Volkswagen has finally taken the wraps off its new T-Cross, a Polo-sized crossover bound for South Africa that slots into the brand’s burgeoning global crossover line-up below the T-Roc.
Of course, the latter is not destined for South Africa, so when it arrives on local shores in 2019, the new T-Cross will be positioned below the Tiguan and compete against the likes of the Ford EcoSport, Hyundai Creta (and Kona), Renault Captur and Mazda CX-3.
Running on the Wolfsburg-based brand’s ubiquitous MQB platform, the five-seater T-Cross measures 4,11 metres long, with a wheelbase of 2,56 metres. The sliding rear seat can be adjusted by 140 mm, allowing either more passenger legroom or more luggage space.
The luggage compartment itself thus holds between 385 and 455 litres. But thanks to the rear seatback that folds down fully or partially, VW says it’s possible to create a flat loading space with up to 1 281 litres of storage volume.
The T-Cross will be offered with a choice of four turbocharged engines (all sending their oomph to the front wheels): three petrol and a single diesel. The familiar 1,0 TSI three-cylinder petrol engine (with a petrol particulate filter) generates either 70 kW or 85 kW, while the flagship draws 110 kW from its 1,5 TSI four-cylinder heart. The 1,6 TDI four-cylinder engine, meanwhile, offers diesel drivers some 70 kW.
Plenty of big-car kit is expected to be available, including pedestrian monitoring and city emergency braking, plus lane-keeping assist, hill-start assist, blind spot detection and rear traffic alert. Options will include automatic adaptive cruise control and park assist.
Inside the Polo-like cabin, VW says wireless smartphone charging will be offered, along with “up to four” USB ports.
