Hot on the heels of the petrol-powered T-Cross baby SUV, Volkswagen has added a third option to the line-up in the form of a 1.6-litre diesel.

The new diesel T-Cross starts at £21,240 in SE trim

Promising WLTP fuel economy of 52.9mpg (compared to the petrol’s best of 48.9mpg), the 95hp, 250Nm turbodiesel is claimed to be the most fuel-efficient SUV in Volkswagen’s range, and emits 110g/km CO2 (NEDC Correlated).

The new engine will be available across the range of trims, expect for entry-level S, and customers can choose for either a five-speed manual or seven-speed DSG automatic. Acceleration is rated as 0-62mph in 11.9 seconds for the manual and 12.5 for the auto.

The new T-Cross 1.6 TDI starts at £21,240 RRP OTR in SE trim.

Initially only available in petrol form in the UK, a diesel variant was offered from the T-Cross’ launch in Europe, with Volkswagen stating the diesel would come to the UK if demand was sufficient.

Claire Haynes, T-Cross product manager at Volkswagen UK, said: “Adding a diesel engine option into the UK’s new T-Cross line-up is yet another way that our new compact SUV can offer more of that flexibility, choice and convenience.”

To read our review of the petrol model, click here.