VW has officially launched the updated T-Cross in South Africa, making several big changes to the design and features of its entry-level SUV.
For now, the revised line-up consists of three 85kW derivatives – the Life, Style, and R-Line – which start at R462,200.
The more accessible 70kW units will be added at a later date, though the carmaker has yet to provide a release date or pricing for these models.
Features
The main alterations to the T-Cross’s exterior concern its various lighting elements, as it now comes standard with new headlights with 24 LEDs per module, meaning the base units no longer use halogen bulbs.
It also gets new daytime running lights, and LED taillights with an animated pattern.
The higher-spec Style and R-Line models are sold with the IQ.Light package, which adds IQ.Light Matrix LED headlights with the Dynamic Light Assist system for permanent main beams—a feature never before offered on the T-Cross.
Additionally, there are three new colour options, including Grape Yellow, Clear Blue Metallic, and Kings Red Metallic.
In terms of equipment, the crossover is sporting a new free-standing 8-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and every trim level now comes with a Digital Cockpit driver display that starts at 8 inches in size.
The dashboard has also been redesigned to mimic the style of the brand’s larger SUVs, with soft-touch upholstery and higher-quality surface materials.
Items found on the Life variants comprise 16-inch Nottingham alloy wheels, black roof rails, electric folding mirrors with puddle lamps, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control, and a wireless charger.
One step up from this is the Style, which adds the aforementioned Matrix headlights, an illuminated strip between the headlamps and chrome roof rails, 17-inch Manila wheels, a larger 10-inch Digital Cockpit, Sports seats, and dual-zone climate control.
The flagship R-Line rounds out the package with 17-inch Valencia alloys, dynamic turn indicators, R-line badges, ArtVelour R-Line seats, and stainless steel pedals.
Safety equipment on the Volkswagen includes adaptive cruise control with stop & go functionality, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian monitoring.
Buyers can also purchase the Travel Assist package, which adds predictive adaptive cruise control, cornering assist, lane assist, and emergency assist.
Other optional extras include larger 17 or 18-inch rims (depending on the trim level), heated front seats, a Discover Media infotainment system, and the Comfort Package Plus with a reverse camera, keyless entry, and parking assist.
Engine
At present, the renewed T-Cross is only available with a 1.0-litre turbocharged TSI petrol engine, which produces 85kW and 200Nm.
This powerplant is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, resulting in an average fuel consumption of 5.3l/100km.
At a later stage, the carmaker will re-introduce the more affordable TSI derivatives, which also use a 1.0-litre turbo plant but have a lower output of 70kW and 175Nm.
These units bring the choice of a five-speed manual transmission, and achieve a fuel economy as low as 4.8l/100km.
Interestingly, the 1.5-litre turbo appears to have been dropped from the range, meaning customers no longer have access to the more powerful 110kW/250Nm drivetrain.
Pricing
The South African pricing for the updated VW T-Cross is as follows:
- VW T-Cross Life 1.0 TSI 85kW DSG – R462,200
- VW T-Cross Style 1.0 TSI 85kW DSG – R501,300
- VW T-Cross R-Line 1.0 TSI 85kW DSG – R533,100
This includes a 3-year/120,000km warranty and a 3-year/45,000km service plan.
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