Volkswagen's considered entry into the supermini-based SUV sector, the T-Cross, should find a ready market in this updated form. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

Think of a Volkswagen Polo with a more adventurous image, a slightly larger cabin and a more flexible interior. You're picturing this car, Volkswagen's smallest SUV, the T-Cross, here usefully improved with a sharper look and an updated cabin. As before, it's trendy, quite sophisticated and very acceptably efficient, thanks to its 1.0-litre TSI petrol and 1.5 TSI petrol engine options. And you can make it very much your own. What's not to like?

Background

It may seem as if Volkswagen has a considerable number of family SUVs in its model line-up but the surprising truth is that until the original introduction of this T-Cross model, the Wolfsburg brand had been completely absent from one of this crucial segment's fastest-growing sectors; that for supermini-based SUVs. Nissan launched the Juke in 2011. Renault announced the Captur in 2014. It wasn't though until late 2018 that we first saw this T-Cross. Today, it slots into the Volkswagen SUV range just below the Taigo and the Golf-based T-Roc. Which in turn sit below the Tiguan and Touareg SUVs in the company's line-up. The T-Cross is Polo-based and sits on the same MQB-A0 platform as its VW Group cousins, the Skoda Kamiq and the SEAT Arona. Over 1.2 million T-Cross models had been sold before the introduction of this updated model in mid-2023.

Driving Experience

Not much has changed beneath the bonnet, so as before, there are three T-Cross engine options. Most buyers will want Volkswagen's 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine. Entry-level variants get it in 95PS form with a 5-speed gearbox but further up the range, the variants available feature this unit in a 115PS state of tune. Go for that and you'll be offered the option of a 7-speed DSG auto gearbox. Both engines have impressive torque available from low revs - the 95PS version delivering 175Nm from just 2,000rpm and the 115PS version serving up its 200Nm across the same 2,000rpm to 3,500rpm band. In other words, you won't have to row this little VW along with the gear lever through town. T-Cross models equipped with the 95PS engine reach 62mph in 11.5 seconds, with a top speed of 112mph where legal, while the punchier 115PS versions top out at 120mph, reaching 62mph in 10.2 seconds. We said there were three engine options. The minority-interest third choice is a 1.5-litre TSI Evo petrol unit with 150PS. It develops 250Nm of pulling power, as much as the old 1.6-litre TDI diesel unit. All T-Cross models are front-driven: there's not much appetite in this segment for 4WD. In any case, the Polo platform doesn't allow for it. Don't expect a T-Cross to ride quite as well as a Polo - that taller, heavier body has to tell somewhere - but for the school run and commuting duties, few buyers are likely to have issues.

Design and Build

The T-Cross looks a lot smarter in this updated form, gaining an LED light bar within a restyled front grille. At the back, where the bumper's been redesigned and there's a silver-coloured kick plate, there are restyled tail lamps, which gain signature 'X-shape' graphics with top 'Style' and 'R-Line' trim levels. As before, the T-Cross is actually very similar in size to its T-Roc showroom stablemate, despite the fact that it sits on an MQB-A0 platform supposedly designated for cars a class smaller. It's a couple of inches longer and just under six inches taller than the Polo supermini it's based upon but that still leaves it a touch tinier than most key rivals in the segment for small SUVs. That doesn't stop it from being plenty spacious enough for a small family inside though. As before, the elevated hip point makes this T-Cross feel bigger than a supermini. For this facelifted model, Volkswagen has redesigned the dashboard and introduced softer-touch materials. The brand has also added a digital instrument cluster; base variants get an 8-inch instrument screen, upgraded to 10-inches in size on 'Style' and 'R-Line' versions as part of the brand's latest 'Digital Cockpit' set-up. The central infotainment screen has been updated too - with new MIB software; it's 8-inches in size with base 'Life' models and 9.2-inches with plusher 'Style' and 'R-Line' variants. If the optional Climamatic air conditioning system has been fitted, it'll come with digital displays, plus the brand's controversial touch and slider controls; try before you buy. As before, there's second row space big enough for a couple of six foot adults to sit comfortably, particularly if they shift the standard sliding rear bench all the way back. Doing that reduces boot space from 455 to 385-litres (still 10% more than a Polo). An adjustable-height boot floor makes the cargo space accessible for a variety of loads too.

Market and Model

As before, the T-Cross sells in the £24,000 to £32,000 bracket, which is fractionally above what you'll pay for volume rivals like Renault's Captur, Nissan's Juke or, indeed, this model's two VW Group cousins, the Skoda Kamiq and the SEAT Arona. T-Cross buyers are offered a choice of four trim levels - 'Life', 'Match', 'Style' and 'R-Line'. Providing you avoid base trim and the base 95PS engine, you'll be offered the chance to pay £1,600 more for a 7-speed DSG auto gearbox. All T-Cross variants benefit from a sliding rear bench seat as standard. And the base 'Life' derivatives get 16-inch alloy wheels, chrome-trimmed bumpers and rear parking sensors. Plus a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel and a variable boot floor. Tech highlights include adaptive cruise control, app connect and a driver alert system. We could write for the rest of the page about the opportunities for model personalisation; suffice it to say that there are plenty. Three fresh colours have been added to the model range: the solid colour Rubber Ducky Yellow (a crisp, sporty yellow), Clear Blue Metallic (a light blue) and Kings Red Metallic (a vivid, striking red). The brand's 'IQ.LIGHT LED matrix' headlights are now optionally available; the tow bar fitting has been upgraded so it could take a carrier for an e-bike; and there's also now the standard inclusion of the brand's 'Travel Assist' system for greater longitudinal and lateral vehicle control. Depending on the traffic ahead and the permitted speed, so-equipped, the T-Cross can control speed with automatic acceleration and braking. Within the system limits, 'Travel Assist' can also include speed limits, bends, and roundabouts in its control interventions. At the same time, Lane Assist can help to keep the vehicle in its lane.

Cost of Ownership

Small SUVs have come quite a long way in recent times, most notably in terms of running cost efficiency. Not long ago, there was quite a significant gap between the fuel and CO2 readings of a little SUV and the supermini it would inevitably be based upon. This was mainly down to excess weight, the kind of thing you still find with older designs in this segment. But not here. In the typical 1.0-litre TSI 95PS manual form we tried, this car has a kerb weight of 1,254kgs, just 85kgs more than the mechanically-identical version of the Polo it's based upon, which is about as slim an increment as you're likely to see in this segment. That explains why the WLTP-rated returns of the volume base T-Cross variant - 128g/km of CO2 and up to 49.8mpg on the combined cycle - aren't really that far off those of a comparable Polo (which, mainly due to better aerodynamics, manages 118g/km and 54.4mpg). The 95PS T-Cross model's figures are actually slightly bettered if you opt for the 115PS version of the 1.0-litre TSI engine - 127g/km and up to 50.5mpg in 6-speed manual form; it's 132g/km and 48.9mpg if you get the 115PS model with a DSG auto. Or 135g/km and 47.4mpg if you go for the minority-interest four cylinder 1.5 TSI 150PS auto version.

Summary

It's surprising that Volkswagen took so long to enter the supermini-sized part of the SUV segment. There's no doubt though that the brand has taken careful note of what buyers want in this class and provided a product that seems to meet what the market's currently looking for, especially in this updated form. You'll pay a little more for a T-Cross than you will for its most obvious rivals, but what you get in return is a car with a little more polish than obvious competitors. The sliding rear bench will continue to be a key showroom selling point and buyers will be pleased to find plenty of opportunities for personalisation. You could downsize from a Golf into one of these and feel quite happy - and we think plenty of customers will. How appealing the T-Cross will be to drivers currently loyal to rival brands is another question. There's no doubt though, that it's likely to continue to carve out a useful niche for itself.

Body Glass

Rain sensor

Front and rear electric windows

Heat insulating darkened glass in side and rear windows

Heat insulating and laminated safety glass windshield

Rear window wiper with intermittent control

Brakes

Hill start assist

Automatic post collision braking system

Volkswagen roadside assistance

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)

ESC with EDL and ASR (traction control)

Disc brakes in front

Drum brakes in rear

Extended and predictive pedestrian/cyclist protection

Communication

eCall emergency call system

Wireless Car net app connect with Apple CarPlay, combined functionality of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and MirrorLink

Preparation for We connect and We connect plus

E-Sim card for online connectivity

Driver Aids

Front and rear parking sensors

Blind spot monitoring

Dynamic road sign display

Predictive adaptive cruise control

Semi-automated driving assistance, travel assist including lane keeping system Lane Assist and emergency assisst

Power assisted steering

Multifunction front facing camera for distance control

Advanced driver attention and drowsiness monitor

Front assist, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking and speed limiter

Driver Information

'Lights On' Reminder warning buzzer

Low washer fluid warning light

Car information display

Warning sound and light for doors and tailgate open

Multifunction computer with visual gear change recommendation for fuel consumption

Warning sound and light for front seatbelts unfastened

Speedo, rev counter, electronic odometer, trip, service interval display, exterior temperature and fuel gauge

Operating permit alteration

Preparation for navigation system with media and internet package

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming interior rear view mirror

Electric folding door mirror, adjustable, heated with front passenger exterior mirror lowering function

Exterior mirrors convex on the left and aspherical on the right

Embellishment Trims

Titanium Black Decorative inserts - Life

Engine

Misfuel prevention device

Start-stop system with battery regeneration (recuperation - energy recovery during braking)

Entertainment

Radio

Music playback - MP3, WMA and AAC files

Diversity antenna for FM reception

2 USB C ports in front, 2 USB charging sockets on the centre console in the rear charging capacity upto 45W

Exterior Body Features

Black roof rails

Body colour door handles

Scuff plates

Body coloured bumpers

Rear window aerial

Reflectors in all doors

Galvanised body

Tailgate with integrated roof spoiler

Lower door sills and door pillars in black

Rear side wing doors

Exterior Lights

LED third brake light

LED rear combination lights

Automatic hazard lights activation under emergency braking

Dynamic headlight range control with self adjusting whilst driving

Rear fog light on one side, reversing light on both sides

Automatic headlight control with LED separate daytime running light and coming home and leaving home feature

High Beam Assist, automatic sensing for switching between dipped and main beam

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Dust and pollen filter

Heating and fresh air system with 4 stage blower

Interior Features

Height/reach adjust steering wheel

Cloth upholstery

Front centre armrest with storage compartment

Drawer under drivers seat

Leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel

12V Accessory socket in centre console

Luggage compartment floor

Removable luggage compartment cover

Storage compartment in drivers and front passengers door

Door and side trim panel

Leather gearshift handle

Ceramique roof lining

Glove compartment door with light

Padded dashboard

Interior Lights

Luggage compartment lighting

Instrument lighting white adjustable panel illumination

Front and rear reading lights X 2

Ambient lighting and logo projection

Interior light with switch off delay and dimmer

Safety

Rear door child safety locks

Rigid safety cell with front and rear crumple zones

Height adjustable front 3 point seatbelts + pretensioners

Single tone horn

Tyre pressure loss indicator

Drivers and Front Passengers airbags with front passengers airbag deactivation switch

Pre crash preventive occupant protection

Driver and front passenger safety-optimised head restraints

Proactive passenger protection system in combination with front assist

3 Point seatbelt for centre rear seat

Front and rear passenger curtain airbag system including front side airbags

3 point outer rear seat belts with ECE label

Seats

Manual front seats with height adjustment

Front seat back storage pockets

3 rear head restraints

3 seat bench in 2nd row

60/40 split folding rear seat backrest

Single front passenger seat

Unsplit sliding rear seat bench

Isofix anchors for child seats on outer rear seats and front passenger seats

Security

Electronic engine immobiliser

Alarm with interior protection

Anti theft alarm system

Remote tailgate unlocking using key fob

Central locking with SAFELOCK, radio remote control and 2 remote control folding keys

Vanity Mirrors

Driver and front passenger sunvisor with vanity mirror

Wheels

Low rolling resistance tyres

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 124

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 130

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 124

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 74.5

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 76.4

CC: 999

Cylinders: 3

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 12

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 11.5:1

Transmission: MANUAL

Gears: 6 SPEED

Engine Code: D313BX

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 40.4

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 39.2

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 52.3

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 50.4

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 58.9

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 57.6

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 48.7

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 47.1

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 50.4

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 49.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 7.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 5.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 5.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 4.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 4.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 5.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 5.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 5.7

General

Coin Series: Life

Coin Description: TSI 115

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 14E

Service Interval Mileage: 9300

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 97

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 86

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 81

NCAP Safety Assist %: 80

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 115

Badge Engine CC: 1.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 10

Top Speed: 120

Engine Power - BHP: 115

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 85

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 148

Engine Torque - NM: 200

Engine Torque - RPM: 2000

Engine Torque - MKG: 20.4

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 205/60 R16

Tyre Size Rear: 205/60 R16

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 16" ALLOY

Wheel Style: NOTTINGHAM

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4127

Width: 1760

Wheelbase: 2551

Width (including mirrors): 1993

Height: 1573

Height (including roof rails): 1584

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1195

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1750

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 40

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1100

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 630

Max. Loading Weight: 555

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 455

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 75

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1281

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.7

Body Glass

Privacy glass for rear side windows and rear window

Carpets/Rugs

Front + rear carpet mats

Driver Aids

Rear view camera

Driver Information

Discover media navigation with streaming and internet inc 8" infotainment system, 6 speakers, bluetooth, DAB, car info display, MDI, USB C-connection

10.25" Digital cockpit pro

Discover pro navigation system including streaming and internet

Driving Mirrors

Black door mirror housings

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Pearlescent paint

Special solid paint

Premium metallic paint

Exterior Lights

IQ.Light - LED matrix headlamps

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Air care climatronic 2 zone air conditioning system

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Clear blue

Metallic - Smokey grey

Metallic - Reflex Silver

Paint - Pearlescent

Pearl - Deep black

Paint - Solid

Solid - Rubber ducky yellow

Solid - Ascot grey

Paint - Special

Special solid - Pure white

Premium metallic - Kings red

Seats

Heated front seats

Security

Remote keyless entry using key fob including Start/Stop button on centre console with SAFELOCK

Towing

Trailer hitch removable hook

Trim - Cloth

Cloth - Grey/melange

Wheels - Alloy

17" Clayton alloy wheels + anti theft wheel bolts

Wheels - Spare

Space and weight saving spare wheel including tool kit and jack