The demand for compact crossover SUVs remains strong and here is VW’s entry into that market.
The T-Cross is effectively a taller, chunkier-looking Polo and rides on the same MQB platform, uses the same three-cylinder engines and is built in the same Spanish factory as the Polo, but is 54mm longer and 138mm taller. You sit 100mm higher up.
It’s more practical than a Polo, thanks to increased overall length, a sliding rear bench seat and optional folding front passenger seat. VW claims it’s the most spacious and therefore
practical car in its class.This sector also contains the Ford EcoSport, Renault Captur and Seat Arona. The T-Cross most people will buy – the 115bhp version in mid-range SE trim with
the manual ‘box - sneaks in just under £20k. As far this class goes, that’s on the money.
It’s a good looking car and drives well although it could do with a tad more grunt in the lower rev range. But then, this car is for those consumption conscious folk and therefore
grunt is not really the aim, and they will be delighted with the full economy. The ride is firm but not annoyingly so and it handles very well on the motorway.
Due to the ‘cute’ nature of the car, it comes in a range of Design Packs offering bright colours with colour-coded interiors. These packs cost £525 or £650 dependant on model selected and for this you get colour-coded wheels and mirrors, sports seats, tinted windows and your personally selected interior colours. All models get the 8inch colour screen and the infotainment system is really easy to use with cracking graphics. All models get a/c and autonomous braking and you then receive more with the SE version and more still with the SEL. The interior plastics are a tad on the cheap side with hard plastics around the dash and fairly flimsy door panels but something had to give for the price and better that than the engine or gearbox. Good space in the rear although the middle seat is really only for kids – and small, non-complaining ones at that.
The running costs will be around that of a Polo although a fraction higher due to the extra chunk. All models emit between 111 and 115g/km of CO2, so they all fit into the same VED band of £165 for the first year then £140/year thereafter. The most economical models claim 48.7mpg, and the least 44.8. In practice you won’t notice the difference.
This is one of those cars that works – good looking, well kitted out and fun to drive - and although based on the Polo, it is a super car in every way.
TECH STUFF
Model tested: T-Cross SE
Engine: 1-litre TSI
Power: 110 bhp
Speed: 0-62 -10.2 sec
Top: 124.3mph
Economy: 48 mpg combined
Price from: £18,655.00
