The facelifted Volkswagen T-Cross has arrived in South Africa and while the base derivatives are missing for now, variant-for-variant pricing has decreased slightly…
The facelifted Volkswagen T-Cross has officially hit the market in South Africa. The big news? Variant-for-variant pricing has decreased slightly compared with the outgoing range, though we should point out the base derivatives have yet to arrive and that powertrains are seemingly carried over unchanged.
As a reminder, the pre-facelift T-Cross portfolio – which has long served as Volkswagen’s best-selling imported model in SA – comprised 4 derivatives. The rejigged line-up, however, will eventually feature 6 derivatives, though only 3 are available at launch. From what we understand, the new base models are expected to join the local range at some point in 2025.
As such, pricing for the T-Cross 1.0 TSI 70 kW MT, T-Cross 1.0 TSI 85 kW DSG and T-Cross Life 1.0 TSI 70 kW has yet to be released. As you may have noticed, VW has dropped the old trim-level naming convention (as it recently did with the updated Polo Vivo), ditching the “Comfortline” and “Highline” grades in favour of Wolfsburg’s latest nomenclature.
So, the base derivative is now known simply as the T-Cross, while the mid-tier variant is named “T-Cross Life” and the Highline replacement is called “T-Cross Style”. The top-spec grade, however, retains its “T-Cross R-Line” designation. While a Trendline version of the pre-facelift T-Cross didn’t ever make it to Mzansi, the new base derivatives pencilled in for 2025 are expected to fill that longstanding gap.
What about the variants that are available right now? Well, the T-Cross Life 1.0 TSI 85 kW DSG is priced at R462 200, representing a saving of R3 600 compared with the outgoing Comfortline equivalent. The T-Cross Style 1.0 TSI 85 kW DSG, meanwhile, comes in at R501 300, some R6 200 less expensive than the old Highline.
Finally, the T-Cross R-Line 1.0 TSI 85 kW DSG starts at R533 100, which the German firm’s local division suggests is R300 cheaper than the pre-facelift version (however, the last price we have for the outgoing 85 kW R-Line was R530 000, which would make the refreshed variant R3 100 more expensive).
Interestingly, the old range’s flagship 1.5 TSI 110 kW R-Line model (which had been priced at R553 400) appears to have been scrapped, meaning all T-Cross derivatives now draw their urge from VW’s turbocharged 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol motor (offering either 70 kW/175 Nm or 85 kW/200 Nm). Transmission options include a 5-speed manual gearbox and a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
Again built in Spain, the updated T-Cross gains a fresh front-end design, complete with new LED headlights and daytime running lights, along with LED taillight clusters round back. Furthermore, 3 new paints colours have been added to the range: Grape Yellow, Clear Blue Metallic and Kings Red Metallic.
Inside, the facelifted T-Cross gains a new free-standing, 8-inch touchscreen, while all derivatives now feature a digital instrument cluster as standard. Moreover, the dashboard panel and interior door trim gain what VW describes as “significantly higher-quality surface materials”.
According to the Wolfsburg-based automaker, the T-Cross Life derivative features 16-inch “Nottingham” alloy wheels, electric folding side mirrors, parking sensors (fore and aft), cruise control, inductive smartphone charging and black roof rails.
The Style grade adds items such as IQ Matrix LED headlights (with dynamic light assist), 17-inch “Manila” alloys, an illuminated grille strip, silver-anodised roof rails, sports seats, a 10-inch digital instrument cluster (up from the Life’s 8-inch version) and 2-zone climate control.
Finally, the T-Cross R-Line sports VW’s popular R-Line interior and exterior styling package, complemented by 17-inch “Valencia” alloys, “ArtVelour” seats, stainless-steel pedals and a drive-mode selector. Round back, the R-Line version is set apart by dynamic indicators. Meanwhile, the optional “Travel Assist” package (R13 100) unlocks safety-assistance technology such as predictive adaptive cruise control, cornering assist, lane assist and emergency assist.
Other options include an uprated “Discover Media” infotainment system (R15 000), the “beatsAudio” sound system (R10 700), 18-inch “Misano” rims (R3 500), heated front seats (R6 000) and the “Comfort Package Plus” (which adds a reverse-view camera, keyless access and park assist for an additional R16 500).
How much does the facelifted Volkswagen T-Cross cost in SA
| T-Cross 1.0 TSI 70 kW MT | TBA |
| T-Cross 1.0 TSI 85 kW DSG | TBA |
| T-Cross Life 1.0 TSI 70 kW MT | TBA |
| T-Cross Life 1.0 TSI 85 kW DSG | R462 200 |
| T-Cross Style 1.0 TSI 85 kW DSG | R501 300 |
| T-Cross R-Line 1.0 TSI 85 kW DSG | R533 100 |
From what we understand, the prices above include VW’s 3-year/120 000 km warranty and a 3-year/45 000 km service plan.
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