Things we like
- Fuel efficiency
- Cargo space and practicality
- Nimble handling
Not so much
- Service costs significantly higher than rivals
- Laggy auto stop/start
- Cheap plastics throughout cabin
The Volkswagen T-Cross entered the competitive light SUV market based on the popular Polo hatchback.
As a newcomer– having only landed in 2020– it aims to make a mark with its unique blend of fresh looks and urban agility.
A late 2024 update is expected for the model in the third quarter of next year.
But in a booming segment with so many emerging options, let's see what VW has introduced to compete.
Pricing and Features
The T-Cross is positioned as an accessible entry into the Volkswagen SUV family, offering only two variants – Life and Style. Both are automatic, front-wheel drive configurations.
The Life is priced from $30,990, and the Style grade additions will set you back (an extra $2500) at $33,490 before on -roads.
Both grades adopt the same teeny 1.0-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine making s 85kW of power and 200Nm of torque, with the only choice as a 7-speed automatic transmission.
On a combined cycle, the T-Cross uses 5.4 litres of fuel which is perfect for those doing their daily commutes.
Volkswagen T-Cross standard features | |
---|---|
8.0-inch touchscreen | Apple CarPlay/Android Auto |
Six-speaker sound system | CD player |
Bluetooth | Reversing camera |
Front and rear parking sensors | Autonomous emergency braking |
Lane-keep assist | Lane departure warning |
Driver fatigue detection | Vehicle distance warning |
Cruise control with speed limiter | Tyre pressure monitoring |
Rain-sensing windscreen wipers | Dusk-sensing headlights |
Auto-dimming rear-view mirror | Air conditioning |
Leather wrapped steering wheel |
The exterior design of the T-Cross is one of its strongest selling points, featuring bold lines, a charismatic front fascia, 16-inch alloy wheels and LED Daytime Running Lights that gives it a modern edge.
Inside, the T-Cross surprises with its clever use of space. Despite its compact dimensions, the interior feels roomy with one of the segments best cargo capacities from 385L to 455L when the rear seats are on the forward position.
The dashboard is ergonomically designed, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Spending the extra $2500 on the Style variant will add:
- 17-inch alloys
- Dual-zone climate control
- Keyless entry and start
- LED headlights
- Auto high beam
- Extra driver assist tech
- Premium cloth upholstery
- Front and rear carpet floor mats
- LED ambient dashboard lighting
- Paddle shifters
For an additional $2200, you can add the Sound and Vision Package.
Sound and Vision Package | |
---|---|
Beats premium sound system | Upgraded infotainment system |
Digital instrument cluster | Satellite navigation |
Voice controls | Wireless phone charger |
Solid white is the only no-cost paint choice, while other solid, pearl and metallic colours as $600-$900 options.
And lastly, an R-Line Package is available for $2600, which includes:
R-Line package | |
---|---|
18-inch alloy wheels | Dark tinted rear glass |
Black headlining and pillar trim | Front and rear bumpers in R-styling painted in body colour |
Carbon Flag sports cloth and microfibre upholstery | R-Line scuff plates in front door sills |
Carpet floor mats | Race decorative dashboard panel |
Safety
The Volkswagen T-Cross boasts a five-star ANCAP safety rating and includes a variety of standard driver assistance features.
These include front and rear parking sensors and manoeuvre braking, which helps prevent collisions with unseen objects or people.
The vehicle also features standard cruise control, driver fatigue detection, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and lane-keep assist.
Key Rivals
The T-Cross finds competition in other light SUVs, including:
Like others in the segment, manufacturers are using light SUVs as alternatives to previously popular light cars that are slowly declining like the Mazda 2 and Toyota Yaris.
Should I Put It On My Shortlist?
The 2024 Volkswagen T-Cross Life is an excellent choice for those seeking a compact and economical SUV for daily driving.
If you're looking for a vehicle that's well-suited for city living and offers great value, the T-Cross Style is definitely worth considering.
Both the 85 TSI Style and Life are quite similar, but the Style makes the proposition of moving up a variant an easy proposition with notable additions.
These extra features, such as adaptive cruise control and more active safety technologies, account for a significant part of the price difference.
So if you're looking for the extra luxuries and safety, the $2500 jump builds a very strong case for itself.
Things we like
- Fuel efficiency
- Cargo space and practicality
- Nimble handling
Not so much
- Service costs significantly higher than rivals
- Laggy auto stop/start
- Cheap plastics throughout cabin
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