When the new VW T-Cross is going on sale in South Africa

VW has revealed the extensively updated T-Cross which will hit South African showrooms in 2024, the automaker confirmed to TopAuto.

In Europe, the new VW is landing in dealers within the first quarter of the year, so we expect to see it locally from the second half of 2024 onwards.

To build up hype for its popular entry-level crossover, the German automaker has decided to give its fans an “early glimpse” of this major T-Cross update.

“The car comes to customers with its revamped design, enhanced standard equipment, new technology features, and a newly designed high-quality interior,” said VW.

“Despite the extensive enhancements, the new T-Cross will still be offered at a very attractive base price.”

The T-Cross is one of the brand’s most successful models in its catalogue to date selling around 1.2 million examples worldwide, as well as its best-selling imported vehicle in the domestic market.

What’s new

VW hasn’t gone too crazy with the exterior design of the new T-Cross as it looks rather similar to the model it is replacing except for a few key details.

These include a new grille and bumper, restyled fog lights, and integrated LED headlights, daytime-running lights, and taillight clusters.

Three new paints have also been added to the customisation list, including Clear Blue Metallic which is described as an “elegant and friendly light blue,” Grape Yellow which is a “crisp, sporty yellow,” and Kings Red Metallic, a “vivid, striking red.”

The cabin of the VW got most of the attention during the revision cycle, seeing a thorough redesign with the Digital Cockpit package now being standard.

This brings a central touchscreen of between 8 and 9.2 inches, depending on the model, as well as a digital instrument binnacle behind the steering wheel.

As in larger VW SUVs, the T-Cross now also features a soft-upholstered dashboard and “significantly higher-quality surface materials,” said the manufacturer.

For the updated base model, enhancements continue with all-round LED lights instead of the old halogen lamps, a multifunction camera system, and road sign recognition; while the Life additionally gets 16-inch alloy wheels and a leather multifunction steering wheel.

From the Life specification upwards, the front passenger seat can also be folded all the way forward to create a continuous load area that measures 2,398mm long and can stow “everything from surfboards to paragliders.”

At the top, the T-Cross Style and R-Line share the flagship position, à la Amarok, with the former targeting customers looking for a more elegant look and the latter offering buyers a sporty persona.

Optional extras for the new VW then include climate control with touch-sensitive sliders, the IQ.Light LED Matrix headlights which are a first for this model, and the Travel Assist package with adaptive cruise control and lane assist.

Like the current model, the new T-Cross range will retain turbo-petrol engines across the line-up, but the company did not reveal whether any changes will be made to these drive units.

In South Africa, we presently have a 1.0-litre option with either 70kW and 175Nm or 85kW and 200Nm on tap, or a 1.5-litre generating 110kW and 250Nm.

These powerplants can be mated with five-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearboxes, all combinations turning the front axle.

The local market-specific details for the new VW T-Cross must still be announced, however, which will take place closer to its planned launch.