The Volkswagen T-Cross has become a common sight on South African roads since its arrival in 2019. While we’ve tested the range-topping derivative, the recent end-of-year break gave Gero Lilleike ample time to weigh up the merits of the 1.0TSI 70kW Comfortline R-Line manual. Should it be on your shortlist?
We Like: Good engine performance, fuel efficiency, practical, solid build quality, easy to live with
We Don’t Like: Pricey, hard plastics detract from an otherwise classy cabin
Fast Facts
- Model Tested: Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0TSI 70kW Comfortline R-Line manual
- Price: R386 000 (January 2022)
- Engine: 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder, petrol
- Power/Torque: 70 kW/175 Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Fuel Efficiency: 4.8 L/100 km (claimed)
- Load capacity: 377-455-1281 litres
What is it?
The T-Cross is currently the third best-selling car in South Africa.
The T-Cross is the smallest compact family car/crossover in Volkswagen’s local lineup – it slots in beneath the larger T-Roc boutique crossover and Tiguan family car. Volkswagen’s compact SUV range will, however, soon be bolstered with the arrival of the new Taigo, which is expected to go on sale in the second quarter of 2022.
This market segment has expanded rapidly since the arrival of the T-Cross in 2019. A flurry of newer and more affordable products have come to market, but with pricing for the T-Cross range starting from just under R360k, it does battle at the premium end of the segment where its main rivals include the Hyundai Venue, Haval Jolion, Mazda CX-3, Peugeot 2008 and the Toyota Corolla Cross, to name a few.
For this “extended test”, we travelled more than 2 300 km (along the Garden Route and into the Eastern Cape) in the T-Cross range’s second most affordable (from new) derivative – the 1.0TSI 70kW Comfortline R-Line manual. This particular T-Cross test unit came dressed in a Limestone Grey Metallic paint finish and rode on 17-inch Manila alloy wheels. The R-Line treatment bumps up the Wolfsburg-based brand’s small crossover’s kerb presence just enough; while the T-Cross isn’t as flamboyantly styled as some of its rivals, it will appeal to buyers who appreciate an understated look.
Let’s take a closer look at both the positive and negative aspects of this Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0TSI 70kW Comfortline R-Line.
What’s to like about the T-Cross?
Good performance and fuel economy
This 70-kW T-Cross surprised us with its willing performance and notable fuel economy.
If I’m completely honest, I expected to be underwhelmed with the base T-Cross’ performance. I thought it was going to be an underpowered package and a bit of a chore to drive over long distances.
My assumption could not have been more misguided… The Volkswagen’s 3-cylinder, 1.0-litre petrol engine punches well above its weight and, with peak outputs of 70 kW and 175 Nm, this T-Cross offers enough shove for the daily commute, plus we found it to be adequately competent at maintaining highway speeds. Even with 3 occupants and their luggage on board, the T-Cross hardly broke a sweat.
In combination with a well-matched 5-speed manual transmission, the T-Cross was a pleasure to pilot over long distances. Not only does the transmission have a positive shift feel, but the ‘box’s gear ratios are so well-matched with the performance characteristics of the powerplant that we seldom needed to gear down to “go in search of acceleration”. The T-Cross is capable of executing quick overtaking manoeuvres with ease and it cruises comfortably at highway speeds in 5th gear without instilling the sense that it requires an additional gear for relaxed cruising. Quite simply, it’s a pleasure to drive!
As far as fuel consumption is concerned, the T-Cross returned good fuel consumption figures during this extended test. Volkswagen claims an ambitious 4.8 L/100km and averaged in the region of 6.2 L/100km, which is a fair return for a car of this size and engine capacity. However, take note that the T-Cross is equipped with a small (40L) fuel tank, which means you will be filling up every 650 km or so.
Ride and handling
With a firmer suspension, the T-Cross is more at home on tar than it is on gravel.
The ride and handling characteristics of the T-Cross deserve some praise, too. While the T-Cross’ suspension is sprung on the firmer side of comfort, it does not affect the 1.0TSI 70kW Comfortline R-Line’s overall ride comfort significantly. In fact, on the variety of road surfaces we traversed, we found the T-Cross’ ride to be comfortable (for the most part) and fairly forgiving.
It’s worth noting, however, that the firmer suspension makes its presence felt when the Volkswagen travels on gravel routes; its ride quality suffers as a consequence. Then again, few will be surprised to learn that the T-Cross is more suited to travelling on tar than on a dirt road…
As far as handling is concerned, the steering wheel has a light and responsive feel to it, which is great for inner-city commuting and making quick directional changes. Body roll under harder-than-usual cornering is almost negligible. It might be a small crossover, but the T-Cross handles with surprising deftness. It feels eminently planted, which makes it quite a “chuckable”, nippy car… well, relatively.
Overall, we came away impressed by the T-Cross’ road manners and we’d even go so far to say it’s one of the most resolved products in this segment as far as the ride/handling balance is concerned.
Robust interior build quality and practicality
Perceived build quality inside the T-Cross is very good but hard, scratchy plastic trim is the order of the day.
When you step inside the 1.0TSI 70kW Comfortline R-Line, you are met with a basic – but appealing – cabin design. The slick-looking Composition Media infotainment system (a R8 300 option) was a highlight; not only is it user-friendly and easy to navigate – it supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone screen-mirroring technology.
The surface of the touchscreen does, however, accumulate dust and fingerprints rather quickly. Therefore, we advise keeping a soft (microfibre) cloth in the car so that you can wipe the screen clean regularly. This test unit was also equipped with a wireless smartphone charging pad, which is a great feature, as well as the optional Park Assist and a reverse-view camera (R10 200).
Rear legroom is sufficient and 2 USB-C ports are fitted.
The overall perceived build quality in the T-Cross is commendable. The cabin is virtually rattle- and creak free when driving over rutted gravel roads and there’s a solidity and sturdiness to the interior panels and trim that imparts an impression of quality. The overall interior execution, however, is somewhat let down by the vast expanses of hard, scratchy plastic panels that detract from the “premium-ness” of the cabin design. The only soft-touch surfaces that we found was were on the doors’ armrests. The plastic surfaces are hard-wearing though, which means they should withstand the rigours of everyday use.
For its size, the T-Cross offers better-than-expected rear leg -and headroom, plus a pair of rear USB-C ports to keep electronic devices charged up (that’s in addition to 2 USB-C ports at the front).
The claimed load-bay capacity is 455-litres, which expands to 1 281 litres with the 60:40 split rear seats folded down. The rear bench can also slide fore and aft, depending on whether you wish to prioritise legroom or luggage space, which is quite nifty. There are bottle holders in the door mouldings, as well as sufficient storage space for oddments in the central bin, ahead of the gear lever and in the glovebox.
Long items over 6-foot in length can be accommodated in the T-Cross. Surf’s up!
What can the T-Cross do better?
It’s expensive, more value would be nice
Despite the fact that the T-Cross is a compelling, quality product, it’s a comparatively pricey proposition. In 2019, just 3 years ago, I reviewed the then range-topping Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0-TSI Highline R-Line and, at the time, it was priced at R382 850, which is now almost the price of this 1.0TSI 70kW Comfortline R-Line derivative, which retails for R386 000, before options. The former now costs R464 700!
The T-Cross is easy to recommend based on its sheer breadth of talent – its classy packaging and easygoing on-road demeanour are particularly compelling – but prospective buyers must be mindful that, as far as value-for-money is concerned, the T-Cross is not the pick of the crop – there’s indeed greater value to be had if you are willing to put brand loyalty aside, for a moment.
If you want to own a T-Cross, be prepared to pay a premium for that VW badge on the nose.
Consider the following… At this end of the new-vehicle market, the Haval Jolion offers a virtually unbeatable value-for-money proposition. This is clearly illustrated using the Cars.co.za Compare Tool.
Not only is the Jolion considerably larger than the T-Cross, it has a more powerful engine and is more comprehensively specced with standard features… and that’s on top of its keener price tag.
South African car buyers, however, are typically brand loyal and many are prepared to pay a premium for the privilege of owning a model that bears a Volkswagen badge on the grille. The stronger value retention of especially the brand’s compact models (as reflected in the listed prices of used T-Cross derivatives, for example) is another drawcard.
Verdict
Despite its price, the T-Cross is a great all-rounder!
Overall, this T-Cross 1.0TSI 70kW Comfortline R-Line is an excellent offering from Volkswagen, albeit a very expensive one.
Its compact size makes it ideal for life in the city – it should suit a small family to a tee. Because the derivative’s powertrain strikes an admirable balance between performance and economy, the T-Cross is as suited to the daily commute as it is to longer journeys. What’s more, it’s undoubtedly one of the best offerings in the segment when it comes to a blend of ride comfort and handling ability.
There really is so much to like about the T-Cross and, after living with it for a month, not only is this second-from-entry-level derivative easy to recommend, it’s also easy to understand why it’s currently the third best-selling car in Mzansi. It really is a fantastic offering! If you can afford one, you can’t go wrong with the T-Cross!
Buy a Volkswagen T-Cross on Cars.co.za
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