Big plans for VW’s small wonder

Can Volkswagen’s most compact SUV be a success? Ryan Hirons finds out...

Another day, another new SUV from the VW Group - and this time it’s the smallest yet: The Volkswagen T-Cross. Based on the firm’s MQB platform, it’s similar in size to its Polo hatchback and sits below the T-Roc in the range, which itself has become Europe’s class bestseller since its 2017 launch. With tough competition from the likes of Nissan’s Juke and Mazda’s CX-3, plus the imminent rival of the Ford Puma, it’s going to have to be special to emulate that success.

WHAT’S NEW?

This is an entirely new model, and one spawned from the T-Cross Breeze concept shown in 2016. Though fresh to the range, it does take a healthy amount of parts from the breadth of the VW catalogue - namely its choice of 1.0 TSI petrol engines, DSG gearbox options and wide array of safety and luxury gizmos on offer. Notably absent at launch is a diesel engine option - though one is available on the continent, and VW UK hasn’t ruled out bringing it over down the line. WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? The T-Cross is designed first and foremost for the city, and that’s where it excels. A combination of light steering, compact dimensions and excellent visibility results in a car that’s perfectly at home when navigating concrete jungles - and softly-set suspension allows it to absorb speed bumps and potholes without an issue. WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

A boxy cabin design features, with good quality materials deployed for the steering wheel, switchgear and other points of contact. As for space, five can be seated comfortably - particularly when the sliding rear row is taken advantage of, creating as much as 14cm of extra legroom, though it’s not lacking in the first place for a car of this size. The T-Cross also boasts 455 litres of boot space when the rear seats are moved forward, putting it comfortably ahead of the Mazda CX-3’s 350-litre and Nissan Juke’s 345-litre capacities.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE? Pricing begins at £16,995, making it one of the most expensive in its class, for an entry S model. It’s quite light on equipment, with the only noticeable additions being 16-inch alloy wheels and an eight-inch infotainment display with Bluetooth support plus

DAB radio. There is, however, a generous helping of no-cost safety equipment such as automatic post-collision braking, automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assistance. THE VERDICT

VW is onto another hit in its ever-more successful SUV range with the T-Cross. It blends style and practicality into a package that’s perfect for the city, which is where these cars are destined to spend a good chunk of their time on the road. A decent amount of safety equipment as standard is a positive too, although I’d like to have seen some of that generosity extend further into the luxury bonuses thrown in the package.