Volkswagen T-Cross Review, Specs & Performance

Overview of the Volkswagen T-Cross

Engines and performance for the Volkswagen T-Cross

There are four engines available for the Volkswagen T-Cross; three petrol engines and a punchy 1.6 litre turbodiesel that is a sound choice for high mileage drivers.  The petrol units consist of two 1.0 litre TSI engines producing either 95hp or 115hp. There's also a 1.5 litre TSI unit that was introduced in 2020 to deliver more power. Of the petrol units, the 1.0 litre producing 115hp will meet most people's needs by offering a mix of responsive performance and economy of around 48 mpg with the automatic transmission returning 45 mpg. The diesel engine returns 55 mpg.

Equipment and handling

The Volkswagen T-Cross is a compact SUV that helps to set the standard in the segment and there's a lot to like about it. The car is not only well-designed, there is a lot of equipment and space for five adults. It's based on the VW Polo platform and there's a decent-sized boot. Drivers who opt for the R-Line have an active info display which consists of a 10.3-inch digital screen to replace the analogue instrumentation. It's also an option on the SE and SEL trims and is an excellent way to access the satnav. Drivers have an 8-inch touchscreen which has smart and clear graphics and is easy to use. Behind the wheel, the Volkswagen T-Cross offers a refined driving experience and it's a comfortable car for long journeys. The suspension deals well with rough roads and potholes with safety equipment including cyclist and pedestrian protection and automatic emergency braking while other trims feature adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and hill start assist. There's a decent list of equipment on the entry-level T-Cross but the more expensive trims carry a lot more including parking sensors and front fog lights that switch on at night when turning the steering wheel to help illuminate the road ahead. Drivers also get Bluetooth connectivity, a USB connection and DAB radio as well as smartphone connectivity. There's also satnav as standard on some trims with a three-year subscription to online services. The T-Cross also has VW's eCall emergency system should the car be involved in an accident. The interior has been well-designed with extensive use of premium materials and has obviously been created with families in mind. There's also the option of trim packages so drivers can add colour and texture to the dashboard including ambient lighting which creates a more impressive interior when driving at night. Essentially, the Volkswagen T-Cross is an excellent creation for those wanting a compact SUV and while this car is not a trendsetter and is fairly late to the segment, it's a well-designed vehicle with lots of thought and practicality with the better spec trims offering an excellent and versatile family vehicle.

More information about the Volkswagen T-Cross

Why not have a look at the T-Cross on the official Volkswagen UK company website and get the latest news about it at The UK Volkswagen Owners' Club.