Volkswagen T-Cross review: Funky small car is the height of fashion

Australians are buying SUVs by the boat load, and now VW has a funky and stylish little high-rider with features that are sure to wow bueyrs.

Volkswagen is fashionably late to the compact SUV party. But the Polo-based T-Cross brings style and flair to a segment where image is everything.

VALUE

There are two versions of the T-Cross — the Life priced from $29,990 drive-away and the Style costing $32,990 — we are testing the latter. Aimed at younger buyers the T-Cross has all the desired equipment including an 8.0-inch display with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a wireless charging pad for later model phones.

The Volkswagen T-Cross is based on the Polo small hatch.

The test car had the R-Line package costing $2500, which comes with 18-inch alloys, faux leather and suede sports seats, a leather sports steering wheel and other styling touches.

There’s also the $1900 Sound and Vision pack that elevates the look of the cabin with an outstanding 10.25-inch digital cockpit, an impressive 300W Beats audio system and satnav.

A five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty provides peace of mind and servicing costs $1800 over five years, which won’t break the bank.

VW’s digital instrument display is the best in class, but it will cost extra.

COMFORT

Despite its diminutive size the T-Cross is surprisingly roomy, with plenty of head and shoulder room for front passengers. The back row can take two adults with ease and there are two USB ports for charging devices.

Hard plastics around the cabin are a let-down, but the seats are comfortable, providing ample support when cornering. Suspension is a bit firm but does a decent job of soaking up bumps of all sizes. A generous boot, which extends to 455L thanks to a sliding back row, does the trick for visits to the shops.

The cabin’s hard plastics are a let down.

SAFETY

The T-Cross received a five-star ANCAP safety rating with an outstanding 97 per cent rating for adult occupant protection.

The Style model has auto emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, driver fatigue detection and a reversing camera with front and rear parking sensors.

Funky colours and cool styling will appeal to younger buyers.

DRIVING

Power comes from a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol unit making 85kW and 200Nm, which gives a gruff little rumble as you put your foot down. Power is adequate and torque is served in healthy portions low down in the rev range. Fuel use is a stellar 5.4L/100km but it requires more expensive premium unleaded.

The T-Cross is a sweet driving little SUV, feeling zippy around town and well balanced through corners. Strong brakes feel reassuring but the seven-speed dual-clutch auto is grabby when parking and sometimes gets the hiccups when crawling along in bumper to bumper traffic.

On the highway the T-Cross feels solid at speed and radar cruise control is a saviour on longer trips.

Direct steering and a punchy little turbo engine make the T-Cross a fun little SUV to drive.

VERDICT 3.5/5

A funky and cool SUV with a willing and fuel-efficient engine, although you have to pay extra to make the cabin feel special.

ALTERNATIVES

Mazda CX-3 sTouring, from about $30,500 drive-away

Sweet driving small SUV that is packed with safety gear, but suffers from an ageing cabin and bumpy ride.

Nissan Juke ST+, from about $33,500 drive-away

Head turning looks with all the latest tech and a roomy cabin, but value and on-road refinement are question marks.

Toyota C-HR 2WD, from about $33,200 drive-away

Funky looking compact SUV with Toyota’s reputation for reliability and low running costs. Back seat is a little cramped and the small turbo engine requires premium unleaded.

VOLKSWAGEN T-CROSS STYLE VITALS

Price: $32,990 drive-away

Warranty/servicing: 5 years, unl’td km/ $1800 for five years

Engine: 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol, 85kW/200Nm

Safety: Five stars, seven airbags, auto emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist and rear view camera with front and rear parking sensors.

Thirst: 5.4L/100km

Boot: 455L

Originally published as Volkswagen T-Cross review: Funky small car is the height of fashion