T-Roc vs T-Cross
There is no doubt a massive trend towards buying SUVs right now. Everywhere you go, you tend to see many SUVs on the road or hear of new models that recently launched. In an attempt to fill a void in their SUV line-up, Volkswagen has followed suit, adding two relatively new baby SUVs to their much-loved line-up.
In Late 2019 the T-Cross made its local debut and became VW's entry point to their SUV range and last year, the T-Roc also made its way to Mzansi. The two models are followed by the Tiguan, Tiguan AllSpace, and the Touareg, completing Volkswagen's T-Series SUV line-up locally.
Charming looks
The T-Cross and T-Roc are both funky, stylish SUVs with beautiful color palettes available. They do get some of their good looks from the Tiguan, which is quite noticeable from the front. The T-Roc's LED DRLs are incredibly cool, as they surround the intakes on the bumper, and can change from white to amber to double up as indicators.
The T-Cross keeps a boxier design, a baby Tiguan if you must, but the T-Roc is far more striking, a sleeker look with its coupe roofline and two-tone color options. The T-Cross gets a modern-looking LED light bar at the rear, while the T-Roc sticks to traditionally styled lights.
We need more power
The T-Cross is available in a 1.0-litre or 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 85kW and 200 Nm of torque and 110kW and 250 Nm, respectively. With that said, the 1.0-litre engine certainly left an impression, proving that you don't need a lot of power and was quite economical. The T-Roc choices are a 1.4-litre or 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 110kw and 250 Nm of torque and a more healthy140kw and 320 Nm of torque; the latter also receives VW's 4Motion(all-wheel-drive). It does help to have that extra power on tap from the 2.0-litre and thanks to 7-speed DSG overtaking is a breeze, but it can become quite thirsty.
Tech & Interior
The Germans do have a quality and familiar interior, something you know just like the back of your hand. VW also has a lot of cool tech from Virtual Cockpits to I.Q. Drive technologies, available on the T-Roc. The I.Q.Drive supports Volkswagen's journey to autonomous driving and represents the relevant driver assistant systems that aid the parking, driving, and security of the T-Roc. The I.Q. Drive technologies included in the T-Roc are Park Assist, Emergency Assist, Front Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Assist.
The T-Cross & T-Roc interiors resemble that of a Polo and Golf, the layouts are pretty much the same, which makes you feel comfortable from the first time you step inside. It has everything you need, it's practical and comfortable, but the rear can become a bit tight for the additional passengers.
What’s the Verdict?
These are both excellent offers from VW, and you won't go wrong with either of them. If you're on a tight budget, then the T-Cross is a worthy contender. If you're looking for driver assists, more power, all-wheel-drive capability, or maybe just a bit more exclusivity, then the T-Roc will be the to one you want. It's also worth noting; if you are looking at a mid to top-range spec on a T-Cross, then the entry-level T-Roc certainly warrants a test drive.
