Launched back in 2019, the Volkswagen T-Cross is one of South Africa’s popular compact SUVs. We recently had a chance to spend time in the T-Cross Comfortline Manual to see if it still has that appeal.
In terms of looks, the T-Cross has an almost boxy shape, which we quite like. Our Reflex Silver Metallic test unit came fitted with the optional R-Line Exterior package with 17-inch Manila alloy wheels, adding to the compact SUV’s street cred. Unlike the Highline and R-Line models, the Comfortline comes with halogen lights, which we doubt will be a deal breaker for most, unless you live in poorly lit areas. It doesn’t look bad for a 5-year-old car, does it?
Stepping inside the T-Cross feels like stepping inside a Polo, which is not a bad thing. One advantage the Comfortline has over the higher-end models is the physical air-conditioning dials instead of the finicky touch panel. Our tester came with optional extras such as Active Info Display, Park Assist, Rear View Camera, and Composition Media with inductive mobile charging. Some of these extras add appeal to the cabin but come at a cost.
When it comes to space, it seats 5 quite comfortably. In terms of practicality, the boot offers 455 litres of space, expanding to 1,281 litres when the rear seats are folded down. Some might argue about the cloth seats, but we found them quite comfy. It’s a good cabin, but like the Polo, the interior features quite a lot of plastic.
Powering the T-Cross Comfortline is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 70kW and 175Nm. It sends power to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox. We have to admit, the manual transmission in the T-Cross is excellent—smooth and engaging. In terms of fuel consumption, VW claims 5.5 l/100 km, and we found ourselves hovering around 5.9 l/100 km with mixed driving. With only highway driving, we would probably see numbers below 5 l/100 km.
The T-Cross is quite a fun car to drive; the engine is peppy, and the 5-speed makes driving hurriedly quite engaging. When it comes to ride quality, the T-Cross performs well on most road surfaces.
The T-Cross stands out as a strong competitor in a crowded market where buyers have plenty of options. In our opinion, it ranks among the top choices in its class, benefiting from its modern appeal and timely arrival, which play to its advantage. The T-Cross Comfortline Manual is priced from R401,600.
