VW’s on par T-Cross brings Volkswagen plusses, albeit at a premium
Volkswagens modern People Car’s is designed to compete in that neck of the woods where the likes of Ford’s Ecosport, the Mazda CX-3, Suzuki Vitara and a few other well accepted rivals operate. It lived up to expectations and the hype and has become an accepted and successful contender in that realm.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE GOOD
We recently enjoyed a few days with Spanish-built Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0TSI 85kW Comfortline R-Line. First impressions are good: it looks the part — neat and simplistic, both inside and out. A bit squared off. Some quality aspects may ask a bit, like plasticky materials, which contribute to a cheaper than expected feel. But on the whole it’s a decent package.
T-Cross also stars with ample space both front and rear and that coupled to its handy boot size, makes it quite practical as a daily driver. Volkswagen’s infotainment system, on the other hand, definitely has a slight edge over of its most competitor vehicles in this price range — we found it simplistic and usable too.
T-CROSS HAS ITS FOIBLES
I struggled to find the ideal driving position – I did try a few alternatives but felt they were all a compromise as I could not adjust the chair to a position where I was actually comfortable. Ride is average, it’s not on the stiff side. Let’s just say it isn’t plush. Brakes were also not as responsive as we’d have liked, and the throttle has slight delay to your effort on the pedal. Even in sport mode.
T-Cross proved on par for the class in performance as our VBox data sums attests. Those test numbers are as good as the Ford, which comes in at 20% cheaper than the Volkswagen. And that Mazda and Suzuki may cost a touch more, but to be honest they are really in a class above in so many respects.
REMEMBER, IT’S STILL A VOLKSWAGEN
All in all, the Volkswagen T-Cross comes has its own pros and cons. It does the job as a daily driver and we enjoyed tootling about. That said, it does lack the driving experience or the quality we have come to expect from Volkswagen and some of its price rivals.
There are cars that do a better job for less money, while others outperform it at similar prices. But T-Cross is a Volkswagen at the end of the day and that in itself will swing it for many a buyer, no matter how bright many of its rivals’ allure. — Michele Lupini
Testing: Giordano Lupini
ROAD TESTED: Volkswagen T-Cross TSI R-Line Engine: 85kW 200Nm 1-litre turbo petrol I3 Drive: 7-speed DC automatic FWD TESTED: 0-60 km/h: 4.66 sec 0-100 km/h: 10.64 sec 0-160 km/h: 28.43 sec 400 m: 17.5 sec @ 130km/h 80-120 km/h: 7.40 sec 120-160 km/h: 13.71 sec CLAIMED: VMax: 193 km/h Fuel: 5.3 l/100 km CO2: 126 g/km Warranty/Service: 3y 120K/3y 45K km LIST PRICE: R428K RATED: 7
