We test the Volkswagen T-Cross: a buying guide to choose wisely

We have already been behind the wheel of the Volkswagen T-Cross, the brand’s new small SUV. We tell you what it’s like, and we give you the keys to choose wisely.

Over and over again, during the presentation of the new Volkswagen T-Cross, one phrase stands out: “Much more than an urban SUV”. And the first thing you think is that this is what the Volkswagen T-ROC is for, right? The comparison is unavoidable, and the doubt is reasonable.

That’s why it’s worth being aware of the main differences between a VW T-Cross and a T-ROC, in size, engine range, price… We also leave you here the corresponding road test of the VW T-ROC, with an analysis of the range and buying recommendations.

Now it’s time to focus on the new T-Cross. And to start, what better than a video:

https://youtu.be/yHt7OycgmTA

Exterior and interior design of the Volkswagen T-Cross

The smallest of the Volkswagen SUVs measures 4.11 metres in length, has a width of 1.78 metres, and reaches a height of 1.56 metres. In size, and also in approach and price, its main rivals are the Seat Arona, the Peugeot 2008, the Renault Captur or the Kia Stonic.

The platform on which the T-Cross is built, which is manufactured at the Volkswagen factory in Pamplona, is the one used by its “cousin”, the Seat Arona. The Seat Ibiza and the Volkswagen Polo also use the same base.

Outside, the T-Cross bears a strong resemblance to the T-ROC, especially in the front design. At the rear, the connection between the two light units gives it a very distinctive look. There are 12 body colours, and the roof can be pearl grey or black.

One of the T-Cross’s advantages over the competition is its spacious cabin, which means it can even be an alternative to a compact car. It has very good rear seats in terms of headroom and legroom, with the advantage that the rear bench can slide longitudinally by 14 centimetres.

This allows for a boot capacity varying between 385 and 455 litres (rising to 1,281 with the rear seatbacks folded), among the best in its class. As standard it comes with a puncture repair kit, but it can optionally be replaced by an emergency spare wheel.

The dashboard design is very well resolved in terms of ergonomics, practical storage spaces and driving position. As in the T-ROC, the build quality is good. However, the impression given by the large amount of hard plastics used throughout the cabin detracts from it. From a Volkswagen you always expect something clearly above average in this respect, something that is not the case in either the T-ROC or the T-Cross.

Volkswagen offers different multimedia systems for the T-Cross, from the Radio Composition Media with an 8-inch touchscreen, up to the more advanced Discover Media with navigation data for Europe, which offers Guide&Inform services for three years.

A highly recommended technological option is the configurable digital instrumentation. The problem is that it is only offered as standard on the Sport trim, and you cannot fit it as an option on the rest. Notably, it is a new version of the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, with a screen even larger than that of the T-ROC itself.

The conventional instrumentation features classic dials, with a central information screen.

Volkswagen Connect: well connected as standard

Connectivity is becoming ever more important in new cars, and Volkswagen knows this well. For this reason, they go all out in this area, something necessary in a car whose target audience is mainly young customers.

Compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in the multimedia systems is not missing. There are also up to 4 USB connections as standard (from the second trim level onwards), or a wireless phone charger.

In addition, the Volkswagen Connect app offers many features that turn the mobile phone into a personal assistant when connected to the vehicle, thanks to the VW Connect DataPlug module fitted as standard.

Among other things, MiVolkswagen provides vehicle information such as fuel tank level, service intervals or warning messages. The Parking function allows you to locate the car’s last position on a map, with the option of guidance back to it. With the Route History you can access daily journeys, which store parameters such as duration, fuel costs, etc.

There is also a roadside assistance function with the VW service, or contact with your preferred VW service centre for a direct call or to send a service appointment request. It is even possible to compare efficiency with other users, earning points and trophies through My Challenges.

Behind the wheel of the Volkswagen T-Cross

For now, there are three options to choose from when buying a T-Cross: two 1-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engines with 95 and 115 CV, or a 95 CV 1.6 diesel. A 150 CV 1.5 TSI is expected to arrive towards the end of the year. There is the option of DSG gearbox for the 115 CV 1.0, and there are no all-wheel-drive versions.

None of the three engines falls short for a car like the T-Cross. The 1.0 petrol is pleasant to use, even when its sound or its behaviour make it clear that we are dealing with a 3-cylinder, for example when worked in the upper part of the rev counter.

For city use or when driving efficiently, it could be difficult to tell which version we are driving. And although the less powerful one uses a 5-speed gearbox, compared with the 6-speed of the 115 CV, the first one’s ratios are closer together.

But the extra power of the 115 CV is there for when you need it. It recovers better, accelerates noticeably more quickly, and with its longer ratios, it allows us to cruise on the motorway with the engine turning at lower revs. This brings a double advantage: less noise and less consumption. For this reason, it is worth doing the sums carefully when choosing an engine, and not being afraid of the greater power of the 115 CV. You won’t pay for it in fuel consumption, and you get more things besides 20 extra CV, as I’ll tell you later.

We have not tested the 1.6 TDI in the T-Cross, but we recently drove an Seat Arona with this engine. It costs around 500 euros more than the 115 CV 1.0 in starting price. A very capable engine that gives a lot of flexibility in the T-Cross. It is the option to choose… only if you do a lot of motorway driving and very little city driving. Otherwise, petrol is better.

And I don’t say this only because of consumption, but also because the diesel is more prone to needing a trip to the workshop if you don’t take it out on the open road. By the way, this 1.6 TDI already uses AdBlue for the particulate filter. Both the 1.0 TSI and the 1.6 TDI have a timing belt.

Otherwise, the T-Cross is one of those cars you get the hang of straight away, whatever the engine. The controls are smooth and easy to handle. The steering is precise and conveys well what happens between the tarmac and the wheels. It has good visibility, is manoeuvrable and agile in town, and the suspension works well when it comes to containing body movements, with a well-judged balance that provides efficiency without compromising comfort.

With no all-wheel drive available, and no off-road driving aids, the T-Cross is capable of leaving the tarmac thanks to a body height somewhat higher than that of a car. But you should only venture onto tracks or paths that are not in poor condition.

Equipment and prices of the VW T-Cross: think it over

Initially, the T-Cross range includes the two mentioned variants of the 1.0 TSI three-cylinder petrol engine, with 95 and 115 CV, and the 95 CV 1.6 TDI. The only engine with which you can opt for the DSG gearbox is the more powerful 1.0 petrol. And be aware, because you have to dig into your pocket less and less to get the dual-clutch gearbox: 1,210 euros is what it costs as an option, totally recommendable.

These engines are combined with three trim levels, Edition, Advance and Sport, so the Sport is only offered with the 115 CV engine, for which the Edition trim is not available. These are the prices:

• T-Cross 1.0 TSI 95 CV 5-speed Edition: 18,990 €
• T-Cross 1.0 TSI 95 CV 5-speed Advance: 20,620 €
• T-Cross 1.0 TSI 115 CV 6-speed Advance: 21,310 €
• T-Cross 1.0 TSI 115 CV 6-speed Sport: 23,230 €
• T-Cross 1.0 TSI 115 CV DSG Sport: 22,520 €
• T-Cross 1.0 TSI 115 CV DSG Sport: 24,440 €
• T-Cross 1.6 TDI 95 CV 5-speed Edition: 21,790 €
• T-Cross 1.6 TDI 95 CV 5-speed Advance: 23,420 €

To choose well, especially if you are on a tight budget, it is worth knowing in detail the equipment each version has.

Take note, because the Edition versions are already very well equipped, and the only thing you’ll miss is the alloy wheels. It includes, for example, a speed limiter, multifunction steering wheel, air conditioning, fatigue detector, emergency braking system and anti-collision system, fog lights with cornering lights, and App-Connect connectivity.

The equipment added by the Advance would cost 2,000 euros if chosen separately, but this version costs 1,630 euros more than an Edition. It adds 16″ alloy wheels, black roof bars, leather steering wheel, parking sensors, climate control and adaptive cruise control. The investment is worth it.

Above that is the Sport trim, which costs 1,920 euros more than the Advance, but adds 3,000 euros in equipment. Here the wheels are 17 inches, the roof bars are chrome, the front headlights have LED technology, and it adds the driving profile selector, rear camera, light and visibility pack, electrically folding mirrors and the digital instrumentation.

As optional packs, on the Edition you can add the Comfort pack, which costs 750 euros and adds the light and vision pack, automatic climate control and comfort seats. For the Advance, the Technology pack has the same price and adds a rear camera, light and vision pack, folding mirrors and front seats with lumbar support. On the Sport, this same pack adds keyless start, assisted parking and an induction charger for the mobile phone.

To be able to personalise the T-Cross you have to start from the highest trim level, the Sport. Only in this case are the R-Line sports pack (2,175 euros) and the Green and Orange design packs (665 euros) offered. Be careful with the latter: the decorative inserts in colour, both outside and inside, or the 18-inch wheels may attract the eye. But they involve fitting 215/45 tyres, a very low profile, with the effect this has on comfort, on the price of tyres when replacing them and on the care needed to avoid scratching the wheels.

Which is the ideal VW T-Cross?

My recommendation, whenever possible, is to make the effort to get to the 115 CV 1.0 TSI. It costs 2,300 euros more than the basic T-Cross, but you get a lot for it. To start with, all the equipment added by the Advance trim, detailed above.

But also, and this is the important part, a more powerful engine that will not use more in real driving, with a power reserve that can come in handy if you have to leave the city or tackle a long journey, a six-speed gearbox instead of five, and rear disc brakes instead of drums.

VW T-Cross image gallery

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverVolkswagen T-Cross7 versions · from 25,550 €