The spacious T-Cross has a tiny turning circle of 10.4 metres making it a perfect all-rounder with 180mm ground clearance.
By Rubin van Niekerk
The spacious T-Cross has a tiny turning circle of 10.4 metres making it a perfect all-rounder with 180mm ground clearance. Carting various items including, pot plants, a chair and art was easy with such a low loading bay and small boot lip. Effortlessly dropping the flat rear seats transforms the T-Cross Roc into a perfect load carting SUV. Driving in 4th Avenue Parkhurst is challenging for most vehicles, as making a U-turn around a tiny traffic circle requires a three-point turn. The T-Cross did this easily without such cumbersome requirements. Being so nimble and lighter than most small hatchbacks at only 1140kg makes it the perfect urban SUV. It is at home everywhere and long-distance driving in total silence, seated comfortably removes the challenge of driving far while enjoying your favourite music. Technologically it is highly advanced, and the 3-cylinder turbocharged engine received top marks for reliability and longevity in the highly respected German tabloid Bild-Zeitung. The fact that there are so many T-Cross Volkswagens on the road says it all. The sporty 85 kW R-Line flagship is tastefully specced with understated elegance and the silky DSG 7-speed dual-clutch automatic is slick.
This three-cylinder 1.0 TSI develops 85kW at 5000-5500rpm and 200Nm from 2000-3500rpm making it an ideal power range for relaxed or rushed driving. This forgiving front-wheel driven car handles well with wheels placed close to the edges of the car, providing a spacious interior. You can reach 100kmh in approximately 10.2 seconds with a top speed of 193kmh. We achieved 7.8L/100km on average with mostly trips under 25km daily with minimal freeway driving. Achieving 7.2L/100km is more realistic with a little more freeway driving. Around town the DSG purrs quietly with plenty performance on tap above 1800rpm. On the open road it gears up to 7th at about 80kmh, ensuring refinement and economy. Overtaking is effortless. It has a great suspension that handles sharp urban ridges and corrugations better than most rivals. Body roll is minimal with a light but accurate steering in all scenarios. Braking performance is consistent and aided with VW’s standard Muti-Collision Braking as well as hill-start assist. Noise levels are good, and the three-cylinder thrum is only audible at the red line. I liked the logically placed controls and interior space with ample head room for tall people.
Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a visually clear touchscreen is easy to use. Safety spec includes ABS, ESC, multiple airbags and ISOFIX.
www.vw.co.za
