THE T-Cross was Volkswagen's answer to the huge success that the B-segment SUVs have known and, like the Polo or the “cousins” SEAT Arona and Skoda Kamiq, it uses the MQB-A0 platform.
The use of this platform allows T-Cross to make versatility and the use of interior space two of its main “weapons”. Available in three gear levels — T-Cross (the base version), Life and Style — you can almost say there's a T-Cross for every taste (and wallet).
Now, after having already tested the top version of the German SUV on video, we went to discover the arguments of the Life version with the variant of 95 hp of 1.0 TSI.
Aesthetically, on the outside, there are few differences compared to the top of the Style range, with the smaller wheels being the main difference. Still, the T-Cross maintains the robust look that characterizes it.
Inside the T-Cross
Regardless of the equipment level, T-Cross always presents us with three things: good build quality, hard materials and criticism-proof ergonomics. In the case of the Life version, as it is an intermediate level of equipment, the more colorful finishes give way to more monochromatic (and discreet) ones.
Subscribe to our newsletter
As for the infotainment system, it's business as usual with it proving to be intuitive to use, with easy-to-understand navigation and large buttons. It also has shortcut keys flanking the central screen, which quickly take us to the desired view.
In the Life version the instrument panel is "conventional".
Where T-Cross stands out, being one of its strongest points, is the available space. Despite measuring only 4.11 m in length (12 cm less than the T-Roc), the T-Cross offers room rates that compete with the small family members of the above segment.
To do this, it "leans" on the longitudinally adjustable rear seats to offer either more legroom or a larger luggage compartment — capacity varies between 385 l and 455 l — and more than enough space to carry four adults or the young woman. family that Volkswagen appoints as the target audience of its smallest SUV.
There is no lack of space for those who travel in the rear seats, something that is further aided by their longitudinal adjustment.
At the wheel of the T-Cross
Once seated behind the wheel of the T-Cross we quickly found a comfortable driving position. As for visibility, this is somewhat impaired by the dimension of the C-pillar and, in the unit tested, by the absence of the rear parking camera.
Comfortable by nature, in the Life version the T-Cross sees this trend increased, largely thanks to higher profile tyres. However, if these tires not only help to increase comfort but also the versatility of the German SUV, they end up passing the bill in terms of dynamics, revealing their limits much sooner.
Speaking of dynamic behavior, the T-Cross is safe, stable and predictable, with a feel very similar to that of the other Volkswagen Group proposals and an interactivity at the wheel that is much lower, for example, than that revealed by the CX-3.
As for the 95 hp 1.0 TSI, this proves to be sufficient for most situations. However, there is a notable preference for national roads instead of highways where you feel some “shortness of lungs” and we are forced to use the gearbox (five-speed manual) to “energize” the small tri-cylinder when overtaking.
Fortunately, what the 1.0 TSI lacks in performance in the 95 hp version it makes up for in frugality, being possible to achieve very low consumptions: calmly you can walk in the house of the 5 l/100 km , and if you're in a bit of a hurry they'll walk around 6 l/100 km (all this without the often annoying “Eco” modes).
Is the car right for me?
If you're a fan of the SUV format, aren't particularly rushed and are looking for a versatile, well-built model with an already quite acceptable level of equipment and, above all, plenty of space, then the T-Cross could well be the ideal car for you.
As for the decision between the level of equipment Life and Style it comes down to just three things: how much you value the level of equipment, some aesthetic details (obviously Style has more… style) and how much are you willing (or can) spend .
Is that if you go for the engine, the Life can also come with the more expeditious version of the 1.0 TSI of 115 hp with a six-speed manual gearbox and you always save some money.