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• T-Cross Review (2018-Present)

Independent review by Peter Hayward from Driving Force

4-minute read

Engines

The T-Cross is mainly going to be found with 3-cylinder 1.0-litre turbo petrol engines on the second-hand market.

These come with three different power outputs depending on the model chosen, and start with a 95bhp model that reaches 62mph from rest in 11.2 seconds and is rated at 54mpg.

Then comes a 110bhp version that drops the 0 to 62mph sprint to 10.5 seconds and can do 58mpg, and finally, a 115bhp model that reaches the benchmark in 9.9 seconds and can also do 58mpg.

The most powerful is a 1.5-litre TSI with 150bhp and that can get to 62mph in a shade over 8 seconds and has a rating of 51mpg.

There was one diesel introduced for a time, using the well-known VW group 1.6-litre TDI engine. It takes 11.5 seconds for the sprint and is rated at an excellent 69mpg, but is no longer available new.

It’s hard to believe that a tiny little 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder engine can produce such performance along with decent economy.
Peter Hayward

My pick would be either of the more powerful 1.0-litre units, which are smooth and silky right through its rev range, and have a willing and zesty nature.

Driving Experience

They pull well from low revs to help ditch the stupid tailgaters, and once the turbo is spinning hard, it’s possible to change up a gear and have almost the same level of acceleration.

The 6-speed gearbox has a lovely change and the clutch is as light as a feather, but most models are also available with the VW DSG automatic gearbox.

High speed ride on rougher country roads is excellent, and it’s just as good at low speeds in town, soaking up the worst of surfaces with ease.

Roadholding is excellent, and the handling matches it perfectly. This is a car that loves a twisting road and will delight an enthusiastic driver.

The steering feeds information to the hands on the move, and makes slow speed manoeuvres a piece of cake, helped by very good parking sensors on upper models.

Interior and Equipment

Electronic safety includes automatic emergency and post-collision braking, stability control and lane keeping assistance – of which more later.

In mid-range SEL trim, it comes with a DAB stereo and sat nav, and the screen has big, easy to hit buttons.

Well-shaped and comfortable seats have plenty of adjustment, and it has diamond cut alloy wheels, climate control and a digital dash.

Add alarm, cruise control, six airbags and a 60/40 split folding back seat, and it seems very well-equipped indeed.

My only criticism is the lane keeping assist, which applies a disconcertingly strong push to the steering if you cross a white line without indicating.

It’s too strong, and I disliked it so much I turned it off.

Apart from this, the T-Cross is a cracking not so small car that sets a very high crossover standard.

Find your Volksvagen T-Cross your way with CarStore

The Volkswagen T-Cross is a small SUV that was well-designed externally and equipped with excellent onboard technology that is close to flawlessness. Spacious and folding rear seats that optimise storage space, this is a great choice if you're in the market for a vehicle suitable to handle a family's daily activities.

Here at CarStore, you're able to buy your car your way. Whether that be online, in-person, or a mix of both, the choice is yours. With an extensive variety of used cars available, we're sure to have a car that suits your lifestyle.