Adding to the company’s global SUV offensive, Volkswagen will soon be launching the compact SUV T-Cross in South Africa, adding to the Tiguan and Touareg in what is a highly competitive market as people seek to add some ruggedness to their urban commuters.
Up front, it’s a head-turner, with design sophistication, casual style, practicality and extreme cost-effectiveness ticking lots of boxes right there.
That all-important fuel economy has been addressed with small capacity blown powerplants. The one-litre turbocharged engine delivers 85kW and the 1.5-litre three-pot brings 11kW, with the entry level one-litre at 70kW.
The impression is lasting. With, a striking front-end and dominant grille, two sharp character lines down the sides that form a muscular shoulder and bold reflective band across the rear, the T-Cross is unmistakeable.
The T-Cross measures 4.2m in length, 182 millimetres more than the Polo, and the 2.55m wheelbase is generous, allowing a spacious interior with enough room for five people. Safety is right up there, too.
The car comes with three trim line offerings. Pricing to be announced closer to launch in the fourth quarter this year.