By Ian Strachan.
Volkswagen’s smallest SUV – the family-targeted T-Cross – has had a significant upgrade, with more stowage space and more technology.
Based on the Polo floorpan, this good-looking small SUV is shorter than its big brother, the T-Roc, but still has plenty of space, a good specification and high seating giving excellent all-round visibility – an attractive choice for first time SUV buyers.
A smart front grille, tough-looking 17-inch alloys and black roof rails give the T-Cross rugged good looks, while inside you get sliding rear seats which fold flat to give you 1,281 litres of loadspace. You still get 455 litres even with the rear seats up.
The interior of the T-Cross is modern and well laid out. There’s pleasing trim and seat materials and clear, well-lit instruments with easily accessible controls.
Specification on the Match trim level which I tested is pretty good, with air conditioning, all-round airbags, touch-screen infotainment system with DAB radio and six speakers plus Bluetooth compatibility, USB ports front and back, and adaptive cruise control. You also get all-round electric windows and door mirrors, LED headlights and tail-light cluster, lane assist, drowsiness monitor, dynamic road sign display, automatic windscreen wipers and dusk-sensing lights with high beam assist, front and rear parking sensors, rear view camera, front distance control and leather multi-function steering wheel. .
Extras on my test car included a navigation system with streaming and internet (£600), an uprated audio system (£550), carpet mats (£125), heated front seats (£340) and a removable and lockable tow bar (£760).
I test drove the 1.0 litre three cylinder 115 horsepower petrol version which gives a respectable 50.3 miles to the gallon in mixed driving, and is a smooth unit. A 1.0 engine doesn’t sound powerful enough for an SUV, however small, but with a turbocharger fitted it is surprisingly brisk. It gives a 0-60 mph time of less than 10 seconds. At motorway speeds it feels comfortable and unfussed.
Handling is good, with crisp steering, and no body roll on cornering. My test car had a pleasant six-speed manual gearbox.
The latest T-Cross looks good, has a nice driving environment and good performance. Plus it won’t break the bank. The T-Cross Match 1.0 TSI 115 PS manual which I tested comes in at a competitive £24,995 on the road without the options, and will hold its value well.
