Related: Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0TSI 85kW Comfortline R-Line (2023) Review
Pros:
Solid build quality and perceived refinement
Fuel-efficient 1.0-litre TSI engine
Practical for its size
Strong brand reputation and resale value
Good safety rating (Euro NCAP 5-star)
Cons:
Incredibly basic spec
Manual transmission may deter buyers
Shorter warranty and service plan compared to rivals
Spec omissions like cruise control and 2-speaker sound are glaring
Some advanced safety features are optional, even on higher trims
Styling
The VW T-Cross cruises under the radar in its base trim, particularly with our press unit's silver paintwork. Still, its compact SUV silhouette is instantly recognisable as a VW. This base model does without chrome accents, has smaller alloy wheels, and doesn't have the LED lighting signatures on higher trims like the Life. While basic, this entry-level model will age well and is excellent for those looking for an understated compact crossover with some big brand recognition.
Interior
Inside, the base T-Cross reflects Volkswagen's focus on logical ergonomics and solid build quality. Aside from the ergonomics and improved material quality, there's not much to report on, such is the basic nature of the entry-level model's interior. Standard features include a basic infotainment system with a 8.0-inch Composition touchscreen, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster, manual air conditioning, electric windows, central locking, and a multi-function steering wheel. Notable omissions include cruise control and just a two-speaker sound setup.
In terms of practicality, the boot has 385 litres of space, which extends to 455 litres and even 1 281 litres with the rear seats folded flat. There's decent headroom and legroom in the rear for taller occupants, making it a surprisingly spacious offering for its exterior dimensions. Ground clearance is 188mm and its braked towing capacity is a respectable 1 200 kg.
Drivetrain
The 1.0-litre TSI engine with 70kW and 175Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. For R18 300 more, you can have the same car, but with the brand's 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox, which also has a power bump to 85kW and 200Nm. The little three-cylinder engine is a joy to use, with loads of torque and impressive fuel returns.
Driving impression
Besides two glaring spec omissions, I was more than happy to tackle the daily commute in the car. The first is cruise control, and while I would typically not complain about this, the fact that the left side of the multifunction steering wheel has six buttons dedicated to a speed limiter because the brand decided to cut costs and remove cruise control leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. To compound this, there's a two-speaker sound system, which doesn't scream value and quality from a brand renowned for its impressive standard audio systems.
Specification gripes aside, the T-Cross is impressively refined, quiet, and comfortable, typical of a Volkswagen. Its suspension setup, smaller wheels, and higher-profile tyres suit local roads well. However, I eventually wanted an automatic gearbox, not because the enthusiast in me has begun to fade, but purely because manual gearboxes now exist to provide driving engagement, and I'm not looking to be engaged in a base model VW SUV; I want to get to where I'm going, and an automatic certainly makes life easier during bumper to bumper traffic.
Fuel Economy
Volkswagen's 1.0-litre TSI engines are renowned for their efficiency, and the 70kW unit in the base T-Cross is no exception. While manufacturer claims of around 5.6 L/100km are optimistic for real-world driving, expect to achieve figures in the low to mid-6.0 L/100km in mixed conditions, which is commendable for an SUV of this size.
Safety
Safety is a strong suit for the T-Cross range, which boasts a 5-star Euro NCAP crash test rating. The base model has essential safety features such as six airbags, ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), Hill Start Assist, and ISOFIX child seat anchor points. While advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and Autonomous Emergency Braking are optional or reserved for higher trims, the fundamental passive and active safety features provide a strong foundation for occupant protection.
Price
The base model VW T-Cross 1.0 TSI 70kW is positioned as the entry point into the T-Cross range. Its price is competitive within the compact SUV segment for a European brand. Still, it is noticeably higher than its Chinese rivals, the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro and Haval Jolion, especially when considering the level of standard features. The value proposition of the base T-Cross lies more in its brand reputation, established reliability, and perceived quality rather than a long list of included features.
Competitors
VW T-Cross 1.0 TSI 85kW Life(R 471 400)
The Life-spec of the T-Cross is more expensive, but adds a more powerful 85kW version of the 1.0-litre TSI engine paired with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission. In terms of features, the Life trim adds LED headlights, front fog lights, cruise control, a 6-speaker sound system, front and rear park distance control, a driver's armrest, sliding rear seats and folding electric side mirrors.
Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5T Elite (R 384 900)
The Tiggo 4 Pro offers an aggressive value proposition. The 1.5T Elite model provides significantly more standard features for a price less than the base T-Cross. This includes a more powerful 1.5-litre turbocharged engine (108kW/210Nm), a CVT automatic transmission, a comparable suite of safety features (six airbags, ESP), a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, leatherette upholstery, keyless entry and start dual-zone climate control and a 360-degree camera. Chery also offers a 5-year/150 000 km warranty, a 10-year/1 000 000 km engine warranty (for the first owner), and a 5-year/60 000 km service plan, surpassing VW's offerings. The Tiggo 4 Pro is compelling on paper, less impressive in the real world, and heavier on fuel than the T-Cross, but as a value proposition, it's easy to see why so many local buyers are looking at it.
Haval Jolion Pro 1.5T Super Luxury (R427 950)
Like the Chery, the Haval Jolion presents a strong argument for value. The Jolion Pro is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with 130kW/270Nm and a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox. For a similar price point to the base T-Cross, the Jolion includes the same set of features as the VW but adds LED headlights, keyless entry/start, leatherette seats, dual-zone climate control, a reverse camera, ADAS features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and a 360-degree camera. Haval also provides an excellent 7-year/200 000 km warranty and a 5-year/75 000 km service plan. The Jolion is larger than the T-Cross, but its boot space is not impressive considering its size. It's not as nice to drive as the German competitor and is known to be rather heavy on fuel.
Verdict
The base model Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0 TSI 70kW is a sensible and well-engineered compact SUV that delivers on Volkswagen's core promises of quality, practicality, and efficiency. It benefits from a strong brand image and good resale value. However, compared to the higher-spec T-Cross Life and especially its Chinese rivals like the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro and Haval Jolion, the base T-Cross feels too spartan. It's noticeably less feature-rich for its price, and its warranty and service plan offerings are less comprehensive. While the driving experience is refined and the build quality is commendable, potential buyers looking for maximum bang for their buck in terms of standard features, powertrain options (especially automatic), and long-term peace of mind (warranty/service plan) might find the alternatives more appealing, and judging by the monthly sales figures, this already appears to be the case.
