Volkswagen T-Cross [UK] (2019)

Just like its sister model the Polo, the new Volkswagen T-Cross is manufactured at the Spanish Volkswagen factory in Pamplona. Volkswagen is set to invest one billion euros there by the end of 2019 in order to serve the particularly strong growth in the market for compact SUVs. At the same time, approximately 10% more jobs are being created there. For the 2017-2027 period, independent forecasting institutes expect an approximate doubling worldwide of so-called CUVs (Crossover Utility Vehicles) in the small car segment - the class to which T-Cross belongs. In South America and China - two further growth regions - versions of the T-Cross specially tailored for those markets are being made.

Engine, transmission and running gear

Volkswagen's efficient and advanced 1.0 TSI (999 cc) three-cylinder petrol engine was the sole engine to power the Volkswagen T-Cross at launch, in 95 PS and 115 PS outputs. As an urban-friendly compact SUV, it is also front-wheel drive only - allowing the optimum blend of efficiency and usability for life around town, as well as out of it.

In the second quarter of 2019, Volkswagen added its frugal 95 PS 1.6-litre TDI engine to the T-Cross range, further diversifying the small SUV range with a third engine option, in addition to the 95 PS and 115 PS 1.0-litre TSI units already on offer. The engine is the torquiest option available on the T-Cross, developing 250 Nm versus the 115 PS 1.0-litre TSI's 200 Nm, across the same 1500-2500 rpm rev range. Five-speed manual and six-speed DSG transmission options are available.

The lower-powered petrol option is exclusively available with a five-speed manual gearbox, and is available on S and SE trims. Also found in the Polo, this compact and efficient transverse-installed 1.0-litre three cylinder TSI unit features in-line direct injection with two valves per cylinder. The turbocharged engine is fitted with electric boost pressure regulation, and returns 48.6-48.9 mpg combined on the WLTP cycle, with CO2 emissions of 131 g/km (WLTP). In turbodiesel form, the Volkswagen T-Cross produces 140g/km CO2, and is the car's most frugal variant, achieving a WLTP-certified 52.9 mpg on the combined cycle.

Peak power for the 95 PS petrol variant is reached between 5,000-5,500 rpm, while maximum torque of 175 Nm is available from 2,500-3500 rpm. The T-Cross reaches 62 mph from a standstill in 10.2 sec, while the top speed is 112 mph.

SE, SEL and R-Line-spec cars are available with a 115 PS variant of this engine - this engine also appears in the up! GTI, Polo, Golf, and T-Roc. It, too, is a transverse-installed 1.0-litre three cylinder in-line direct injection turbocharged petrol engine, with four valves per cylinder and electric boost pressure regulation. Its peak power of 115 PS is available from 5,000-5,500 rpm, while its 200 Nm torque peak arrives across the same 2,500-3,500 rpm rev band as its 95 PS sibling. Unlike the lower-powered variant, however, the 115 PS Volkswagen T-Cross gets two transmission options - a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG automatic. With a 6-speed manual gearbox, the T-Cross returns 48.3 mpg on the combined cycle, and emits 132 g/km CO2; with the 7-speed DSG, it offers 45.7 mpg and 140 g/km CO2 emissions.

As with its siblings in the Volkswagen range, the T-Cross sits on the now familiar MQB (Modularer Querbaukasten) - Modular Transverse Matrix, which means it benefits from the latest available technology and shares elements of its underpinnings with other successful new models such as the new Polo, new Passat, popular Touran MPV, latest Tiguan SUV and Tiguan Allspace seven-seat SUV.

The lower-powered option is exclusively available with a five-speed manual gearbox, and is available on S and SE trims. Also found in the Polo, this compact and efficient transverse-installed 1.0-litre three cylinder TSI unit features in-line direct injection with two valves per cylinder. The turbocharged engine is fitted with electric boost pressure regulation, and returns 48.6-48.9 mpg combined on the WLTP cycle, with CO2 emissions of 131 g/km (WLTP).

Peak power for the 95 PS variant is reached between 5,000-5,500 rpm, while maximum torque of 175 Nm is available from 2,500-3500 rpm. The Volkswagen T-Cross reaches 62 mph from a standstill in 10.2 sec, while the top speed is 112 mph.

SE, SEL and R-Line-spec cars are available with a 115 PS variant of this engine - this engine also appears in the up! GTI, Polo, Golf, and T-Roc. It, too, is a transverse-installed 1.0-litre three cylinder in-line direct injection turbocharged petrol engine, with four valves per cylinder and electric boost pressure regulation. Its peak power of 115 PS is available from 5,000-5,500 rpm, while its 200 Nm torque peak arrives across the same 2,500-3,500 rpm rev band as its 95 PS sibling. Unlike the lower-powered variant, however, the 115 PS T-Cross gets two transmission options - a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG automatic. With a 6-speed manual gearbox, the VW T-Cross returns 48.3 mpg on the combined cycle, and emits 132 g/km CO2; with the 7-speed DSG, it offers 45.7 mpg and 140 g/km CO2 emissions.

As with its siblings in the Volkswagen range, the T-Cross sits on the now familiar MQB (Modularer Querbaukasten) - Modular Transverse Matrix, which means it benefits from the latest available technology and shares elements of its underpinnings with other successful new models such as the new Polo, new Passat, popular Touran MPV, latest Tiguan SUV and Tiguan Allspace seven-seat SUV.

Exterior design

Outwardly, the Volkswagen T-Cross is more of a traditional, two-box SUV shape than its larger sibling, the T-Roc, and many of its market competitors. This helps to maximise interior space, while maintaining the rugged look that many buyers of small SUVs prefer.

The Volkswagen SUV DNA is clear to see from the car's front-end design, however, from the shape of the light surrounds in the front bumper, to the three-strip grille with single strip of chrome trim running horizontally through its centre, joining the line of the daytime running lights on each side.

This line resumes at the side of the car, where it dissects the car's profile with an accent strip which incorporates the door handles. It is here where the T-Cross's upright stance is most prominent, with roof rails (SE spec and above) adding to the visual height from the side. An exclusive C-pillar decal marks out First Edition models from the rest of the T-Cross range, while seven alloy wheel designs, ranging from 16 inches to 18 inches across the line-up further distinguish each specification.

At the rear, design elements such as a prominent roof spoiler help to give the VW T-Cross a sporting, youthful look, while reflective trim connects the rear light clusters, incorporating a full-width reflector bar - a unique feature in the compact SUV segment, and a distinctive flourish.

Customers also have a wide palette of colours to choose from when configuring their perfect T-Cross - in addition to neutral tones such as Reflex Silver, Urano Grey, Pure White, Limestone Grey, Black and Deep Black, vibrant colours such as Flash Red, Dark Petrol Blue, Champagne Silver, Reef Blue, Energetic Orange and Makena Turquoise are also available, in addition to design packs in Black, Energetic Orange and Bamboo Garden shades, allowing a degree of personalization to each Volkswagen T-Cross.

Interior design

Practicality is high on the agenda for the interior of the T-Cross, but not at the expense of ergonomics and style. As is typical of Volkswagen: functionality is key. Buttons for all major functions, both for the 8.0-inch Composition Media infotainment system and climate control are within easy reach on the dashboard and steering wheel, with other functions accessible through the car's touch screen.

Connectivity is high on the agenda for the T-Cross - all models above entry-level S trim come equipped with Car-Net App Connect, which combines the functionality of Apple 'CarPlay', Google 'Android Auto' and 'MirrorLink' ™ allowing 'mirroring' of a smartphone display on the infotainment touch-screen, via a USB connection. At SE spec and above, the car is equipped with no fewer than four USB charge points for passengers' devices - two in the front of the car, and two in the rear - located at the back of the centre console.

The Volkswagen T-Cross seats five, with up to 14 cm of extra leg room available for the rear-seat passengers thanks to the sliding rear bench. Each spec includes its own cloth type for the interior upholstery, ranging from 'Basket', to 'Carbon Flag', or with coloured upholstery if a design pack is selected - Black, Energetic Orange and Bamboo Garden Green.

With the design packs, the VW T-Cross's upholstery gains a three-tone design, with the bolsters and headrests of the seats finished in complementary colours depending on which pack is selected. Matching coloured dashpads are also offered in these design packs, as well as coloured trim in the steering wheel and centre console.