Launched simultaneously in Holland, China and Brazil, which satisfies European, oriental and its manufacturing base customers, the new T-Cross is engineered on the modular transverse matrix (MQB) platform, which allows the driven front axle to be located further forward than with previous platform designs. Possessing a total vehicle length of 4.11m, the 2.56m wheelbase is comparatively generous, promoting a ‘wheel-at-each-corner’ stance and allowing a spacious interior with enough room for up to five people (although four will be accommodated more comfortably).
To achieve the greatest possible versatility in the interior, it features a sliding rear seat base that can be adjusted by 14cm, which allows either more passenger leg room, or greater luggage space. The boot capacity is between 385 and 455-litres. However, flop forward the rear seat backs (two-thirds/one-third split) and a fairly flat load space results, with up to 1,281-litres of carrying capability. Making space was a priority for the T-Cross design team.
The new car has a choice of four turbocharged engines: three petrol and one diesel. The two 1.0-litre TSi three-cylinder petrol engines, with petrol particulate filter generate 92bhp, or 112bhp, as they do in the significantly smaller Up! model. The top version is the 1.5-litre TSi four-cylinder unit that develops a useful 147bhp. Completing the range is a 1.6-litre TDi four-cylinder engine with 92bhp. All engines comply with the latest Euro 6d-TEMP emission standard. We shall have performance figures following a first drive opportunity.
Standard equipment for the new T-Cross includes numerous driver assistance systems that were reserved previously for higher vehicle classes. Together with the car’s crash characteristics and first-rate occupant protection, they increase safety, reduce the risk of a collision and improve driver comfort notionally. Already included as standard equipment are Front Assist area monitoring system with Pedestrian Monitoring and City Emergency Braking System, the lane-keeping Lane Assist, Hill Start Assist, the proactive occupant protection system and the Blind Spot Detection with integrated Rear Traffic Alert. Also available as options are a Driver Alert System, automatic adaptive cruise control and Park Assist, all of which are tried and trusted elements.
The new T-Cross provides the best, current level of networking and connectivity with the outside world. Even the operation and customisation of the on-board functions are intuitive. Smartphones can be charged inductively and up to four USB ports are provided for digital convenience. While there is nothing ‘new’ here, to see these aspects fitted to a (relatively speaking) entry-level model is a novelty.
Just like the Polo, the new T-Cross is being manufactured at the Spanish Volkswagen factory in Navarra. Volkswagen is set to invest around one billion Euros in the plant by 2019, to serve the present strong growth in the market for compact SUVs. Around 10% more jobs will also be created. For the 2017-2027 period, independent forecasters anticipate a doubling in worldwide registrations of CUVs (Crossover Utility Vehicles) in the small car segment. Both South America and China will produce versions of the T-Cross for their markets.
Volkswagen is advancing its global SUV offensive, which started in 2016, with the current Tiguan line-up. In 2018, Volkswagen of America presented two Atlas concept vehicles, Cross Sport and Tanoak. In China, a new Touareg is celebrating its world premiere, accompanied by two future SUVs for that region: a powerful family SUV Tharu and the advanced midsize SUV Tayron. It is inevitable that spin-off models will become available for other markets.
Finally, glimpsing into the future, in 2020, the ‘ID. CROZZ’ will be Volkswagen’s first fully-electric SUV to be launched. With models ranging from the T-Cross to the oddly-named EV, Volkswagen will offer one of the world’s largest ranges of SUVs and will cover practically all segments.
