Volkswagen T-Cross review - Engines, drive & performance
The T-Cross is good to drive and impressively refined
Small SUVs are unlikely to be the dream vehicle for keen drivers, but the T-Cross easily competes with the current class leaders in this regard. It drives well, with pleasingly light steering and a comfortable ride. Over most bumps and poor surfaces it’s composed, and body roll is kept to a minimum through the majority of corners.
Like many other VW Group cars, the T-Cross isn’t built primarily to excite; its handling and driving experience is composed and surefooted, which inspires confidence in the car. The higher driving position compared to the Polo helps with seeing further ahead, and is one of the main reasons to buy an SUV over a standard hatchback. If you're after more fun behind the wheel, consider the Ford Puma.
Volkswagen T-Cross petrol engines
The Volkswagen T-Cross comes with an entry-level 1.0-litre petrol engine with two power outputs. The cheapest is the 94bhp version, which is paired exclusively with a five-speed manual and is capable of 0-62mph in 11.2 seconds.
The 1.0-litre TSI can also be had with an output of 113bhp. While it’s slightly more powerful, don’t expect hot hatch performance. It manages 0-62mph in exactly 10 seconds, which should be adequate enough for most drivers. This version can be had with a six-speed manual gearbox, or a seven-speed DSG automatic. Specifying the automatic drops the 0-62mph time slightly to 10.3 seconds. Refinement is very impressive for such a small car. In fact, it feels very mature and capable.
We tested the latter in the facelifted T-Cross on UK roads, and found the 113bhp sprightly enough thanks to its decent low-down pulling power. The transmission can hesitate between gear changes from time to time, but this is a trait of the DSG gearbox.
In January 2020, Volkswagen introduced a 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine to the range. It’s almost as efficient as the 1.0-litre, thanks to the ability to shut down half its cylinders when you’re not pressing the throttle hard, but the 0-62mph time improves to 8.4 seconds. Its top speed is 124mph.
Diesel engines
A diesel engine was available for a short time but, unsurprisingly, slow sales saw it withdrawn. The 94bhp 1.6-litre engine has been removed from the Polo range too. It prioritises efficiency over performance, and 0-62mph takes almost 12 seconds. No hybrid version is currently available to rival the Hyundai Kona or Renault Captur E-Tech, which is a shame. However, Volkswagen is planning to electrify most of its range, so a hybrid or pure electric version could be in the pipeline.
