VW adds the T-Cross to its line-up

A compact family SUV has been noticeably missing from VW’s local line-up… until now.

- Glenda Williams

Volkswagen’s Polo-based SUV, the T-Cross, has filled a gap in its local line-up. The German carmaker had not competed in the compact family SUV/crossover segment, but that changed with the introduction of its small SUV in late September 2019.

Sales of the T-Cross have been solid, proving that the gap needed to be filled. By the end of last year 3 516 units had been sold. This was somewhat of a feat since it operates in a challenging segment with a lengthy list of rivals, including the Ford EcoSport, Honda BR-V, Mazda CX-3 and Renault Duster.

The Comfortline and Highline, both powered by a 1-litre turbo-petrol engine, are on offer. A Trendline entry-level manual, that will sell for less than R300 000, and a more powerful (110kW) 1.5-litre will follow later this year. finweek took to the road in the T-Cross Highline.

Smart styling

The resemblance to the Tiguan and Touareg is marked with it being longer, wider and higher than the Polo with a mix of refined and sporty styling. It’s pretty much a scaled-down version of its larger SUV siblings.

An expressive front spoiler; wide grille; long, flat LED headlights and low recessed fog lights dominate the T-Cross’ face. Horizontal front to rear character lines and aluminium roof rails form a dynamic silhouette.