Where the new Golf has become entirely digitised, the T-Cross retains physical buttons alongside its touchscreen interfaces and is the better for it. Controlling the audio and aircon is quick and intuitive, causing minimal driver distraction.
The safety aspect is also well taken care of by six airbags, ABS brakes and traction control — the T-Cross scored a maximum five stars in the Euro NCAP crash test.
Options fitted to the test car included LED headlights, reversing camera, a sportier R-Line exterior with front fog lamps and a Composition Media infotainment system with inductive charging.
The entry-level 70kW T-Cross offers a respectable R41,400 saving over the 85kW model without feeling underpowered. It has family appeal with usable performance, most of the required comforts and good practicality.
The low-rent cabin is a turn-off, however, especially in a car priced at the upper end of its market segment. VW’s reputation and wide dealer footprint buffer those shortcomings to an extent, but it’s a competitive playing field. This T-Cross is better than it seems on paper, with the VW-typical solidity and affable driving nature, but there are rivals that offer better value.
Tech Specs
Engine
Type: Three-cylinder petrol turbo
Capacity: 1.0l
Power: 70kW
Torque: 175Nm
Transmission
Type: Five-speed manual
Drivetrain
Type: Front-wheel drive
Performance
Top speed: 180km/h
0-100km/h: 11.5 seconds
Fuel Consumption: 5.5l/100km (claimed), 6.4l /100km (as tested)
Emissions: 110g/km
Standard features
Six airbags, ABS brakes, electric windows, electric mirrors, traction control, rain sensor wipers, auto on/off lights, park distance control, remote central locking, LED daytime running lights, infotainment system with Bluetooth, aircon, cruise control, cloth upholstery
Ownership
Warranty: Three years/120,000km
Service plan: Three years/45,000km
Price: R357,900
Lease*: R7,700 a month
* at 10% interest over 60 months no deposit
VW T-Cross 1.0TSI 70kW Comfortline R-Line
We like: Ride quality, practicality
We dislike: Price, low-rent interior
Verdict: Most affordable T-Cross, but still pricey
Motor News star rating
****Design
***Performance
***Economy
****Ride
****Handling
*****Safety
***Value For Money
***Overall
Competition
Haval H2 1.5T Luxury, 105kW/202Nm — R319,900
Opel Crossland 1.2 Edition, 55kW/118Nm — R345,900
Ford EcoSport 1.0T Trend, 92kW/170Nm — R349,600
Suzuki Vitara 1.6 GL+, 86kW/151Nm — R350,900
Mazda CX-3 2.0 Active, 115kW/206Nm — R358,900
Peugeot 2008 1.2T Active, 74kW/205Nm — R364,900
Citroën C3 Aircross 1.2T Feel, 81kW/205Nm — R384,900
Hyundai Creta 1.5 Premium, 84kW/143Nm — R385,500
Kia Seltos 1.6 EX, 90kW/151Nm — R403,995