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February 25, 2021
Test Drive of the Volkswagen T-Cross, a Compact SUV | Volkswagen
Volkswagen T-Cross | Volkswagen T-Cross
Test Drive of the Volkswagen T-Cross, a Compact SUV | Volkswagen
Volkswagen Group Japan has begun accepting pre-orders for the new Golf, scheduled for release within 2021, and has also unveiled a teaser site. A campaign offering support for option costs will be available for those who place early reservations by Wednesday, March 31st.
Text by OGAWA Fumio | Photographs by MOCHIZUKI Hirohiko
A Unique Style That Expresses Individuality Without Being Ostentatious
If you're looking for an SUV that's easy to use in the city and offers a high-quality feel, the Volkswagen T-Cross is an option. Launched in Japan in early 2019, its compact size of 4.1 meters in length seems to be a hit. The driving performance is surprisingly powerful for a 1-liter engine.
What's good about the T-Cross, I think, is its unique style. The body, with a height of 1.58 meters, looks like an elongated version of the Volkswagen's masterpiece compact hatchback, the Polo. The design around the lamps is intricate, and the color schemes using two-tone paint are also enjoyable.
In particular, the "Design Package" specification features color differentiation on the outside mirrors and wheels. Furthermore, the interior, down to the dashboard and seat fabric, showcases the meticulous work of Volkswagen's color designers.
Among other car manufacturers, some are trying to stand out purely through styling. Even so, the T-Cross is currently a top runner when it comes to creating an atmosphere that is both understated and effective. It feels like a perfect fit for market preferences.
High Functionality as a Compact Lifestyle Car
The engine is a 999cc 3-cylinder gasoline. Only the front-wheel-drive model equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG) is imported to Japan. As a side note, when I test-drove the manual transmission version overseas, I felt the DSG was better.
The maximum output is 85kW (116ps) with a maximum torque of 200Nm. While it doesn't feel exceptionally powerful, it's sufficient for this car weighing 1270kg. However, sound insulation is somewhat lacking, and various noises from the engine bay enter the cabin.
Rather than enjoying cornering, the T-Cross excels at being driven assertively around town, thanks to its compact size. Nevertheless, I was surprised by the excellent suspension setup. While it feels slightly firm for everyday driving, on uneven surfaces, the suspension extends fully, smoothly absorbing road imperfections. The driver's posture remains stable. I was impressed by the work of Volkswagen's suspension engineers.
With a ground clearance of 180mm, it offers ample space for a crossover SUV. Therefore, accessing unpaved areas with the front-wheel-drive system, such as vacation spots in the woods, seems quite feasible.
The rear seats have a mechanism that allows them to slide forward and backward by 14cm, so if you're traveling with two people, you can carry a considerable amount of luggage. Considering this aspect, I would rate its functionality as a compact lifestyle car highly.
Improved Connectivity Through Equipment Changes
In December 2020, equipment changes were implemented. These applied to the "T-Cross TSI 1st" and "T-Cross TSI 1st Plus" models, which were initially released as special introductory editions. The digital instrument cluster "Active Info Display" was added. Navigation information is also displayed between the speedometer and tachometer, reducing the need for the driver to shift their gaze.
The aforementioned two models are also equipped with the "Discover Media" navigation system featuring an 8-inch monitor. A key feature is its ability to perform online map updates.
Furthermore, it incorporates the online service "We Connect," which maintains a constant "connected" state via an eSIM-equipped communication module. This service is linked with smart devices, enhancing convenience by allowing remote locking and unlocking of vehicle doors and the trunk, and automatically notifying roadside assistance call centers with location information in case of a breakdown.
The "T-Cross TSI 1st" and "T-Cross TSI 1st Plus" are equipped with adaptive cruise control that automatically follows the preceding vehicle to a complete stop, a parking assist system, a pre-crash braking system, and a blind spot detection system that monitors the vehicle's blind spots.
The "T-Cross TSI 1st" is priced at 3,019,000 yen. The "T-Cross TSI 1st Plus," which includes lane keeping assist, high beam assist, paddle shifters, interior ambient lighting, and 215/45R18 tires (compared to 205/60R16 for the TSI 1st), is priced at 3,379,000 yen.
