Volkswagen has taken the wraps off its compact premium SUV, the T-Cross. The T-Cross is based on the modular transverse matrix (MQB) platform, which also underpins the T-Roc. The T-Cross is 12cm shorter in length as compared to the T-Roc. The T-Cross will come to India in 2020, albeit with the heavily localised MQB A0 IN platform, which is engineered by Skoda, as a part of its India 2.0 business plan. The India bound T-Cross will be bigger and roomier than the European model. Styling for the India-spec T-Cross is likely to be different.
The front fascia of the compact SUV bears a little resemblance to the T-Roc. While the T-Roc is more rounded, the T-Cross appears a bit boxy. It sports a bigger and wider front grille, a chrome strip runs in the centre of the front grille on either side of the VW logo to connect the two DRLs. The boxy theme continues to the side and rear as well, where another LED strip connects the C-shaped LED taillights. The T-Cross also gets a rear spoiler, blacked out on the edges. The European spec model is 4.11m long with a wheelbase of 2.56m. Volkswagen says that the luggage compartment of the T-Cross can hold between 385 and 455 litres. The boot space can be further expanded up to 1281 litres when the rear seats are partially or fully. To liberate more room in the rear, the sliding rear seat can be adjusted by 140mm.
Powering the compact SUV will be a range of three engines. The 1-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine will be available in two different state of tunes – 93.8bhp and 114bhp (turbocharged). Peak twist on offer is 175Nm and 200Nm. The top-of-the-line model is powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo charged petrol engine, which cranks out 147.5bhp and 250Nm. Rounding off the line up of engines is the 1.6-litre 3-cylinder diesel motor which makes 93.8bhp and 250Nm. Depending on the model, you get a choice of 5-speed, 6-speed or a 7-speed DSG transmission which sends power to the front wheels. All the engines comply to Euro-VI norms.
The 1.5-litre petrol engine also gets active cylinder management system to deactivate two cylinders to reduce emissions and increase fuel economy. Highlights of this engine include a polymer-coated first main bearing on the crankshaft, fully variable, map-controlled oil pump, better cooling and heat management. Injection pressure is 350bar.
The 1-litre 93.8bhp engine will come mated to a 5-speed gearbox and the 114bhp version will be equipped with a 6-speed manual. The 1.5-litre petrol gets the 7-speed DSG gearbox. For the 1.6-litre diesel, you get a 5-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG.
With the choice of four powertrains, the claimed top speed and acceleration figures of the T-Cross are as follows:
| Powertrain option | Top speed (kmph) | 0-100kmph time (seconds) |
| 1-litre 3-cylinder petrol, 93.8bhp | 180 | 11.5 |
| 1-litre 3-cylinder turbo-petrol, 114bhp | 193 | 9.9 |
| 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-petrol, 147.5bhp | 220 | 7.8 |
| 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, 93.8bhp | 181 | 12 |
Volkswagen has thrown in a lot of safety kit into the T-Cross – it is equipped with features including pedestrian monitoring, emergency braking, hill start assist, the blind spot detection, lane change assist and integrated rear traffic alert as standard. The cabin is elegant and is less cluttered with minimal use of buttons. The T-Cross gets steering mounted audio controls as standard. The air conditioning vents on the centre console are located below the touchscreen infotainment system. You also get four USB ports, wireless charging and Bluetooth connectivity. Optional features include keyless entry, adaptive cruise control, park assist and automatic headlight dimming feature to reduce glare for oncoming traffic.
The T-Cross will be made at its facility in Spain, South America and China to cater for global markets. The compact SUV will be offered in three trims – T-Cross, Life and Style. Design and R-Line packages are also on offer for Life and Style trims.