Road test: Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0 TSI DSG

Small but targeted changes will no doubt bolster the fortunes of Volkswagen’s entry-level T-Cross in 2025.

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Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0 TSI Style DSG fast facts

• Price: R501 300
• 0-100km/h: 11.19 seconds
• Top speed: 193km/h
• Power: 85kW
• Torque: 200N.m
• CAR fuel index: 6.70l/100km
• CO₂: 126g/km

It’s difficult to believe that prior to 2019, Volkswagen had a gaping, compact crossover-sized hole in its otherwise expansive product portfolio.

In a market that had been particularly fertile ground for such models for some years (the overwhelming popularity of Ford’s basic but well-packaged EcoSport being testament to this) the arrival of the Polo-based T-Cross was met with a great deal of enthusiasm, and it very much justified. Our December 2019-issue road test saw the 1.0 TSI Highline DSG model net an impressive 80/100; being lauded for its appealing execution, refinement and composed road manners – not to mention a reasonable-for-the-time price of R385 000.

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The only black marks in its ledger were some occasional ride stutter on rippled road surfaces and some uncharacteristically low-rent cabin finishes. Over the next four years, and more than 36 000 sales later, there’s a great deal of expectation tacked onto the recen mid-cycle update. So, what are the new developments, and have they gone any way to cement the T-Cross’ segment staple status?

First up, the facelift ushers in some changes to the local T-Cross portfolio. The previous four-model line-up, which included a more powerful 1.5l R-Line offering, has been pared down to three models, all sharing the proven 1l, three-cylinder TSI turbopetrol unit.

The range will reportedly expand over the course of 2025 to include three more models, possibly at the lower end of the price scale. The T-Cross also adopts Volkswagen’s new model-naming convention, trading the respective ‘Comfortline’ and ‘Highline’ entry-level and mid-range nomenclature for ‘Life’ and ‘Style’, although the range-topping ‘R-Line’ designation remains, albeit minus the 110kW engine. Bucking the usual trend of price increases, Volkswagen’s local arm has also managed to marginally trim the pricing of some of the new models. The new pricing for the Life and Style represent savings of around R3 600 and R6 200 compared with their respective predecessors.

In terms of exterior updates, the T-Cross sports a mildly revised nose with new LED daytime running lights. In the case of our Style-specification test unit, this includes IQ Matrix LED headlamps with high-beam assist and an eye-catching illuminated grille strip. The rear now features revised LED brakelamp arrays with an ‘X’ motif. Other Style-grade touches include 17-inch ‘Manila’ alloy wheels and silver-anodised roof rails, while our test unit’s striking Grape Yellow paintwork – along with Clear Blue Metallic and Kings Red Metallic – is one of three new colours available. The changes are subtle but given the positive reception with which the pre-facelift model was met, it’s all that’s needed.

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In addition to a digitised instrumentation panel (eight inches in the Life and a 10-inch item from Style upward) and a new freestanding eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Volkswagen has paid attention to prior criticism regarding the quality of certain trim pieces in the previous car. With its wealth of sturdy plastics and expansive use of slush-moulded trim on the facia and doors, the new car’s cabin takes an appreciable step up in perceived quality.

In terms of its driving characteristics, the T-Cross carved out something of a name for itself as a benchmark for compact crossover refinement, and little has changed in that regard. If anything, the better-finished interior further builds upon the already impressive air of refinement.

The three-cylinder engine’s workings are well suppressed from the cabin, and the ride – while still occasionally caught out by larger road corrugations – is well resolved and impressively damped. The powertrain has remained unchanged – still channelling 85kW and a handy 200N.m of torque to the front axle via a smooth seven-speed dual-clutch transmission – and the only niggle we could ascertain was the latter’s tendency to work towards higher gears a little too quickly, occasionally making the car feel a bit sluggish at lower speeds, or on a trailing throttle. Even so, all of this conspires to lend the T-Cross a fire-and-forget effortlessness that can only be achieved when the chassis and powertrain are particularly well matched. Our performance testing saw the updated model return par-for-segment figures; 0-100km/h taking 11.6 seconds, the 3.1-second 100-0km/h braking garnering a ‘good’ rating. The 5.20l/100km fuel route consumption figure, set as it is against thirstier rivals’ offerings and marginally below Volkswagen’s claims, is impressive, though.

The T-Cross has proven to be a winning formula, so it’s understandable that Volkswagen was never going to mess with it too much come refresh time. Credit must be given for the fact that the changes have directly addressed its two main shortcomings; a marginal price saving on what had become one of the pricier options in its segment and improving perceived interior quality. Once the range has been expanded (hopefully including more budget-oriented models) the T-Cross could well be in contention for Top 12 segment honours.

Find the full feature in the February issue of CAR Magazine.

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