Assuredly I cannot be alone in becoming not just heartily confused by the arrival of another ‘SUV’ but also by VW’s insistence that it needs to fill a niche that might exist below T-Roc, also a compact crossover model and part of a, now, five-strong SUV family. My primary concern is that VW is currently No.1 in the world, which places it on a pedestal, off which it becomes increasingly possible to tumble…or be pushed. At a moment in car manufacturing time, when consolidation might be a better option, T-Cross could be folly.
Weighing-in at a list price of £16,995 (prior to any discounting), rising to £26,740 (R-Line trim, 1.6-litre TDi), be careful, because VW is well-practised at hiking-up its prices and the options are not merely plentiful but also costly. Yet, in entry-level S form, powered by the charming 999cc, three-cylinder, light-pressure turbocharged petrol engine and driving through a 5-speed manual gearbox, it is a seriously engaging package. The engine develops a modest 92bhp and 118lbs ft of torque and it lacks nothing on the performance front, feeling both willing and energetic, sipping fuel at up to 57.6mpg, while emitting CO2 at a rate of 112g/km, which equates to a first year’s road tax of £170 and £145 annually thereafter.
S trim is not the spartan option, as 16.0-inch diameter alloy wheels are standard, as are body-coloured bumpers, electric windows, halogen lights (LEDs are optional), blind-spot monitor, lane-keeping technology and both phone and music connectivity options. I should highlight that the orange paint finish of the car photographed is optional on SE and SEL trim levels, as part of the Design Pack, which looks great photographically and might encourage you to make the £1,820 step-up a level, before factoring in the paint and trim costs. However, let us stay with the entry-level.
The cloth covered seats look attractive but the bolsters are not quite as firm as their edges might suggest. It is not so much the seats that hug the hips but the door panels and centre console. Mind you, the overall soft-touch trim that clads the dashboard’s upper surface only, the rest consists of hard but good quality plastic mouldings, is the only sop to a more upmarket appeal. The instrumentation is a paragon of clarity and, while more comprehensive than an Up! is still a basic installation.
There is a 113bhp zestier version of the 1.0-litre unit available, which can be mated to either a 7-speed DSG, or 6-speed manual gearbox, and the aforementioned 1.6TDi unit in 92bhp form. Whether VW will install its 147bhp 1.5-litre petrol unit is undecided but, as the T-Roc employs it, VW may decide to leave it in that ballpark. T-Cross is a roomy machine and handles with surprising aplomb, if being a little prone to body roll. I kind of get it but I have my reservations about it being one-SUV-too-far.
