A T-cross to bear
As a Volkswagen T-cross owner, I read your As Good As New article on it (4 August) with interest. I consider it a classic ‘style over substance’ car.
The speedo reads up to 160mph, meaning the dial is so crowded that it only has even numbers. Thus you must guess 30, 50 and 70mph. I’ve used the tape from the top of a biscuit packet to help keep my licence! Also, the multiple USB ports are microsized, so I now have four adapters.
My T-cross is in SE trim, so it has the fancy boot floor – which now hangs in my garage. Why? Because the only way to carry a full-size spare wheel is vertically.
You recommend the 1.0 TSI 115 engine for better motorway cruising. Warning: I save only 200rpm at a cruise when compared with my old five-speed Seat Ibiza.
When checking out a used T-cross, make sure to press the ‘nav’ button, because sat-nav is an extra available via the Volkswagen app, not fitted as standard. In fact, generally check the touchscreen; my Ibiza’s was bad, but the one in my T-cross is dreadful.
In addition, check the returns of the front doors for poor paint finish.
If you want to know how cheesesparing Volkswagen has been on the T-cross, try closing the tailgate with the internal grip (have a plaster handy). You will also find a vacant hole where a safety triangle ought be.
Unless you need the height, as unfortunately I do, stay with the Ibiza or Volkswagen Polo. The T-cross is a barge – a better barge than the Nissan Juke I tried, but still a barge!
Thomas Dutton
Via email