Building a cheap car? Should be relatively simple if you're willing to cut corners. This can be done using subpar materials, constructing the dashboard from bargain-bin plastics, scavenging outdated engines and platforms from other manufacturers, or rewarding designers with the ever-valuable currency of 'exposure'. The results are usually substandard.
But Volkswagen appears to have done precisely the opposite. Take the T-Cross in Style trim to be specific; it borrows the Mk6 Polo's proven platform, packs the renowned 1.0-litre TSI engine, a 7-speed DSG gearbox, and was designed by Klaus Bischoff, the same man who designed the Golf 8 and the Golf Mk4 interior, amongst other things. On paper, then, it has the pedigree.
Since landing locally in 2019, it has undergone subtle yet effective updates to maintain its appeal within its segment. These changes are proof of the philosophy that if something isn't broken, don't fix it. The outgoing T-Cross, which we like very much, was starting to age gracefully, and by just looking at the sales figures of over 36,000 units sold since 2019, it’s easy to see why it’s been the best-selling imported model for the brand.
To save you time trying to figure out the subtle changes, the facelifted T-Cross features redesigned LED clusters front and back, plus an entirely new IQ. Light LED matrix headlights for the first time. As is the trend with new VW products, the front and rear both feature horizontal LED light bars, further enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
Inside, the main focus is refinement, with significant improvements in overall construction quality where it counts. Almost everything is sturdy and durable, and we applaud VW for avoiding flimsy and glossy black designs given that the materials used are far superior to those in older models. The stylish dashboard gives the interior a modern, upscale feel. Although it is not the top-of-the-range R Line model, the Style trim strikes an excellent balance in terms of interior features. It includes an intuitive new floating 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, as seen in other VW models like the T-Roc. Additionally, it features the familiar 8-inch digital cockpit. These are further enhanced by two USB-C ports at the front and two USB ports for rear passengers. However, we discovered that the air conditioning touch controls are prone to accidental activation when operating the gear selector.
Furthermore, the T-Cross seats five passengers comfortably, offering versatile boot space ranging from 385 to 455 litres depending on the position of the rear seats, which expands to 1,281 litres when the rear seats are folded. A standout feature in its segment is the sliding second row of seats, a convenience not found in direct competitors like the Kia Sonet, Mazda CX-3, Hyundai Venue, or Chery Tiggo 4.
Behind the wheel, the refreshed T-Cross feels particularly well-sorted. It features VW's 1.0-litre TSI engine, delivering 85kW and 270Nm to the front wheels via a 7-speed DSG gearbox. This setup provides ample power for everyday driving, with smooth and consistent performance throughout the rev range. On the road, it handles SA’s unforgiving roads with poise, and while VW hasn't mentioned any suspension tweaks, the ride quality is consistently impressive, offering a comfortable and refined experience to make it feel more mature, stable, and composed even on the open road. All this can be attributed to the MQB A0 platform that also underpins the 6th-gen Polo hatchback, which is also a sensible choice if you are looking for a small car in that segment.
In essence, the new T-Cross Style, priced at R501,300, is significantly more refined than its pre-facelift predecessor. Given its German engineering, it is likely to retain its value for years to come. Living with the T-Cross has proven to be financially viable, thanks to its impressive fuel economy of 6.5l/100km from a 40-litre tank. For comparison, our tests showed fuel efficiency figures a fair bit more frugal than the Kia Sonet EX auto (6.9l/100km) and the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro DCT (7.7l/100km).
The T-Cross is not designed for driving fans and doesn't pretend to be. It's comfortable enough, gets you where you need to go without any fuss or fanfare, and VW didn’t cut corners when building it. It's practical, and that's a compliment. It's the perfect car if your idea of a desirable car isn't measured in revs per minute. And if you do care about cars and opt for something else, just appreciate that affordable, straightforward cars like the T-Cross still exist.
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