In the bustling motoring world, the Volkswagen T-Cross Style stands out as a compact SUV that promises a blend of style, functionality and German engineering precision. As the automotive industry evolves, car buyers are continuously looking for vehicles that offer performance, comfort and cutting-edge technology.
The T-Cross Style seems to fit the bill, but how does it fare on the road?
This compact SUV carries an undeniable charm. The exterior is both contemporary and chic, with sharp lines and a bold front grille that asserts its presence on the road. The sleek LED headlights not only enhance visibility but also contribute to a polished, sophisticated look.
The updated T-Cross introduces striking exterior changes, high-tech lighting, and an enhanced driving experience. Freshly redesigned, the front and rear feature a sleeker appearance with new LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, and LED taillight clusters. The IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights, a cutting-edge development from Volkswagen, make their debut on the T-Cross.
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The T-Cross Style’s compact dimensions make it perfect for navigating urban environments, yet it does not sacrifice a rugged appeal that suggests it is ready for more adventurous escapades. The alloy wheels and roof rails add to its sporty demeanour, while subtle chrome accents provide a touch of elegance.
Opening the doors reveals a cabin that mirrors the exterior’s blend of style and functionality. The attention to detail is noticeable, with carefully chosen materials and a layout that prioritises ease of use. The spaciousness inside is quite impressive for a compact SUV, suggesting Volkswagen has struck a fine balance between form and function.
Inside, the new T-Cross is centred around an 8-inch free-standing infotainment display, now standard across all models. All versions also feature Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, offering drivers an intuitive digital display.
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The dashboard itself has received a premium makeover, incorporating soft-touch materials previously seen in Volkswagen’s larger models, enhancing both aesthetic and tactile appeal although, considering its price point, there is still too much plastic in evidence.
Talking of price point, the T-Cross before any of the myriad optional extras comes in at R501 300 putting it up against the likes of the Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 GR-Sport (R500 200) and Opel Mokka 1.2T Elegance (R504 900).
Taking the wheel of the Volkswagen T-Cross Style, one immediately notices the comfortable and elevated seating position, which offers a clear view of the road ahead. This makes it especially handy when navigating through congested city streets or manoeuvring into tight parking spots. The steering is light yet precise, providing a confident feel as you drive. For urban motoring, the T-Cross Style's performance is more than sufficient, smoothly handling daily commutes and quick errands.
While Mrs W was happy with most things about the car, she opined it felt a little ‘boxy’ to her and that might influence buyer decisions when it is put up against some of Chinese offerings around the same price.
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On longer drives, the T-Cross Style demonstrates commendable stability and comfort. The suspension system is well-tuned to absorb road imperfections, ensuring a smooth ride over various surfaces. While it does not deliver the exhilaration of a sports car, it manages to combine ease of handling with a ride quality that keeps passengers comfortable, even on extended journeys.
Additionally, the T-Cross Style comes equipped with a responsive braking system and a well-calibrated gearbox, making gear changes seamless and further enhancing the overall driving experience. The car's moderate engine power – 85 kW at 5 000 r/min and 200 Nm from 200 r/min – means it is not the most thrilling for speed enthusiasts, but it strikes a good balance for those seeking a reliable, everyday vehicle with enough pep to keep things interesting.
Years ago during the great oil crisis of the 70’s a Volkswagen engineer by the name of Dr Ulrich Seiffert was a champion of the philosophy that saving fuel and achieving best possible consumption came from being in the highest gear possible in the shortest time.
The 7-speed auto box on the T-Cross seemed to absorb that thinking and swiftly raced up the cogs so a hefty push on the throttle, produced a fairly harsh and noisy change down to get it into the right gear for the required get up and go. Still, the average fuel consumption on the mixed road test route came in at 6,2 l/100 km – a bit above the 5,6 l/100 km claimed by Volkswagen but probably more realistic.
The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, making them ideal for both short trips and longer journeys. One of the standout aspects is the impressive legroom available for both front and rear passengers, a notable feature for a vehicle in the compact SUV category.
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The driver’s seat is easily adjustable, allowing for a comfortable driving position, while the elevated seating provides excellent visibility of the road ahead. The rear seats offer ample space for adult passengers, ensuring that everyone can travel in comfort. Storage solutions within the cabin are thoughtfully designed, including spacious door bins and a sizeable glove compartment.
Additionally, the boot space is quite generous (385 litres up to 1 282 litres), capable of accommodating various types of luggage, from shopping bags to suitcases for a weekend getaway.
Volkswagen has made sure that the T-Cross Style is packed with a range of contemporary technologies and features designed to make driving more enjoyable and convenient. The centrepiece of the interior tech is the intuitive infotainment system, which boasts a clear and responsive touchscreen. It supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing for seamless integration with your smartphone. This makes it easy to use navigation apps, stream music or handle calls without fuss.
In addition to the infotainment system, the T-Cross Style includes several driver-assist technologies aimed at enhancing safety and ease of driving.
Climate control is also noteworthy, providing a comfortable cabin environment regardless of the weather outside. Multiple USB ports ensure all passengers can keep their devices charged on the go, a handy feature for longer trips or busy family outings.
Volkswagen has meticulously designed the T-Cross Style to prioritise safety and dependability, two critical factors for any prospective car buyer. This compact SUV is well-equipped with a suite of safety features that provide added reassurance on the road. Multiple crash bags (6) are strategically placed throughout the cabin to protect all occupants in the event of a collision. Anti-lock brakes ensure the vehicle maintains traction and steering control during abrupt stops, reducing the risk of skidding.
Stability control further enhances the vehicle's handling, especially in slippery or challenging driving conditions. These features have contributed to the T-Cross Style receiving commendable safety ratings in various crash tests, instilling confidence in its protective capabilities.
The Volkswagen T-Cross Style has numerous appealing features that cater to a wide range of drivers. Among its pros are the eye-catching design, which stands out in both urban and rural settings, and the spacious, comfortable interior that makes journeys enjoyable for all passengers. The user-friendly infotainment system, complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensures drivers stay connected on the go. Safety is a top priority, with advanced driver-assist features providing peace of mind.
On the downside, the engine power might leave some drivers wanting more, particularly those who crave a more spirited driving experience. Additionally, the availability of certain high-end features as optional extras can push the overall cost higher than initially anticipated.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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