The Volkswagen T-Cross has been quite the hit since its launch backinSeptember 2019. Now the range has been expanded to include the high-spec 1.5 turbocharged petrol model and here's how much it costs.

Volkswagen is rapidly expanding its SUVlineup [have you seen the Dune Buggy?] and the firm reckons that by 2025, every second Volkswagen sold will be an SUV. Furthermore, in that same year, Volkswagen will be offering more than 30 SUV models in markets all over the world.

The new Polo-based T-Cross will initially slot in under the Tiguan family car in Volkswagen SA's line-up, until next year, when the bigger (but still technically a compact family car) T-Roc will split them. Some of the Volkswagen T-Cross' rivals include the Ford EcoSport, Hyundai Creta, Honda HR-V, Nissan Qashqai and Suzuki Vitara.

The interior of the T-Cross is similar to that of the popular Polo which by all accounts should bode well for this new model.

It rides on the MQB A0 platform shared with the Polo and measures 4 200 mmlong, boasts a wheelbase of 2 551mm and is 1 584 metres high.Despite its compact dimensions, there's a strong focus on practicality, with 377 litres of space being touted in the boot. However, this can be expanded to 455 litres if you slide the second row of seats forward. Fold them flat and you gain access to 1 281 litres of carrying capacity.

The T-Cross will be equipped with LED headlights (optional) and will ride on wheel sizes ranging from16- to18-inches. At least 12 exterior colour options (including two-tone) will be available to customers. The interior is very much familiar from the new Polo will be available with two-colour dash pads as well as Volkswagen's digital cockpit. Inductive smartphone charging and up to 4 USB ports will be offered. Electric windows and a height adjustable driver and passenger seat will be standard across the range and a 300W Beats sounds system with an 8-channel amplifier and subwoofer will be offered as an option.

As part of Volkswagen's efforts to improve in-car connectivity, the T-Cross will debut the VW Connect dataplug. The dataplug is plugged into the Onboard Diagnostic Interface and then sends vehicle data via Bluetooth to the owner's smartphone, showing information such as car data, service information, driving style assessments, fuel consumption data andlocation information, to name a few. This system will be rolled out across the rest of the Volkswagen vehicle range in 2020 and will replace the current My VW App in South Africa. The VW Connect dataplug will be standard on Comfortline, Highline and R-Line derivatives.

A host of driver assistance features will be offered. Adriver alert system will bestandard, but a front-assistambient monitoring system with pedestrian monitoring and city emergency braking, rear-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, proactive occupant protection,blind-spot detection, hill start assist,automatic adaptive cruise control and Park Assist will be on the optionslist. The T-Cross holds a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

Trim options

The T-Cross looks striking when specced in Energetic Orange which is optional in Highline guise.

The Volkswagen T-Cross will be offered in 3 trim levels including Trendline, Comfortline and Highline.

The T-Cross Trendline features 16-inch steel wheels,LED daytime running lights and tail lights, colour-coded handles and mirrors, electrically adjustable and heated side mirrors, electric windows at the front and rear, height and lumbar adjustable driver and passenger seats, split folding rear seats, tyre pressure monitor and a6.5-inch 'Composition Colour' display.Front and side airbags are also included as well asRest Assist and a Titanium black seat and instrument panel, black carpets and ceramique headliner.

Moving up to the mid-spec T-Cross Comfortline derivative, you can expect 16-inch Belmont alloy wheels,black roof rails, front fog lights, leather multi-function steering wheel with multi-function display, Park Distance Control (front and rear), cruise control, Light and Sight Package and a front centre armrest. Optional features for this trim line will include an R-Line exterior with 17-inch Manila alloy wheels, Beats sound system, inductive wireless charger,Composition Media with App-Connect, Discover Media (with Navigation), Active Info Display, Park Assist with Rear View Camera and Foldable Mirrors, Adaptive Cruise Control (includes Blind Spot Monitor, Foldable Mirrors, Lane Assist and Front Assist, LED headlights with Rear View Camera, Keyless Entry and Removable Towbar.

The top-spec Highline derivative adds standard features such as 18-inch Cologne alloy wheels, Comfort Sport Seats, inductive wireless charging, driving profile selection, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, LED headlights andComposition Media with App-Connect. Options for the T-Cross Highline include an R-Line exterior with 18-inch Nevadaalloy wheels, Design Package in Energetic Orange, Beats sound system, Discover Media (with Navigation), Active Info Display, Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control (includes Blind Spot Monitor, Foldable Mirrors, Lane Assist and Front Assist), Keyless Entry, Removable Towbar and Titanium Black-Energetic Orange seats, titanium black instrument panel, black carpets and ceramique headliner.

Engine Choice

The T-Cross took the market by storm and many have found homes in SA.

From launch, the new T-Cross will be offered with a turbocharged, 3-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine offering 85 kW and 200 Nm of torque with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 4.9 L/100km and makes use of a 7-speed DSG transmission. A70 kW version will arrive on local soil in Q22020 with a starting price below R300k in Trendline guise and will be offered with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Volkswagen T-Cross 1.5 110kW R-Line

A range-topping 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine will also be offered but will only be available in Q1of 2020. Update: the 1.5 has arrived in SA and we can share the outputs plus price. The 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder produces 110 kW and 250 Nm, with power driving the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Fuel economy is claimed at 5.2 L/100 km. It will be the most potent of T-Cross models, with a claimed 0-100 in 8.5 seconds. It's available exclusively as an R-Line model.

It comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels,Composition Media + App-Connect + Inductive Charging,Active Info Display and there are some options to be considered like a beats sound system atR9 150andPark Assist + Rear-view Camera + Powerfold Mirrors forR9 300?.

Volkswagen T-Cross Price in South Africa (April2020)

1.0 TSI 85kW Comfortline DSG R353 700

1.0 TSI 85kW Highline DSG R385 500

1.5 TSI 110kW R-Line DSG R403 500

The T-Cross comes standard with a 3-year/120 000 km warranty,a 3-year/45000 km Volkswagen Service Plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. The service interval is 15 000 km.

Further Reading

Living with the Volkswagen T-Cross

New VWs Coming to SA in 2020

New Volkswagen T-Cross vs Volkswagen Polo – Which one should you buy?

Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0TSI Highline R-Line (2019) Review

Ciro De Siena drove the T-Cross in Spain, watch the video below or read his report here!