 148 hp and 250 Nm of torque mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. 

Of course, this could be just another color to add to the lineup, and the engine and feature upgrades could be a far-fetched plausibility, but who knows what might happen? Let’s wait and see if Volkswagen have a few tricks up their sleeve for their best-selling model in the country at the moment.