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MOTORING NEWS AND VIDEO - The long-awaited new Volkswagen T-Cross has arrived and, as I whetted my appetite with a virtual experience of the T-Cross earlier this year, I was looking forward to a taste of the real McCoy.
So, when the sleek, compact crossover SUV made it's appearance in the Southern Cape last week, I immediately took the 1.0 TSI 85kW Highline DSG with the R-Line body kit for a spin.
The launch of the T-Cross sees Volkswagen entering the smaller SUV market for the first time, and as Wessel van Heerden Tavcor George sales manager Christa Barnard-Koen puts it, "Volkswagen saw the gap in this specific market segment and it was time we filled it."
The new Volkswagen T-Cross posing proud on the Montagu Pass
Watch a video below
Exterior
The T-Cross is designed to stand out and I love its front view design. Its edgy look will definitely make heads turn. It looks like a vehicle with lots of muscle built for off-road driving, while the chrome finish and LED headlights ensure a polished look.
The T-Cross was built on the platform of the Polo - it’s roughly the same width and just 55mm longer and 140mm taller.
Interior
Not even the tiniest detail escaped scrutiny and the quality seats sporting a unique beehive-like pattern are simply out of this world. The dashboard looks like graphite and features a huge infotainment system.
The hints of chrome enhance the upmarket look. The seats are extremely comfortable and the inside offers more than enough leg space. Even the back accommodates my six-foot frame with ease. The T-Cross has 377 litres of boot space, and it can be extended to an impressive 455 litres by lowering the back seats.
The interior of the Volkswagen T-Cross is of exceptional quality and beauty. Not the tiniest detail escaped scrutiny and the quality seats sport a unique beehive-like pattern
Safety
The T-Cross comes with the latest safety features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Park Distance Control, Lane Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring and Isofix for fastening kiddies' seats. A full set of airbags provides peace of mind and the T-Cross boasts a top score in the Euro NCAP safety tests.
Technology
One of the first things I noticed was the massive 12,3" Discover navigation system and a colour touchscreen infotainment system. You can also upgrade to the latest Beats sound system. The T-Cross boasts VW Connect through your mobile phone using Data Plug.
It comes standard in the Comfortline and Highline and is optional on the Trendline. It offers wireless cellphone charging and you can view your phone's screen on the infosystem.
Two USB ports are fitted in front, with another pair for the rear occupants - so, rest assured the kids won't run out of battery time on long trips!
Engine
The T-Cross models include the Trendline, Comfortline, Highline and the R-Line. The Trendline and Comfortline sport a 1.0 TSI engine which delivers 70kW and the Comfortline DSG and Highline deliver 85kW. The R-Line has a 1.5 TSI engine which delivers 110kW.
The T-Cross has a boot size of 377 litres, and when you lower the back seats, you up the size to 455 litres.
Driving experience
Do not be fooled into thinking that with a 1.0-litre engine the T-Cross may not have enough power. It is as quick as a flash and I enjoyed a nippy drive in the automatic T-Cross up the Outeniqua Pass - never lacking power.
The other thing that impressed me is its road holding ability. Around the bends, even on high speed, the car never loses grip. It was great fun navigating corners. I also took a drive off-road on the Montagu Pass and the rattle free vehicle handled like a dream.
Visit Tavcor George this Saturday morning from 10 o’clock to see the big reveal of the T-Cross. It can also be viewed at the Strawberry Festival in George over the weekend.
Confirmed price:
• 1.0 TSI 85kW Comfortline DSG® - R334 600
• 1.0 TSI 85kW Highline DSG® - R365 000
Visit the Tavcor George sales team at their showroom in Knysna Road or contact them at 044 874 4193.
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