Upcoming VW T-Roc compact crossover spied in Ford camouflage

Based on these new spy photos, it looks like a full production version is well on its way to completion. The T-Roc is based on the Golf platform and is set to slot under the Tiguan. That should put is up against the Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR, Fiat 500X, and the upcoming Ford EcoSport.

While the car in these photos may have some camouflage intended to hide its identity, there's no mistaking this for anything other than a Volkswagen. The side profile looks like a shrunken version of the new Atlas three-row crossover, with muscular hips and a deep cut through the center of the doors. The wheels are also straight off the larger Tiguan.

Both the front and rear have what appear to be fake chrome trim and lighting elements. A close look shows that the bits appear to simply be stuck to the bodywork, with the lighting simply being a fake print. There is a small oval covering the round badge on the tailgate, meaning Volkswagen was trying to make this look like a Ford. It sort of works if you really squint your eyes and completely ignore the obvious Volkswagen logo hiding underneath.

We don't have many other details on the T-Roc, but we can make a few educated guesses based on its Golf-platform origins. For the US, look for Volkswagen's wonderful 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder to be the base engine. The T-Roc here has red brake calipers similar to that of the GTI, so a version with some sporty GTI parts could be on the table. A plug-in version based on the E-Golf is also possibility, and don't rule out diesel power sometime down the line. A six-speed manual may be an option, but look for most models to come with the new seven-speed dual clutch.

Look for a full reveal at the Frankfurt Motor Show this fall.