Driven: The 2021 Volkswagen T-Cross 70 kW - A Compact Crossover That Shines
By Murali Naidu
You don’t need to be a genius to realize that, with the Volkswagen T-Cross, VW has struck gold. The Polo and its budget sibling, the Polo Vivo, have long been favorites among South African consumers. Their combination of affordability, quality, and brand appeal has made them nearly unbeatable in the market. However, until recently, crossover-crazed consumers had no option within the Volkswagen lineup.
That changed in 2019 with the introduction of the T-Cross. This stylish crossover quickly became a favorite, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down. For more insights into Volkswagen’s offerings, visit Volkswagen Reviews on AutoAdvisor.
Stylish and Sporty Design
Dressed in R-Line gear, the T-Cross certainly looks the part of a modern SUV. Its solid ride and robust powertrain complete the package. The 85 kW 1.0-litre, three-cylinder engine may not be the fastest, but it is more than adequate for most drivers. For those who need more power, there’s a 110 kW 1.5-litre option. However, for everyday use, the three-cylinder engine performs just fine.
Affordable Pricing with a New 70 kW Model
While the base T-Cross previously started at R399,900, Volkswagen has now introduced a more affordable 70 kW version priced from R357,900. The 70 kW engine may sound modest, but it performs well in the Polo and is more than capable in the T-Cross crossover body.
With 170 Nm of torque on tap, the T-Cross 70 kW accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.8 seconds. While not as athletic as the 85 kW variant, the difference is minimal. What’s more, the 70 kW model is more fuel-efficient, which is important as fuel prices continue to rise.
Impressive Fuel Efficiency
Volkswagen claims the T-Cross 70 kW achieves a fuel consumption of 4.8 L/100 km, and in our experience, we managed 4.9 L/100 km. While this fuel economy is achievable with careful driving, it’s still impressive. The five-speed manual transmission in the 70 kW model is slick and enjoyable to use, aiding in fuel efficiency. However, this base model is not available with VW’s DSG gearbox, which may disappoint some buyers. For us, the manual gearbox adds to the fun of driving.
Practicality and Interior Space
Despite its compact dimensions, the T-Cross offers a deceptively large amount of boot space. The standard boot capacity is 377 litres, but thanks to the second row sliding fore and aft, this can be extended to 455 litres. With the second row folded flat, you get a whopping 1,281 litres of cargo space, rivalling even panel vans.
Passenger space is adequate, with enough room for children and smaller adults in the rear. Taller passengers may find the kneeroom a bit tight, but this is a common issue across compact crossovers.
Interior Features and Safety
The T-Cross doesn’t share the Polo’s padded dashboard, but the plastics feel solid and well-constructed. The Comfortline trim comes with 16-inch Belmont alloy wheels, a six-speaker sound system, hill-start assist, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever. Other standard features include manual air-conditioning, electric windows, and central locking.
In terms of safety, the T-Cross Comfortline is equipped with six airbags, ABS, brake assist, traction control, and stability control. Opting for the R-Line package adds a stylish body kit, 17-inch Manila diamond-cut alloy wheels, and R-Line badging. A three-year/45,000 km service plan is included as standard.
Verdict
The Volkswagen T-Cross has always been an excellent choice for small families or buyers looking for an affordable yet classy compact crossover. Its stylish design, impressive driving experience, and strong list of standard safety features make it a great option. If you can live without the DSG gearbox (which we can, as the manual is great), the 70 kW version is our top pick. It’s the most affordable, the lightest on fuel, and offers minimal performance trade-offs.
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