Now, here is the fifth new SUV to roll out on Volkswagen’s showroom floor. The 2020 VW T-Cross is the smallest SUV – one that you could call a mini SUV. It’s based on the Polo, so as you can imagine the size is small. Made very much in the same mould as the Toyota C-HR, Citroen C3 Aircross or Mazda CX-3, the VW T-Cross has no shortage of potential competitors.
What is the T-Cross like? Being a Volkswagen the build quality is sharp and the design looks and feels very modern. It is a well-executed car, so that when it comes to embracing new technology, well there is no shortage of that in your new T-Cross.
The driving force behind the 2020 Volkswagen T-Cross is two clever little 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engines with 70 kW and an 84 kW outputs respectively. A five-speed manual governs the gear changes in the 70 kW version, while the bigger output motor provides either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DSG automatic option. Economy for a small T-Cross SUV is great, and you should expect 40 mpg (5.8 litres/100 km) on average. Low emissions are another feature of the small VW three-pot engines.
It rides 110 mm higher off the ground than your standard VW Polo and is slightly longer as well. Good, stable handling with some body roll is what you’ll experience with the new Volkswagen T-Cross, and the ride even over bumpy city streets is very good. The road noise is also well-muted – more-so than many of its rivals.
The full width taillight at the back adds a nice finishing touch to what is a typical small SUV design – a bit boxy but very modern. I would consider that the Toyota C-HR, another small SUV, pushes the styling cues a little more than the new VW T-Cross, but that said many buyers like there car’s styling to be on the conservative side. A nice range of exterior colours are set to cater for all tastes. There are even some really bold colours options available like the new vivid orange which really spices things up a bit. Different colour interior trims (even Teal) also make the T-Cross a very likable and personal companion. A range of new alloy designs are strikingly nice, and you can even get these in different colours – including orange.
Hop inside the new VW T-Cross and you’re met with top build quality, comfortable seating and a beautiful blend of colours and materials which can be chosen carefully according to preference by its new owner. Even some nice soft touch plastics grace the T-Cross dash along with the lighter plastics in various colour spectrums.
Back seat comfort is very good even for adults. For a small, compact SUV I’m impressed. Even back here leg and head room is excellent. Children are well catered for with easy to locate isofix points, tethering points behind the front seats for a child seat in the front, back door bottle bins are equally as big as those you’ll find in the front, and some models will get two USB ports for rear seat passengers.
Boot space is big (up to 455-litres), biggest in class, and you also get plenty of versatility with the rear seats being able to be moved forward and back, as well as folded down. Under the cargo floor is another big storage compartment, and the floor level can be raised even higher if you like.
Storage throughout the little VW SUV is great. Door bins can even carry a 1.5-litre water bottle. The glovebox is nice and deep, and there is a handy compartment in front of the gear lever that will take you phone or wallet. In this little compartment are two USB ports. Under the front seats is draw storage, and I love it. This is a great place to put a first aid kit, sunscreen and woolly hats.
A decent chunky steering wheel welcomes the driver, and the soft touch covering is very nice to squeeze in your palms. A solid, sculptured gear knob is perfectly easy to use, and there is a feeling that you are in a well thought-out, ergonomically designed cabin with a fresh, vibrant vibe.
In the centre of the dash all models get an 8-inch touchscreen that is styled in a way that looks very modern and classy. New VW infotainment systems are easy to use and work quickly though the menu. Top of the range VW T-Cross models get the elegant digital drivers display.
Base VW T-Cross models are nicely kitted out with features like the 8-inch touchscreen, 16-inch alloys, sliding rear seats, electric windows and air-conditioning. Mid-range models add features like 17-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Top of the range T-Cross SUVs add things like LED headlights, satellite navigation, front and rear parking sensors, climate control and sports front seats.
R-Line models are the spunky ones with sporty design cues ready to impress. The 18-inch wheels on the R-Line fill out the wheel arches really well, while the digital dials and driver’s display looks the business inside.
This is an appealing drive, and the 2020 Volkswagen T-Cross will be a well-loved little SUV that’s spacious, comfortable and well-made. Definitely put this one on your shortlist of small SUV buys.
For any more information on the 2020 VW T-Cross or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of VW dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!