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2024 Volkswagen T-Cross Style: Quick Review

VWs high-riding polo sibling is the most affordable SUV to wear the VW badge

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Gallery7
7.7/10Score

Things we like

  • Fuel efficiency
  • Cargo space and practicality
  • Nimble handling

Not so much

  • Service costs significantly higher than rivals
  • Laggy auto stop/start
  • Cheap plastics throughout cabin

The Volkswagen T-Cross entered the competitive light SUV market based on the popular Polo hatchback.

As a newcomer– having only landed in 2020– it aims to make a mark with its unique blend of fresh looks and urban agility.

A late 2024 update is expected for the model in the third quarter of next year.

But in a booming segment with so many emerging options, let's see what VW has introduced to compete.

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VW T-Cross Style with R-Line package shown

Pricing and Features

The T-Cross is positioned as an accessible entry into the Volkswagen SUV family, offering only two variants – Life and Style. Both are automatic, front-wheel drive configurations.

The Life is priced from $30,990, and the Style grade additions will set you back (an extra $2500) at $33,490 before on -roads.

Both grades adopt the same teeny 1.0-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine making s 85kW of power and 200Nm of torque, with the only choice as a 7-speed automatic transmission.

On a combined cycle, the T-Cross uses 5.4 litres of fuel which is perfect for those doing their daily commutes.

Volkswagen T-Cross standard features
8.0-inch touchscreenApple CarPlay/Android Auto
Six-speaker sound systemCD player
BluetoothReversing camera
Front and rear parking sensorsAutonomous emergency braking
Lane-keep assistLane departure warning
Driver fatigue detectionVehicle distance warning
Cruise control with speed limiterTyre pressure monitoring
Rain-sensing windscreen wipersDusk-sensing headlights
Auto-dimming rear-view mirrorAir conditioning
Leather wrapped steering wheel
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The exterior design of the T-Cross is one of its strongest selling points, featuring bold lines, a charismatic front fascia, 16-inch alloy wheels and LED Daytime Running Lights that gives it a modern edge.

Inside, the T-Cross surprises with its clever use of space. Despite its compact dimensions, the interior feels roomy with one of the segments best cargo capacities from 385L to 455L when the rear seats are on the forward position.

The dashboard is ergonomically designed, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

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Spending the extra $2500 on the Style variant will add:

  • 17-inch alloys
  • Dual-zone climate control
  • Keyless entry and start
  • LED headlights
  • Auto high beam
  • Extra driver assist tech
  • Premium cloth upholstery
  • Front and rear carpet floor mats
  • LED ambient dashboard lighting
  • Paddle shifters

For an additional $2200, you can add the Sound and Vision Package.

Sound and Vision Package
Beats premium sound systemUpgraded infotainment system
Digital instrument clusterSatellite navigation
Voice controlsWireless phone charger
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Solid white is the only no-cost paint choice, while other solid, pearl and metallic colours as $600-$900 options.

And lastly, an R-Line Package is available for $2600, which includes:

R-Line package
18-inch alloy wheels Dark tinted rear glass
Black headlining and pillar trimFront and rear bumpers in R-styling painted in body colour
Carbon Flag sports cloth and microfibre upholsteryR-Line scuff plates in front door sills
Carpet floor mats Race decorative dashboard panel

Safety

The Volkswagen T-Cross boasts a five-star ANCAP safety rating and includes a variety of standard driver assistance features.

These include front and rear parking sensors and manoeuvre braking, which helps prevent collisions with unseen objects or people.

The vehicle also features standard cruise control, driver fatigue detection, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and lane-keep assist.

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Key Rivals

The T-Cross finds competition in other light SUVs, including:

Like others in the segment, manufacturers are using light SUVs as alternatives to previously popular light cars that are slowly declining like the Mazda 2 and Toyota Yaris.

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Should I Put It On My Shortlist?

The 2024 Volkswagen T-Cross Life is an excellent choice for those seeking a compact and economical SUV for daily driving.

If you're looking for a vehicle that's well-suited for city living and offers great value, the T-Cross Style is definitely worth considering.

Both the 85 TSI Style and Life are quite similar, but the Style makes the proposition of moving up a variant an easy proposition with notable additions.

These extra features, such as adaptive cruise control and more active safety technologies, account for a significant part of the price difference.

So if you're looking for the extra luxuries and safety, the $2500 jump builds a very strong case for itself.


7.7/10Score

Things we like

  • Fuel efficiency
  • Cargo space and practicality
  • Nimble handling

Not so much

  • Service costs significantly higher than rivals
  • Laggy auto stop/start
  • Cheap plastics throughout cabin

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