Volkswagen’s practical B-Segment T-Cross SUV gets a mid-life facelift, and improved drivability. Therefore in-short, more street flair and substance
Singapore – I have quite the soft spot for the Volkswagen T-Cross. In a different life, I took this B-Segment SUV up some of Cameron Highland’s old roads, where its tiny one-litre three-cylinder engine was surprisingly in its element.
With its due mild customary mid-life facelift, VW has kept their T-Cross looking and feeling as fresh as the day they launched the small SUV. Most notable tweaks include bumper and grille work, and at the rear, it now sports nifty three-dimensional tail lamps. New too is the IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlight technology, which we first saw on the Touareg flagship SUV.
The variant we have here, is adorned with the premium ‘R–Line’ kit, which means it receives 18-inch ‘Misano’ alloys – an inch larger than the ‘Manila’ alloys found on the ‘Style’ variant. It also receives additional driver aids like, Adaptive Cruise Control and Travel Assist and Lane keeping system, among its suite of tricks.
Like in the previous car, the R-Line trim retains its Beats premium audio system, which comes equipped with six speakers and a spare-mounted woofer. However, I still have the opinion that this is more brand than substance.
All that said, the T-Cross interior is a pleasant place to be in, and if you are familiar with VW’s range of cars, there is a certain carry-over of quality from its larger siblings, which comes appreciated.
At the rear, legroom is generally acceptable for a B-Segment SUV, and even with that slight-sloping roofline, headroom is decent. Being a small car, I value that the boffins at VW have also worked out some added versatility for the 385-litre boot. It has a collapsible floor to allow for bulkier objects, while the rear bench can be rolled forward by 140mm, leaving you with up to 455 litres – and that is before you fold the rear seats down.
The 1.0 turbocharged 3-cylinder produces the same 113hp and 200Nm. However, with some tweaks, its maximum torque band spreads from 2,000 to 3,500rpms, as opposed to 2,000 to 3,000rpms previously. This means under heavier acceleration, the engine does not run out of puff so easily. Another notable improvement is the elimination of that annoying exhaust resonance drone when the DSG reaches top gear at lower speeds. Yes, it does feel more alive, but more importantly for me, that 1-litre has become more “usable”.
In ‘Eco Mode’, the dual-clutch transmission is programmed to allow the T-Cross to coast over short distances, by disengaging, which does notably contribute to the SUV’s near-stellar fuel economy. On paper, the 1.0 delivers 15.9km/l, though I managed 18.3km/l, without trying too hard.
Overall, it cruises well, with the suspension doing a quite the good job of soaking up the bumps. The rear torsion suspension does rear itself over more uneven surfaces; while those 18-inch rims do not help, since they feed some harshness into the cabin. But the overall ride quality for a car with this footprint in my books, is rather decent, if not quite pleasant.
Punch the SUV into a bend, and you will be rewarded with handling you might not expect from some of its peers. The T-Cross does produce a tiny bit of body roll due to its height, but it is entertaining to drive, and perhaps you might tell yourself this is money well spent.
Competition is rather stiff, with the likes of the Hyundai Kona Hybrid, KIA Niro Hybrid and Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid all boasting a fuel cost advantage. But on the other hand, the T-Cross keeps things simple, with a more natural-driving setup, and also at the time of publishing this review, a lower price point.
Text & Photos: Clifford Chow
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Improved drive quality | 3-cylinder engine be somewhat rough when worked hard |
| Low fuel cost | Beats audio system a let-down |
| Quality interior | R-Line only a bit cheaper than a Golf Life Plus |
Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0 TSI DSG R-Line Facelift
| Drivetrain | Petrol |
| Layout | 999cc, inline 3, turbocharged |
| Power / torque | 113hp / 200Nm |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch |
| Efficiency | 15.9km/l |
| Fuel Capacity | 40 Litres |
| 0-100km/h | 10.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | 192km/h |
| VES Band | B |
| Dealer | Volkswagen Group Singapore |
| Price | S$165,900 with COE and VES |
| Verdict | Fun to drive, easy on fuel cost, unique on our roads |
