Volkswagen is rejiggering its lineup of passenger vehicles, and focusing on rebuilding a completely refreshed lineup of mainstream cars and SUV models—with all except for Touareg and Phaeton built on VW’s flexible MQB platform.

After some of those "core pillars" of the lineup are set, the brand intends to thoroughly refresh its small-vehicle lineup, with a series of small crossover utility vehicles.

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Following the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan, which was first shown in short-wheelbase form, 15 months or more ahead of U.S. deliveries for the long-wheelbase, Mexican-built version, Volkswagen is expected to focus on the T-Roc, a model that will build on the design of the T-Roc Concept from the 2014 Geneva Motor Show and have a footprint about the size of the Golf.

Volkswagen T-Roc Concept

Volkswagen T-Roc Concept

The production T-Roc, as we’ve seen hints of in heavily cloaked spy shots, is expected make an auto-show debut later in 2016, to go on sale internationally in 2017 (perhaps later for the U.S.), and to share much with the upcoming Audi Q1. The production model would face off with the Nissan Juke, Honda HR-V, and MINI Countryman.

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Dr. Heinz-Jakob Neusser, the head of powertrain development for Volkswagen AG, said this past week at a media roundtable that the movement of Tiguan upward in size will allow space in the lineup for the T-Roc, as well as a smaller T-Cross model that would occupy a so-called “A-zero” segment.

“We have a better chance in meeting the needs of customers, and this change in segments works very well,” said Neusser, who noted that coupe variants of those smaller crossover models are also being considered.

“If this fits also for the U.S., we will bring it,” Neusser said of the T-Cross, indicating that VW had already received strong positive feedback from international dealers on such a model.