2019 Volkswagen T-Cross

On the sides of the T-Cross two horizontal, sharp character lines from front to rear underline the dynamic appearance of the compact SUV. They form a muscular shoulder at the rear and culminate in a new, equally memorable design element. A bold reflective band spans the rear. Framed by a black trim panel, it is a notable recognition feature in the same way as the distinctive front end. The light band emphasises the width of the vehicle and at the same time signals presence and vitality. The message is: the T-Cross sits robustly on its wheels and is ready for any adventure.

The large wheel arches also emphasise the striking appearance. The dynamically designed wheels also contribute to the distinctive and cool look of the new Volkswagen T-Cross. 16-inch wheels are fitted as standard. In addition, 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels are available as options or for some equipment packages.

The outside of the T-Cross can also be customised in various ways. The owner can choose from twelve exterior finishes. A selection of coloured wheel rims enhances the combination options.

At 4.11 metres in length, the VW T-Cross is around twelve centimetres shorter than the T-Roc. Even so, the latest addition to the Volkswagen SUV range offers easy access for all passengers through four large doors – a major advantage of the modular transverse matrix (MQB), which allows the driven front axle to be positioned much closer to the vehicle front. This facilitates the vibrant and powerful SUV design that gives the Volkswagen T-Cross its unmistakable performance, while also creating a remarkably generous wheelbase. In addition to easier entry, vehicle occupants also benefit from a significant increase in interior space and legroom for both rows of seats. Up to five people can travel in comfort in the vehicle. Meanwhile the new compact SUV has between 385 and 455 litres of stowage space depending on the seat configuration. The T-Cross can also be transformed into the equivalent of a small van in a split second. If the rear bench seat is folded down and the Volkswagen T-Cross loaded up to the roof behind the seats, the volume increases to 1,281 litres – unsurpassed by any other SUV in this segment. The compact dimensions also identify the SUV as a wanderer between two worlds: It is extremely agile, light, and nimble, making it ideally suited to cities around the world.

Take a seat – the new interior

The Volkswagen T-Cross provides good visibility. Anyone who takes a seat in this new Volkswagen will enjoy superior visibility due to the elevated seating position – typical of an SUV. The good all-round visibility also engenders in T-Cross occupants a feeling of safety and confidence. The interior is extremely spacious, giving the occupants the feeling that they are sitting in a larger vehicle. This impression is backed up by the high-quality materials. Due to its impressive flexibility, the vehicle interior can be adapted as required in no time to suit the occupants’ living and transport situation. This flexibility starts with a rear bench seat that can be slid forward or back by 14 centimetres, thereby noticeably increasing the footwell space for the passengers in the second row or the luggage volume as required. It continues with a rear seat backrest, which can be split 60:40 and either fully or partially folded down, and culminates in an optional folding front passenger seat rest which, in combination with a dividing rear bench seat, allowing even very long objects – from wakeboards to ski bags – to be transported.

The large-format dash pads correspond in colour and structure to the seat materials, the steering wheel clasp, the painted central console, the platinum grey trim colour and the exterior finishes. This gives the interior of the vehicle a cool, sporty look. The design packages available for both the Life and Style equipment lines also offer 3D décor for the dash pad, two-tone seat surfaces, a steering wheel clasp and central console in a matching tones, and colour-coordinated wing mirrors and wheels. The owner can choose from three attractive colour variants: Black, Energetic Orange and Bamboo Garden. The indirect ambient lighting further accentuates the vehicle’s interior. Electric windows on all four doors and a height-adjustable driver seat also come as standard.

One highlight is the rear bench seat, which can be slid forward or backward by up to 14 centimetres, thus enabling the footwell or the luggage area to be extended. In addition, the rear seat backrest can be split 60:40 and either fully or partially folded down. Electric windows in all four doors and a height-adjustable driver seat are also provided as standard.

The Volkswagen T-Cross will be available with a digital cockpit featuring a latest-generation eight-inch Infotainment touchscreen and Active Info Display as desired. Both displays are arranged on a single visual and operating axis, thus blending into a clearly visible digital landscape that can be seen by all passengers. The controls are generally very intuitive. An inductive charging interface will ensure sufficient power for smartphones. Up to four USB ports are available as options.

Powerful and economical – the turbocharged engines

The Volkswagen T-Cross will be available with four efficient turbocharged engines to ensure swift travel. The two 1.0 TSI three-cylinder petrol engines with petrol particulate filter generate 70 kW / 95 PS or 85 kW / 115 PS. While the version with 70 kW / 95 PS can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.5 seconds and has a top speed of 180 km/h, the more potent variant can reach 100 km/h in just 9.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 193 km/h (values are identical for the manual gearbox and DSG variants).The ranger topper is the 1.5 TSI four-cylinder version, which can rely on 110 kW / 150 PS. It goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds and has a top speed of 220 km/h. A 1.6 TDI four-cylinder engine with 70 kW / 95 PS completes the range. In conjunction with the manual gearbox, it requires 12.0 seconds to reach 100 km/h (12.4 seconds for the DSG) and has a top speed of 181 km/h (180 km/h for the DSG). All engines comply with the latest emission standard Euro 6D-TEMP. The two petrol engines with 1.0 litre capacity belong to the established EA211 Volkswagen engine family, with a crankcase made from die-cast aluminium.

Depending on the drivetrain and equipment range selected, a five- or six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed DSG directs power to the front axle. The entry-level petrol engine (70 kW / 95 PS) is combined with a five-speed manual gearbox, while the 85 kW / 115 PS variant is equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, or with the highly efficient seven-speed DSG as an optional extra. The 1.5 litre petrol engine (110 kW / 150 PS) is paired with a seven-speed DSG as standard. The 1.6 TDI diesel engine is available either with a five-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed DSG. All engines have a start/stop system and brake energy recuperation.

Petrol engines in detail

The basic petrol engine in the 1.0 TSI delivers 70 kW / 95 PS at 5,500 rpm, has a maximum torque of 175 Nm at 2,000 to 3,500 rpm, and is as agile as it is efficient. The three-cylinder engine accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 11.5 seconds and can reach a top speed of 180 km/h.

The second three-cylinder variant of the 1.0 TSI generates power of 85 kW / 115 PS. The turbocharged direct injection engine develops the highest performance at 5,500 rpm. The maximum torque of 200 Nm is available between 2,000 and 3,500 rpm. This version goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds and has a top speed of 193 km/h (values are identical for the manual gearbox and DSG variants).

The four-cylinder 1.5 TSI with 110 kW / 150 PS will also be available shortly after market launch. This high-tech unit is equipped with Active Cylinder Management. Depending on the operating situation, this function shuts down two cylinders temporarily and thus significantly reduces consumption and emissions. The four-cylinder turbocharged engine develops its maximum torque of 250 Nm between 1,500 and 3,500 rpm. It generates maximum power between 5,000 and 6,000 rpm. Special features of the turbocharged engine include the fully variable, map-controlled oil pump; a polymer-coated first main bearing on the crankshaft; efficient indirect charge air cooling and extremely innovative thermal management. The injection pressure is 350 bar. The 1.5 TSI accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 7.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 220 km/h.

Diesel engine in detail

The 1.6 TDI four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine produces 70 kW / 95 PS and provides this power at between 3,250 and 4,000 rpm. The maximum torque is 250 Nm. Common rail injection ensures very quiet combustion. The 1.6 TDI accelerates to 100 km/h in 12.0 seconds (DSG 12.4 seconds) and reaches a top speed of 181 km/h (DSG 180 km/h).

Arrive safely – the assist systems

The Volkswagen T-Cross is equipped with a full range of safety features previously reserved for larger vehicles, making it one of the safest SUVs in its class. In addition to the excellent crash protection features – due to its robust structure – and exemplary occupant protection with comprehensive airbag and belt system, there is a particularly wide range of driver assist systems designed to reduce the risk of a collision from the outset and increase driving comfort. These include, as standard, the Front Assist area monitoring system with Pedestrian Monitoring and City Emergency Brake; the Lane Assist lane departure warning system; Hill Start Assist; the proactive occupant protection system which closes the windows and sliding sunroof, tightens the seat belts and applies additional brake pressure in a potential accident situation; and the Blind Spot Detection lane change assist system with in-built Parking and Manoeuvring Assist. Driver Alert System, automatic adaptive cruise control and Park Assist are also available as options.

Intuitive controls – connectivity

The VW T-Cross provides discerning users with the highest level of networking and connection to the outside world. Even the operation and customisation of the on-board functions are intuitive. Up to four USB ports and inductive wireless charging ensure optimum connectivity and sufficient power for smartphones. The optional keyless locking and starting system Keyless Access makes access to the T-Cross more convenient, while the Light Assist main-beam control automatically switches the main beam on and off as soon as oncoming traffic approaches. Another highlight is the optional sound system from renowned US brand Beats with a 300-watt, 8-channel amplifier and a separate subwoofer in the luggage compartment.

More T-Cross – the specification packages

The Volkswagen T-Cross, already equipped with extensive standard equipment, can be customised and upgraded still further with optional equipment and several attractive packages. The basic variant comes with four doors; an on-board computer; radio composition colour with 6.5-inch colour display; a variable rear bench seat; a height-adjustable driver seat; electric windows at the front and rear; electric wing mirrors; LED tail lights; a speed limiter; Blind Spot Detection; and on-board Lane Assist and Front Assist.

Life is the next equipment variant. It expands on the basic features with, for example, a multifunction steering wheel; Park Distance Control at the front and rear; air conditioning; a height-adjustable front passenger seat; a drawer under the front passenger seat and 16-inch alloy wheels. Items can also be stored in the box between the front seats. The equipment is rounded off with a manual air conditioning system and a variable luggage compartment floor.

In addition to the features already mentioned, Style – the third equipment variant – includes LED headlights; fog lights; a multifunction leather steering wheel; sport/comfort seats at the front; ambient lighting; a Climatronic automatic air conditioner; and 17-inch Chesterfield alloy wheels.

Owners who customise their cars to make it a distinctive expression of their personality can opt for design packages as part of the Life and Style equipment levels. They are available in three colour variants that have an effect both inside and out. Included in the package are the seats, which are covered in Diag Neutral, Diag Orange or Diag Turquoise fabric, tinted side windows, a tinted rear window, 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels with enamel, high-sheen finish and In-mould labelling 3D décor.

Interior and exterior R-line packages are also available for the two equipment lines, and are clearly distinguished by the embossed “R” in the seat backrests, which are covered in Carbon Flag fabric. The vehicle also comes with 17-inch alloy wheels in Metallic Grey; fog lights including cornering light; specific front and rear bumpers; and stainless steel pedals.