VW T-Cross remains a sensible and suave choice for the family
As we round out the longest month of the year, it finally feels like plans for 2024 can start to take shape.
For many that might include purchasing a new vehicle, but with so much to choose from it becomes a question of where to begin.
And while most might not have the means to join the million bucks bakkie club, the sensible and ever popular B-segment crossover market is continuing to grow in popularity with its added ground clearance and fuel economy, to boot.
Among them is the Volkswagen T-Cross Comfortline, which, in a nutshell, is an exceptionally easy vehicle to live with.
While the Germans have many faster and flashier options in the their stable, the functionality and frugality of this compact crossover is fit for purpose.
The month-long test vehicle proved to be to a surprisingly spacious, economical and stylish family-friendly addition to the festive season below the R400,000 bracket.
With family from Mthatha spending the holidays in the Friendly City, the T-Cross opened its boot, with 377l of space, and doors to cart kids, cargo and compliments as we cruised in and around the metro at about 6l/100km.
The reliable 1l turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 70kW and 175nM, mated to the soft shifting fivespeed manual transmission, proved to be a winning combination that provided a smooth drive and effortless acceleration, considering the size of the engine in comparison to the vehicle.
Cornering in the T-Cross is also an easy exercise as the vehicle feels well balanced on its 205/55/17 Manila alloy wheels, with cabin noise being virtually non-existent.
And whether it was cruising along the freeway, moving between lanes in traffic, tackling the bends on outlying roads of the city or hitting the gravel pathways leading to more secluded venues, the T-Cross felt confident and comfortable, regardless of the speed or terrain.
In addition to the Manila alloys, the optional R-Line, kitpriced at about R22,000, fitted to our test vehicle and coupled by the powerfolding mirrors, daytime running LED lights, as well as roof racks, give the TCross a stylish but not flamboyant facade, fitting the family-orientated lifestyle its targeting.
With the dimensions of the T-Cross being 4,235mm long, 1,782mm wide and 1,584mm high, with 180mm of ground clearance, one does feel perfectly
perched on the comfortable grey and black seats, with the elevated ride height providing a touch of class to the classic interior.
And with beach days and play dates being the order of the vacation, the 377l boot swallowed cooler boxes, bags and toys with ease, with the box frame of the vehicle providing ample space for five adults or the whole bang shoot of brats ... I mean, children!
With a good ol’ pull-up handbrake, which had to be pulled quite high to hold, twist dials for the air conditioning and the novelty of a rare cigarette lighter, the interior is simplistic yet suave enough to standoff against its competitors.
While the vehicle is cosy in light of some old school charm, it is by no means outdated in terms of tech, with a horde of creature comforts coming as standard.
This includes a leatherwrapped multifunction steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, front and rear park distance control, semi-autonomous parking assistant, two USB-C charging ports, a wireless charging pad, full electric windows, a clear reverse camera and, of course, an easy to use touch screen infotainment system with AppConnect.
The vehicle does boost bits of leather and carbon fibre styling, but also features a lot of hard plastics.
Regardless, the build quality is of a high standard and the cabin is a neat and ergonomical place to be in.
On the safety front, the vehicle has anti-lock brakes, traction control, hill hold assist, six airbags and stability control, among other features.
Overall, the T-Cross is a sensible choice of vehicle with good road manners, spacious interior, sufficient in terms of technology and sophisticatedly styled despite the model already turning five years old in 2024.
A refreshed version of the vehicle is set to be launched this year.
The Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0 TSI Comfortline manual is priced at R399,00 and the top of the range 1.5 TSI R-Line costs R541,900.
The price includes a three year/120,000km warranty and three year/45,000km EasyDrive Service Plan.