Volkswagen unleashes T-Cross on the competition

I’m sure many of you have at this point heard that the new VW T-Cross has finally arrived in South Africa. And just like most of VW’s other products, it has come to achieve nothing other than total domination in its segment. But does it posses the tools to do so?  I drive the T-Cross from Port Elizabeth to Knysna and find out.

Digital display and a customizable dash make the T-Cross funky, and modern.

Interior

Inside T-Cross feels incredibly familiar.  The Polo DNA runs strong inside but because of the extra space feels like it slots in perfectly in between Golf and Polo, with some Audi premium DNA peppered in as well.  I think this is exactly what VW was trying to achieve with this car on the inside. A more premium feel, but with some added cool and funk. Owners can opt to customize the interior of the car with various dashboard options too.

T-Cross is incredibly spacious at the front but more surprising is the rear legroom. Thanks to the cars raised profile, and 2.55 metre wheelbase,  myself and a slightly taller companion enjoyed the view from the back seats quite comfortably. The sliding rear seat can also be adjusted by 14 centimetres for even more legroom. Luggage space is rated at 455 litres and with the seats folded down,  1281 litres of space is available. Class-leading stuff.

One of the worthwhile optional extras is the Beats 300-watt, 8-channel amplifier with subwoofer in the luggage compartment. T-Cross comes with a list of other options too, such as Discover Media (includes Navigation), Active Info Display, Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and much more.

Exterior

T-Cross looks very different from the polo thanks to the unique, angular chunky design. The light design at the front and rear also help make this car seem like a model unto its own. This is no Cross-Polo or Polo X.  LED headlights are optional but at the rear, LED technology comes as standard. 16-inch wheels are fitted as standard, and owners have the option to spec 17 or 18-inch alloys as options. 9 exterior colours are also available and a selection of coloured wheel options. Some prettier than others.

Safety first

The Driver Alert System comes standard whilst optional equipment available on the T-Cross includes Front Assist area monitoring system, the lane-keeping assistant Lane Assist, Hill Start Assist, the proactive occupant protection system, automatic adaptive cruise control, Park Assist and the Blind Spot Detection lane change assist system with the integrated Rear Traffic Alert.

T-Cross comes in 3 different specs, Trendline, Comfortline and Highline.  Comfortline buyers can opt for the optional R-Line exterior package with comes with a host of features, some of which were already mentioned.

For now, 2 variants are available  The 1.0 TSI pushing out 85kW and an impressive 200Nm of torque. Claimed fuel consumption is 4.9 litres/100 which is easily attainable, although most of my driving was on the long flowing roads of the garden route. The 1.5TSI comes with 110kW and both models come with the 7 speed DSG gearbox.

The entry-level 70kW version will become available in early 2020.

Verdict

One of the most exciting prospects for 2019 certainly delivers when it comes to value, spec, build comfort and desirability and when the 70kW version arrives, it will most likely sell for under R300 000, a daunting prospect for the competition.

VW once again, somewhat unsurprisingly, has a winner on its hands.

Pricing

1.0 TSI 85kW Comfortline DSG®                   R334 600

1.0 TSI 85kW Highline DSG®                     R365 000

1.5 TSI 110kW R-Line DSG®                      R403 500

The T-Cross comes standard with a 3 year/120 000km warranty, a 3 year/ 45 000km Volkswagen Service Plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service interval is 15 000km.