New facelift for the Volkswagen T-Cross, still costs under £24k

• New exterior and interior tweaks
• Starts from under £24,000
• On sale in the UK now

With car buyers having more small SUVs to choose from than ever before, Volkswagen has treated the T-Cross to a facelift to ensure it remains competitive in such a hotly-contested segment. It’s the smallest and cheapest SUV offered by the German marque, and these latest tweaks bring its looks and interior tech up to date with its bigger siblings.

What's new for 2024 with the Volkswagen T-Cross?

Let's start with the looks. As this is just a facelift and not an entirely new model, the changes are fairly minor, but you’ll spot a pair of new LED headlights sitting above a redesigned front bumper. There are now thin, LED daytime running lights that flow into the front grille, as well as different tail lights. Pay extra, and you can have Volkswagen’s upgraded IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights fitted.

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Heading inside the T-Cross, the general layout hasn’t deviated from the outgoing model, but there’s a new infotainment screen sitting centre-stage on the dashboard. As standard, this touchscreen measures eight inches, but top-spec models get a larger 9.2-inch unit. As before, most T-Cross models are fitted with an analogue gauge cluster, but the top-spec R Line trim level comes with a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display. As standard, all T-Cross models are fitted with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance.

One last handy upgrade worth mentioning is the increased load capacity for the towbar. Drivers who use a towbar-mounted bicycle rack will be pleased to know it can now carry up to 75kg, good for three e-bikes according to Volkswagen.

What engines are available with the T-Cross?

Volkswagen only offered the outgoing T-Cross with its range of petrol TSI engines, and the same is true for the new model. The entry-level model uses a 94bhp, 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine connected to a five-speed manual gearbox. If that sounds too sluggish for you, an extra £845 upgrades you to a more powerful 113bhp engine and a six-speed manual. 

Those looking for the quickest T-Cross will want to opt for the 1.5-litre TSI engine with 148bhp, only available with the mid-spec Style and top-spec R-Line models. All versions can be optioned with a seven-speed automatic gearbox, and there are no hybrid or diesel engines to speak of.

How much does the T-Cross cost and when can I order one?

The range kicks off at £23,965 for the entry-level Life model fitted with the 94bhp engine with a five-speed manual gearbox. Middle ground Style models start at £27,620, while the top-spec R-Line models cost from £28,555. The range tops out at £31,660 for the R-Line model fitted with both the 1.5-litre engine and seven-speed automatic gearbox. All models are available to order in the UK now.

What does this mean for car buyers?

We liked the Volkswagen T-Cross when we drove it during our in-depth test. Its Polo underpinnings provide it with a relaxed nature on the road and there’s a reassuring VW sturdiness to the way it drives. Although the changes for 2024 certainly aren’t groundbreaking, they should serve to keep the T-Cross competitive among rivals such as the Ford Puma, Nissan Juke and Hyundai Bayon.

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