Volkswagen’s new T-Cross will join the Tiguan, Tiguan Allspace and Touareg in VW’s SUV model range in South Africa. The T-Cross, which is manufactured in Navarra, Spain, will hope to win over clients with its “combination of style, practicality, flexibility, connectivity and fuel economy,” according to VW.
The T-Cross measures 4.2m in length, 182mm more than the Polo and 11cm shorter than the T-Roc (which will launch in South Africa in 2020). The difference in height is even more obvious: the T-Cross measures 1 584mm compared to the Polo’s 1 461mm. The wheelbase of 2 551mm increases the space for seats and provides a spacious and roomy feel.
The elevated seat position is typical of an SUV. The driver and front passenger sit 597mm above the road, while the rear passengers benefit from a vantage point of 652mm. That is 10cm higher than in the Polo, thus guaranteeing good visibility from all seats.
16-inch wheels are fitted as standard. In addition, 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels are available as options. The exterior of the T-Cross can also be customised in various ways. There is a choice of nine exterior colours or a selection of coloured wheel rims which enhance the combination options.
3D effect for interior
For the greatest possible versatility in the interior, the sliding rear seat can be adjusted by 14cm, allowing more passenger leg room or more luggage space. The luggage compartment holds between 377 and 455 litres. Thanks to a rear seat back that folds down fully or partially, you can create a flat loading space with up to 1 281 litres of storage volume.
The large-format dash pads correspond in colour and structure to the seat materials, the steering wheel clasp, the painted central console, the
platinum grey trim colour and the exterior finishes. This gives the interior of the vehicle a cool, sporty look. The design package also offers 3D décor for the dash pad, two-tone seat surfaces, a steering wheel clasp and central console in a matching tone, and colour-coordinated wing mirrors and wheels.
Three trim levels
Trendline trim. The entry level variant comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, LED daytime running lights and tail lights, split folding rear seats, colour-coded handles and mirrors, electrically adjustable and heated side mirrors, electric windows at the front and rear, height and lumbar adjustable driver and passenger seats, Tyre Pressure Monitor, 6.5-inch ‘Composition Colour‘ display, combined front and side airbags, Rest Assist as well as Titanium black seat and instrument panel, black carpets and ceramique headliner.
Comfortline trim. The Comfortline trim expands on the Trendline and comes standard with 16-inch ‘Belmont‘ alloy wheels, black roof rails, front fog lights, leather multi-function steering wheel with multi-function display, Park Distance Control (front and rear), cruise control, Light and Sight Package and a front centre arm rest.
Optional features on the Comfortline trim include: R-Line Exterior with 17-inch ‘Manila‘ alloy wheels, Beats sound system, Inductive Wireless Mobile Charging, Composition Media with App-Connect, Discover Media (includes Navigation), Active Info Display, Park Assist with Rear View Camera and Foldable Mirrors , Adaptive Cruise Control (includes Blind Spot Monitor, Foldable Mirrors, Lane Assist and Front Assist), LED headlights with Rear View Camera, Keyless Entry and Removable Towbar.
Highline trim. The third equipment variant, the Highline, has additional standard features to the Comfortline which include Comfort Sports Seats, Inductive Wireless Mobile Charging, Driving Profile Selection, Climatronic Aircon, LED Headlights, Composition Media with App-Connect and 18-inch ‘Cologne‘ alloy wheels.
Optional extras on the Highline include: R-Line Exterior with 18-inch ‘Nevada‘ alloy wheels, Design Package in Energetic Orange, Beats sound system, Discover Media (includes Navigation), Active Info Display, Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control (includes Blind Spot Monitor, Foldable Mirrors, Lane Assist and Front Assist), Keyless Entry, Removable Towbar and Titanium Black-Energetic Orange seats, titanium black instrument panel, black carpets and ceramique headliner.
One engine… for now
At launch in the third quarter this year, the T-Cross will come available with the 1.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine delivering 85kW and 200Nm. 0-100km/h is despatched in 10.2 seconds and top speed is rated at 193km/h. Claimed fuel consumption is 4.9 litres/100km and the engine is only available with a seven-speed DSG transmission.
A more powerful, 1.5-litre TSI three-cylinder engine delivering 110kW will be available from the fourth quarter of 2019, and the entry level 1.0 TSI engine delivering 70kW from the first quarter of 2020.
Pricing for the T-Cross will be confirmed closer to the local launch of the model this year.