STYLE AND SUBSTANCE

VALUE

There are two versions of the T-Cross — the Life priced from $29,990 drive-away and the Style at $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 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.

COMFORT

Despite its diminutive size it’s 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. Hard plastics around the cabin are a let-down, but the seats are comfortable, giving ample support when cornering. Suspension is a bit firm but does a decent job of ironing out bumps. A generous boot, which extends to 455L thanks to a sliding back row, does the trick for shop visits.

SAFETY

The T-Cross got five ANCAP stars with an outstanding 97 per cent rating for adult occupant protection. The Style 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.

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. It’s a sweet driving little SUV, feeling zippy around town and well balanced through corners. Strong brakes feel reassuring but the sevenspeed 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.

ALTERNATIVES MAZDA CX-3 STOURING, FROM ABOUT $30,500 D/A

Sweet driving small SUV packed with safety gear,

but suffers from an ageing cabin and bumpy ride.

NISSAN JUKE ST+, FROM ABOUT $33,500 D/A

Head-turning looks with the latest tech and roomy cabin, but on-road refinement isn’t class leading.

TOYOTA C-HR 2WD, FROM ABOUT $33,200 D/A

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.

VERDICT

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