Quietly Confident
Introduction: When I think of Pamplona, Spain, my mind automatically gets taken to a place where the best seats in the house, are in the shade – A place in Northern Spain where the annual tradition of the running of the bulls takes place. It is also home to the manufacturing of the awesome VW T-Cross and will be until the end of its life cycle by no later than the early part of 2027. The decision made back in 2018, takes full advantage of the existing Polo production line in the same plant, therefore vastly improving on costs thanks to the achievement of various economies of scale and dual sharing in major efficiency advantages - the planned investment was over a billion Euros at the time. With the German carmaker recently announcing that the majority of a R4 Billion investment would be centred around preparing the South African Kariega plant to build a third model range from 2027 onwards, I am wondering enthusiastically what it could be! As the sub compact SUV market explodes, I am thinking maybe, just maybe something along those lines!
Engine/ Economy/ Drive/ Comfort: The T-Cross “Style edition” comes with a 1 Liter, 3-cylinder petrol engine, producing 85 kW of power and 200 Nm of torque. I was super impressed with the 7 speed DSG transmission which was seamless through the gears. The understated paddle shifters behind the lovely steering wheel toggled well when I put the car through its paces. I actually liked the shifters, despite also normally enjoying slightly bigger “in your face” ones, found on other vehicles. VW claim a combined fuel economy of 5.6 Liters per 100 kms, but I managed slightly more given my obvious heavy foot, while testing, at around the 6.5 mark, which is great. I felt relaxed, quietly confident and comfortable while driving normally and when exploring the cornering and braking capabilities through various scenarios. The steering wheel is solid and gives a soft, yet sturdy feel with a slightly bigger grip than some, very much to my liking. I asked my daughters what they felt about the T-Cross’s back seat, and both agreed that it was comfy and there was more than enough legroom.
Features: This unit had the Smoky Grey Metallic Paint at no additional charge. Other features that attract additional costs, and are not included in the total cost as set out below, included the following; Heated front seats, a Trailer hitch (Removal and lockable), the IQ Drive Package, which includes the Travel Assist array of nice to haves such as; Lane Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Pedestrian monitoring; the Comfort Package Plus, which includes a Rear View Camera, Keyless Access and Park Assist and Discover Media which boasts a Navigation system with 8" Radio, Voice Control and Wireless App-Connect. The connectivity to the Android Auto (Tested via my Samsung) and Apple car play (not assessed) was very quick, either through BT or Wi-Fi.
Interior/ Exterior/ Boot: I was impressed by the spacious interior and well designed and beautifully presented dashboard and display screens. Although the T-Cross is considered a small car, the inside was bigger than what you would expect. The back seat even moves to afford either more legroom or boot space. When looking at the vehicle from the outside, I was drawn to the stunning lines, giving the car an almost elegant yet feisty appearance. The boot space is 377 Liters, which is more than adequate for a family heading to the Berg for a weekend away and if you are off to Lotheni, the 185 mm ground clearance will get you there, despite the badly corrugated road. Thanks to the EuroNCAP 5-star safety rating, you can be assured that when travelling anywhere in SA, you are as safe as you can be within the parameters of the scoring system.
Price/ Warranty/ Service Plan/ Service intervals: R501300, 3 years /120 000km, 3 years / 45 000km, 15 000km – Included in the above cost.
In Summary: I absolutely loved the opportunity to review this “T for Terrific” T-Cross, and as I cruised the suburbs and gorgeous promenade around beautiful Durban, I rated the ride and drive experience as thoroughly enjoyable. Would I buy one? I would, but not for me. I would buy one for my daughters and my Mom. I think that VW’s target market of looking to attract young families and retired folk, is bang on the mark, but after careful consideration, I reckon that a market could also exist by including young graduates embarking on their new career, who are adventurous, brand and image conscious and ready to take on the world and their Boss!!
*This article is written in my opinion only. For detailed information on the specs, please contact Volkswagen SA*
