Driven: 2019 Volkswagen T-Cross
We’ve waited for what feels like an eternity for Volkswagen to bring the newest member of their SUV family to South Africa and after getting a preview of the new VW T-Cross at the 2019 Festival of Motoring, we were eager to head out to the national media launch in Knysna to finally get behind the wheel. Here’s what you need to know about the new Volkswagen T-Cross.
There are three T-Cross models that will be available in South Africa. At launch there is only the 1.0-litre TSI 85kW model, with the top of the range 1.5-litre TSI 110kW model arriving in the first quarter of 2020, followed by the entry level 1.0-litre TSI 70kW model arriving in the second quarter of 2020. The unit that we drove featured a turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine, producing 85kW of power and 200Nm of torque sent to the front wheels through a 7-speed DSG transmission. Volkswagen claim that the T-Cross is capable of 0-100km/h time of 10.2-seconds and a top speed of 193km/h, all while consuming an average of 4.9-litres/100km.
The design of the Volkswagen T-Cross is exciting and new for the German manufacturer. The front end is dominated by a large, wide radiator grille that integrated the headlights on either side, as seen on the Volkswagen Arteon. Below that is a sporty front bumper with a front spoiler between a set of angular fog lights. The shoulder line is powerful as you move along to the side of the T-Cross, with the large wheel arches enclosing a standard set of 16-inch alloys, or a set of optional 17- or 18-inch wheels. The rear features LED taillights as standard, which are joined together by a wide horizontal band to create a light bar effect which is one of the most popular design trends in the Volkswagen Group, as seen on the Audi Q8, Porsche Cayenne and the Bugatti Chiron.
The interior of the Volkswagen T-Cross benefits from its increased dimensions over the Polo that it’s based on. It’s 182mm longer and 123mm taller than the Polo, which allows occupants to enjoy a more spacious interior. The sliding rear seat takes the interior functionality a step further allowing occupants to adjust the seat by 14cm to either free up more legroom or increase the boot capacity from 377-litres up to 455-litres. If that’s not enough, the rear seats will fold down to increase the boot capacity up to 1281-litres.
The large-format dash pads correspond in colour and structure to the seat materials, the steering wheel clasp, the painted central console, the platinum grey trim colour and the exterior finishes. This gives the interior of the vehicle a cool, sporty look. The design package also offers 3D décor for the dash pad, two-tone seat surfaces, a steering wheel clasp and central console in a matching tone, and colour-coordinated wing mirrors and wheels. The indirect ambient lighting further accentuates the vehicle’s interior. Electric windows on all four doors and a height-adjustable driver and passenger seat also come as standard. There are also up to four USB ports as well as optional wireless charging to address connectivity needs, while an optional high performance Beats Audio sound system is available for audiophiles.
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.
Also worth a look: the Volkswagen Golf and the Volkswagen Touareg.
FAQ
Q: What does the Volkswagen T-Cross cost in South Africa?
The 2019 Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0 TSI 85kW starts at around R380,000, with the top-spec 1.5 TSI 110kW model expected to hit around R450,000 when it arrives in 2020.
Q: Is the Volkswagen T-Cross worth buying?
The T-Cross is absolutely worth considering if you want German build quality in a compact SUV package, especially with that punchy 1.0 TSI engine delivering 200Nm of torque and excellent fuel economy of 4.9 litres per 100km.
Q: How fuel efficient is the VW T-Cross?
The T-Cross 1.0 TSI 85kW delivers impressive fuel consumption of just 4.9 litres per 100km, making it one of the most economical compact SUVs you can buy in South Africa.
Q: What are the T-Cross engine options in South Africa?
Volkswagen offers three T-Cross variants: the entry-level 1.0 TSI 70kW, the mid-range 1.0 TSI 85kW with 200Nm torque, and the range-topping 1.5 TSI 110kW that arrives in early 2020.
Q: How fast is the Volkswagen T-Cross?
The T-Cross 1.0 TSI 85kW hits 100kph in 10.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 193kph, which is perfectly adequate for South African driving conditions.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, the 2019 Volkswagen T-Cross is absolutely worth buying if you have around R380,000 to spend on a compact SUV. The best small SUV under R400,000 in South Africa is definitely the T-Cross 1.0 TSI 85kW, offering genuine German engineering, a brilliant 7-speed DSG gearbox, and that fantastic 200Nm torque figure that makes overtaking a breeze. At 4.9 litres per 100km, it will keep your petrol bill reasonable while giving you the high driving position and practicality you want from an SUV. The only reason to wait would be if you want the more powerful 1.5 TSI engine, but honestly, the 1.0 TSI has more than enough punch for most South African drivers.
