With petrol prices as high as they are, you’d have to be immensely wealthy not to feel the pinch at the pumps. Over the last few years, as the price of fuel inched closer toward R20 a litre, people have been selling their bigger cars and getting something a lot smaller and more fuel-efficient.
But sometimes, this comes at the sacrifice of other important things, such as interior space, safety, and practicality. However, we’ve been driving the Volkswagen T-Cross 70 kW over the December holidays - a car that allows you to have your cake and eat it, too.
Performance
Being the entry-level T-Cross (it’s the cheapest SUV in VW’s range, actually), you’d think it would be lacking in power. 70 kW and 175 Nm of torque don’t sound like much, but it translates well. The 1.0-litre, three-cylinder engine is nicely refined, utilising all the power very efficiently.
Courtesy of a five-speed gearbox, the driving experience feels swift and responsive. It’s a joy to use, clicking in and out of gear with precision. 0-100 km/h takes just 10.8 seconds while the top speed is pegged at 180 km/h - more than sufficient for a small family car.
On the road, it feels responsive. In town, the T-Cross feels agile and nippy, with plenty of power on tap for everyday use (such as the school run, for example). Even on the long road, where our example spent most of its time, it feels like a far bigger SUV in terms of refinement and road-holding. Even at higher speeds, the little turbocharged engine feels strong and provides decent overtaking speeds.
Efficiency
This is perhaps one of the T-Cross’ strongest points. The 1.0-litre engine may be tiny, but so is its thirst for fuel. Over our holiday period, we covered over 4,000 km. At the end of our test period, the trip computer was indicating a very impressive 7.0 L/100 km. With far more careful, economical driving, we’re adamant the T-Cross 70 kW would be able to achieve even better results.
Volkswagen claims an average fuel-use figure of 4.8 L/100 km, which we’ve been able to match on urban driving. Our high overall figure was a result of traffic-heavy trips, a family-filled cabin, and generous use of the air-conditioning.
Using VW’s claimed fuel economy figure, and using the 40 L fuel tank, it’s estimated the little Volkswagen can travel up to 830 km on a single tank of fuel. What’s more, it’s relatively kind to the environment, with a Co2 rating of just 110 g/km.
Verdict
If you’re happy with a five-speed manual gearbox, this is the model to get. It doesn’t feel underpowered compared to the stronger (and more expensive T-Cross derivatives) but also comes in at a far cheaper price. Add in the stellar refinement, decent everyday use, and great fuel economy, and the T-Cross 70 kW is a winner.
Thinking of buying a T-Cross? Click here.
FAQ
Q: What does the VW T-Cross 70 kW R-Line cost in South Africa?
The Volkswagen T-Cross 70 kW R-Line has a starting price of around R341,800 in South Africa, making it the most affordable SUV in VW's local lineup and excellent value for money considering its features and efficiency.
Q: Is the VW T-Cross 70 kW R-Line worth buying?
Absolutely, the T-Cross 70 kW R-Line offers exceptional value with its 7.0 L/100 km fuel consumption, decent performance specs including 0-100 km/h in 10.8 seconds, and practical SUV styling without breaking the bank.
Q: What is the fuel consumption of the VW T-Cross 70 kW?
The VW T-Cross 70 kW delivers impressive fuel economy of 7.0 L/100 km in real-world driving conditions, with the potential for even better efficiency with more economical driving habits.
Q: How fast is the VW T-Cross 70 kW R-Line?
The T-Cross 70 kW accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 10.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 180 km/h, which is perfectly adequate for daily driving and highway cruising in South Africa.
Q: What engine does the VW T-Cross 70 kW have?
The T-Cross 70 kW features a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 70 kW of power and 175 Nm of torque, paired with a smooth five-speed manual gearbox.
Should You Buy It?
The best entry-level SUV under R350,000 in South Africa is undoubtedly the VW T-Cross 70 kW R-Line at R341,800. This little SUV punches well above its weight class, delivering remarkable fuel efficiency at 7.0 L/100 km while still providing decent performance and the practicality you need for family life. With current petrol prices being what they are, the T-Cross makes perfect sense for buyers who want SUV versatility without the thirst of larger vehicles. The 1.0-litre engine feels more capable than its size suggests, the five-speed gearbox is a pleasure to use, and you get VW's build quality and reliability thrown into the bargain. If you're looking for an affordable, efficient SUV that doesn't compromise on driving enjoyment or practicality, the T-Cross 70 kW R-Line should be at the top of your shopping list.
