The Volkswagen T-Cross is a competent small SUV, but others offer better value
The T-Cross is among the most accomplished compact crossovers in its class. Its strong points include a versatile cabin complete with a sliding rear bench seat; and an engine lineup which, while small, manages to combine more than adequate performance with decent fuel economy.
However, in a class where eye-catching design really helps rivals stand out, the T-Cross is perhaps a little too sensible – particularly inside. It just doesn’t feel as special as some of the alternatives. Refinement is good, but the T-Cross is neither the sharpest car of its type to drive nor the most comfortable.
It’s a similar story on price with the best of the VW’s rivals undercutting it. So, overall, while the T-Cross enters the small SUV category as one of the strongest competitors, it’s not quite capable of hitting the top of the class.
• Best small SUVs and crossover to buy
The Volkswagen T-Cross is a small SUV that was first revealed as a concept at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show; the production T-Cross is Volkswagen’s contribution to the hugely popular small SUV segment and went on sale in March 2019.
Rivals include the Citroen C3 Aircross, Renault Captur and Mazda CX-3, as well as the other similarly sized models within the Volkswagen Group: the Seat Arona, Audi Q2 and Skoda Kamiq. The T-Cross is the smallest of the five SUVs in Volkswagen’s range, sitting below the T-Roc, Tiguan, Tiguan Allspace and Touareg.
The VW T-Cross is powered exclusively by 1.0-litre TSI petrol engines, offered in two power outputs and with a choice of five and six-speed manual gearboxes or a seven-speed DSG. A diesel model may follow in due course, but demand isn’t high – diesels generally make up around 5 to 10 per cent of sales in this class.
The usual Volkswagen trim line-up applies. S kicks off the range and brings a decent – but by no means exceptional – level of standard equipment, with 16-inch alloys, cloth upholstery, manual seat adjustment and an eight-inch infotainment system with DAB radio and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Manual air conditioning, all-round electric windows and start-stop are also included, as is Volkswagen Connect – the German brand’s connectivity system that allows the monitoring of various car functions via a phone app, plus 24-hour access to a customer service helpline.
The step up to SE and you get 17-inch alloys, front foglights, black roof rails, a front centre armrest with air-con vents for the rear seats, a leather steering wheel, a variable boot floor, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. Rain sensing wipers and Adaptive cruise control with AEB also feature at this level along with ‘Car-Net App Connect’ – an improved phone connectivity and mirroring system.
The SEL trim level adds slightly more supportive seats, different 17-inch alloys, LED headlights, rear tinted glass, silver roof rails, two-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, plus an uprated infotainment system with sat-nav. An upgraded Car-Net service is also included.
Top-spec R-line adds 18-inch alloys and a host of interior and exterior styling upgrades and a standard 10.25-inch Active Info Display digital instrument system.
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