The Volkswagen T-Cross now on sale in South Africa

18 September 2019

volkswagen, t-cross, vw, suv, compact SUV, new model

The T-Cross, which joins the Tiguan, Tiguan Allspace and Touareg in the model range in South Africa, is a practical, cool and versatile addition to Volkswagen’s fast-growing SUV range. It is sophisticated, diverse and, like all members of the brand’s SUV family, has an eye-catching appearance. It has a carefully balanced combination of casual style, refined practicality and extreme cost-effectiveness.

The T-Cross, which is manufactured in Navarra, Spain, will captivate hearts of customers with its combination of style, practicality, flexibility, connectivity and fuel economy.

EXTERIOR DESIGN

The T-Cross leaves a lasting impression at first sight. The striking front-end highlights the vehicle’s family affiliation while the exterior emphasises the individuality of the new SUV model.

Attractive highlights include the successful combination of a powerfully expressive front spoiler and a large, wide radiator grille, at the outer ends of which the headlamps are integrated. The light units are designed to be long and flat, and extend far into the flanks. This arrangement gives the new T-Cross an unmistakable appearance from the front. The lower section of the front end is characterised by distinctive recessed fog lights and integrated daytime running lights. The positioning of the fog lights and daytime running lights emphasise the height of the vehicle front. If the optional LED headlights are installed, the daytime running lights share the same housing. The tail light clusters feature LED technology as standard.

On the sides of the T-Cross, two horizontal sharp character lines from front to rear underline the dynamic appearance of the compact SUV. They form a muscular shoulder at the rear and culminate in a new, equally memorable design element. A bold reflective band spans the rear. Framed by a black trim panel, it is a notable recognition feature in the same way as the distinctive front end. The light band emphasises the width of the vehicle and at the same time signals presence and vitality. The large wheel arches also emphasise the striking appearance. The dynamically designed wheels also contribute to the distinctive and cool look of the new T-Cross. Sixteen-inch wheels are fitted as standard. In addition, 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels are available as options. The exterior of the T-Cross can be customised in various ways. There is a choice of nine exterior colours or a selection of coloured wheel rims which enhance the combination options.

The compact Volkswagen SUV offers easy access for all passengers through four large doors - a major advantage of the modular transverse matrix (MQB) which allows the driven front axle to be positioned much closer to the vehicle front. This facilitates the vibrant and powerful SUV design that gives the T-Cross its unmistakable performance, while also creating a remarkably generous wheelbase. In addition to easier entry, vehicle occupants also benefit from a significant increase in interior space and legroom for both rows of seats.

The T-Cross measures 4.2 metres in length, 182 millimetres more than the Polo and 11 centimetres shorter than the T-Roc (which will launch in South Africa in 2020). The difference in height is even more obvious: the T-Cross measures 1 584 millimetres compared to the Polo’s 1 461 millimetres. The wheelbase of 2 551 millimetres increases the space for seats and provides a spacious and roomy feel. The elevated seat position is typical of an SUV. The driver and front passenger sit 597 millimetres above the road, while the rear passengers benefit from a vantage point of 652 millimetres. That is 10 centimetres higher than in the Polo, thus guaranteeing good visibility from all seats.
INTERIOR DESIGN

The T-Cross provides good visibility. Passengers enjoy a superior view and good all-round visibility thanks to the elevated seating position. The interior is extremely spacious, giving the occupants the feeling that they are sitting in a larger vehicle.

The 2.55 metre wheelbase is comparatively generous, allowing a spacious interior with enough room for five people. For the greatest possible versatility in the interior, the sliding rear seat can be adjusted by 14 centimetres, allowing for more passenger leg room or more luggage space. The luggage compartment holds between 377 and 455 litres. Thanks to a rear seat back that folds down fully or partially, you can create a flat loading space with up to 1 281 litres of storage volume - unsurpassed by any other SUV in this segment.

The large-format dash pads correspond in colour and structure to the seat materials, the steering wheel clasp, the painted central console, the platinum grey trim colour and the exterior finishes. This gives the interior of the vehicle a cool, sporty look. The design package also offers 3D décor for the dash pad, two-tone seat surfaces, a steering wheel clasp and central console in a matching tone, and colour-coordinated wing mirrors and wheels. The indirect ambient lighting further accentuates the vehicle’s interior. Electric windows on all four doors and a height-adjustable driver and passenger seat also come as standard.

MORE DIGITALISED

The T-Cross provides discerning users with the highest level of networking and connection to the outside world. Even the operation and customisation of the on-board functions are intuitive. Up to four USB ports and the optional inductive wireless charging ensure optimum connectivity and sufficient power for smartphones. The optional key-less locking and starting system makes access to the T-Cross more convenient. Another highlight is the optional sound system from renowned US brand Beats with a 300-watt, 8-channel amplifier and a separate subwoofer in the luggage compartment.

Driver assistance systems

The T-Cross’ outstanding five-star rating in the Euro NCAP test and exemplary occupant protection, increases safety, reduces the risk of a collision and improves driving comfort. The Driver Alert System comes standard whilst optional equipment available on the T-Cross includes Front Assist area monitoring system, the lane-keeping assistant, Hill Start Assist, the proactive occupant protection system, automatic adaptive cruise control, Park Assist and the Blind Spot Detection lane change assist system with the integrated Rear Traffic Alert.

SAFETY

The T-Cross performed outstandingly in the renowned Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) safety test. Independent testers awarded the new SUV top scores in all categories. This innovative crossover model meets the most stringent safety standards.

Euro NCAP recreates the most common accident scenarios as part of comprehensive test procedures. The vehicle scored a compliance rating of 97% in the “Adult occupant protection” category. Very few vehicles have scored this value, demonstrating that small SUVs can keep up with larger models. The child safety rating of 86% underlines how suitable the T-Cross is for families. The active support systems scored a rating of 80%, far better than the previous standard in this vehicle category. In addition to passive protection equipment, the vehicle also features Front Assist that looks out for pedestrians’ and cyclists’ safety. With 81% the vehicle scored very well within the currently valid assessment scenarios in this category.