The addition of the much-Tweeted Volkswagen T-Cross to its growing local portfolio of SUV models also marked the launch of the new Volkswagen logo the company describes as being more digitally friendly.
Initially, the T-Cross will be available only with the 1.0 TSI engine with 85 kW power output. In the first quarter of 2020, the 1.5 TSI 110 kW will be introduced and in the second quarter the range will be completed with the introduction of the 70 kW engine.
When it was first revealed, the front end of the T-Cross grabbed the attention of onlookers and the combination an expressive front spoiler, a large, wide radiator grille and light units designed to be long, flat and extend far into the flanks, give it a distinctive prescence.
If the optional LED headlights are installed, the daytime running lights share the same housing. The tail light clusters feature LED technology as standard.
The large wheel arches also emphasise the appearance. The dynamically designed wheels also contribute to the distinctive and cool look of the new T-Cross and 16-inch wheels are fitted as standard. In addition, 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels are available as options. The exterior of the T-Cross can also be customised in various ways. There is a choice of nine exterior colours or a selection of coloured wheel rims which enhance the combination options.
The T-Cross measures 4,2 metres in length, 182 millimetres more than the Polo and 11 centimetres shorter than the T-Roc (which will launch in South Africa in 2020). The difference in height is even more obvious: the T-Cross measures 1 584 millimetres compared to the Polo’s 1 461 millimetres. The wheelbase of 2 551 millimetres increases the space for seats and provides a spacious and roomy feel.
The 2,55 metre wheelbase is comparatively generous, allowing a spacious interior with enough room for five people. For the greatest possible versatility in the interior, the sliding rear seat can be adjusted by 14 centimetres, allowing more passenger leg room or more luggage space.
The luggage compartment holds between 377 and 455 litres. Thanks to a rear seat back that folds down fully or partially, you can create a flat loading space with up to 1 281 litres of storage volume.
Up to four USB ports and the optional inductive wireless charging ensure optimum connectivity and sufficient power for smartphones. The optional keyless locking and starting system Keyless Access makes access to the T-Cross more convenient. Another highlight is the optional sound system from renowned US brand Beats with a 300-watt, 8-channel amplifier and a separate subwoofer in the luggage compartment.
The Driver Alert System comes standard whilst optional equipment available on the T-Cross includes Front Assist area monitoring system, the lane keeping assistant Lane Assist, Hill Start Assist, the proactive occupant protection system, automatic adaptive cruise control, Park Assist and the Blind Spot Detection lane change assist system with the integrated Rear Traffic Alert.
Trendline trim (available only with 70 kW)
The entry level variant comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, LED daytime running lights and tail lights, split folding rear seats, colour-coded handles and mirrors, electrically adjustable and heated side mirrors, power windows at the front and rear, height and lumbar adjustable driver and passenger seats, Tyre Pressure Monitor, 6.5-inch ‘Composition Colour‘ display, combined front and side crash bags, Rest Assist as well as Titanium black seat and instrument panel, black carpets and ceramique headliner.
Comfortline trim.
The Comfortline trim expands on the Trendline and comes standard with 16-inch ‘Belmont‘ alloy wheels, black roof rails, front fog lights, leather multi-function steering wheel with multi-function display, Park Distance Control (front and rear), cruise control, Light and Sight Package and a front centre arm rest.
Optional features on the Comfortline trim include; R-Line Exterior with 17-inch ‘Manila‘ alloy wheels, Beats sound system, Inductive Wireless Mobile Charging, Composition Media with App-Connect, Discover Media (includes Navigation), Active Info Display, Park Assist with Rear View Camera and Foldable Mirrors , Adaptive Cruise Control (includes Blind Spot Monitor, Foldable Mirrors, Lane Assist and Front Assist), LED headlights with Rear View Camera, Keyless Entry and Removable Towbar.
Highline trim.
The third equipment variant, the Highline, gains Comfort Sports Seats, Inductive Wireless Mobile Charging, Driving Profile Selection, Climatronic Aircon, LED Headlights, Composition Media with App-Connect and 18-inch ‘Cologne‘ alloy wheels.
Optional extras on the Highline include; R-Line Exterior with 18-inch ‘Nevada‘ alloy wheels, Design Package in Energetic Orange, Beats sound system, Discover Media (includes Navigation), Active Info Display, Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control (includes Blind Spot Monitor, Foldable Mirrors, Lane Assist and Front Assist), Keyless Entry, Removable Towbar and Titanium Black-Energetic Orange seats, titanium black instrument panel, black carpets and ceramique headliner.
The T-Cross is powered by two three-cylinder petrol engines. The Volkswagen’s compact SUV will be available with the 1.0 TSI engine delivering 70 kW and 85 kW power outputs as well as the more powerful 1.5 TSI engine delivering 110 kW.
The three-cylinder 1.0 TSI generates 85 kW of power. The turbo-charged direct injection engine develops maximum torque of 200 Nm is available between 2 000 r/min and 3 500 r/min. This version goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 10,2 seconds and has a top speed of 193 km/h. Claimed fuel consumption is 4,9 l/100km. This engine is only available in 7-speed DSG transmission.
The T-Cross comes standard with a 3 year/120 000 km warranty, a 3 year/ 45 000 km Volkswagen Service Plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service interval is 15 000 km.
New logo
“The new brand design marks the start of the new era for Volkswagen,” says Jürgen Stackmann, Member of the Volkswagen Board of Management responsible for Sales, Marketing and After-Sales. “By formulating new content and with new products, the brand is undergoing a fundamental transformation towards a future with a neutral emission balance for everyone. Now is the right time to make the new attitude of our brand visible to the outside world.”
This major upgrade ushers in a new phase for Volkswagen which is innovative, connected, authentic and more digital. The objective is to create a new holistic customer experience that is modern and fascinating throughout the world and across all channels.
Mike Glendinning, Sales and Marketing Director for Volkswagen Group South Africa says: “The new brand design comes in light of the development of vehicles that are more connected to market needs than ever before. It is for this reason that Volkswagen invested in a comprehensive revamp of every part of the brand to reflect and connect with its people better – from internal stakeholders, customers and the industry at large; in this way, the brand remains true to always putting people first.”
Keeping to its three primary colours of dark blue, light blue and white, the new Volkswagen logo is simple and clearer, reducing it to its essentials, which results in a style that is clear, open, succinct, and digitally appealing.
