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Volkswagen T-Cross Test Drive
More convincing than appealing!

The T-Cross Volkswagen’s latest model is a nice urban SUV that lacks in
aesthetic appeal but has confirmed practical assets. Its starting price is

€20,620.

The fifth model in Volkswagen’s large SUV A placid and carefree driving style
family, the new T-Cross is the smallest, 4.11 Developed on the platform of the latest Polo, the T-Cross also features
m long, 12 cm less than its predecessor the the 1-liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine with 95 HP 5-speed transmission
T-Roc, which straddles the small and compact and 115 HP 6-speed transmission, or auto 7-speed DSG. At the wheel
SUV categories. In order to compete against of the most powerful model we experience the good sensations of the
the French champions, the Renault Captur and the Peugeot 2008 that Polo. But the steering adjustments are disappointing, the steering is over
dominate this segment, the T-Cross can easily boast of the strong points assisted and lacks centering, and its shock absorption is insufficient when
of the latest arrivals on the scene. Starting with the good looks of an driving slowly, causing the wheel to vibrate. Weighing in at 1,300 kg, its
authentic SUV, it is 5.4 cm longer and 14 cm higher than the Polo city mass is barely an impediment to the engine’s force, which always gives its
car on which it is based technically. Its timeless style, a secret of VW, utmost, which is good as long as you don’t ask for the moon. This small
may also suggest a lack of imagination on the part of the Germanic 3-cylinder direct-injection turbo engine is a little less responsive in DSG7
brand’s styling office. but more pleasant in daily use, and keeps a good average fuel economy
range with a consumption of 7.5 l/100, which it reaches without focusing
An undeniable practical side on an often careless eco-driving style. As for the 95 HP, it is perpetually
In any event, as long as you’re willing to pay the price, the T-Cross lends out of breath, impacted by excessively long gear ratios.
itself to extensive exterior and interior customisation. As is the case with
the Orange Design Pack, the dashboard, the centre console, the steering
wheel and the upholstery can be coloured, with a little air of déjà vu of the
Polo. Regrettably there is an extensive use of not-always-flattering hard
and hollow plastic. The practical aspects of the T-Cross are undeniable,
with an interesting space/roominess ratio. In fact, it has a 60/40 rear
seat that slides 14 cm with the trunk volume
going from 385 to 455 litres, and up to 1,281
litres when the seat is folded.

A lot of equipment available on option
The T-Cross is packed with technology right
from the standard model, with seven useful
driving aids, automatic emergency braking with
pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, E-Call
emergency call, and ACC cruise control, rare
in this category. In the same way, the 6.5-inch
colour touch screen with an MP3-Bluetooth
base turns into an 8-inch glass panel on the
superior finish model, and is enhanced by
top-notch navigation. The driver also has the
benefit of a fully digital Active Info Display
instrument panel, which displays the planned
route. And many other refinements can be
added as an option, from parking assistance to
automatic headlight control, voice command to
an induction smartphone charger.

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