2021 Volkswagen T-Cross review

The dashboard almost broke our hardness tester! Paul gets behind the wheel of the 2021 Volkswagen T-Cross to see what this Polo-based crossover is really like and why the dashboard is so hard!
Read the full review: www.carexpert.com.au/review/2...
Skip Ahead:
Intro: 00:00
Exterior: 00:54
Interior: 02:56
Infotainment: 04:54
Features: 06:26
Practicality: 07:13
On the Road: 10:01
Verdict: 13:25
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‪@volkswagen‬ ‪@volkswagenaustralia‬

[@aleckyle6687]

I’m in melbourne and bought a base white one and love it. What a great machine and it already has saved me a few times driving in bad weather conditions thanks to all of its safety tech. Highly recommend.

[@virtuososiu]

Bought one in orange, loving it so far. 1L version only in Melbourne, Australia. It can push you into your seat when need to. The adaptive cruise works very well.

[@adrianoconnor4120]

Love Car Expert ❤️ always look at it when looking at new cars to buy , keep up the good work 👍

[@ronmcdonnell6134]

I always enjoy Paul’s reviews. I have ordered a T-Roc Style and it will arrive in October.

[@SamGiles]

Funky lil' thing! Yes, there are imperfections, but there's a quirkiness about the T-Cross that I find utterly charming. Great review, Paul!

[@CarExpertAus]

Thank you, mate! Yeah it's a fun little car, I think it'll sell well. Despite its drawbacks, it's great fun to drive.

[@graemecouch5010]

Drive one their amazing !

[@johnmckay428]

def the best car reviewer in Oz.....giving us detail that others don't...thanks

[@CarExpertAus]

Thank you! :)

[@laurenmorgana6429]

Nice review, thanks :) Got mine less than a month ago, a 1.5 tsi evo 150 horsepowers, a real treat to drive! fun, sporty and easy to handle. The only complaint I got the seats are a bit too hard but comfortable nevertheless. Love my black pearl TCross!

[@Samsonwarrior]

Just ordered the 1,5L TSI, 150 bhp, energetic orange, with R-Line styling, and lots of other stuff, such as the Beats soundsystem 🤘🏻

[@davesdaze]

Hi. Can u text me to say how u like it I'm thinking of the 1.0tsi 115

[@Samsonwarrior]

@@davesdaze I had that engine in my old T-Cross, and it was fine. But the 1,5L engine, just has that extra little punch to it, that makes it a little more fun to drive.

[@user-ll8lr9zj6k]

Hi Paul... I already have one for three months and 3000 km. It's very spacious it's well built and a nice place to be... The interior is made of hard plastic but it looks and feels much more expensive... Goodnight from Greece and keep up the good work. Sorry for my English...

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks for the message! Always great to hear from actual owners. Enjoy the drive and hello from Oz!

[@MrCamdentown]

Καλορίζικο! Πως είναι μετά απο 6 μήνες?

[@user-ll8lr9zj6k]

@@MrCamdentown 10000 χλμ όλα οκ σε οικονομία δεν υπάρχει αυτός ο κινητήρας. Καλοκαίρι με 40 λίτρα Καβάλα - Κόρινθο μέσω Ιωαννίνων. Τι να πω

[@MrCamdentown]

@@user-ll8lr9zj6k Ευχαριστώ για την απάντηση , καλές γιορτές!

[@user-ll8lr9zj6k]

@@MrCamdentown να είσαι καλά καλές γιορτες

[@963miller]

So good watching these! Also one thing which is something different to all the other channels is definitely the 10 second part about showing the key. Because that's the part you'll be showing off when having coffee if you think about it.

[@CarExpertAus]

Great point, @963miller! You can't underestimate the appeal of a key. Did you see the Porsche key in our Cayenne Coupe review (kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4HUe2Vueph7os0)? That key is seriously cool!

[@963miller]

@@CarExpertAus I did indeed, very keen viewer here, I've been following both Paul and Alborz on social media for some time. Really enjoying the new content keep up the great work guys! Very much a car fanatic myself but also an extrovert that loves knowing every little detail!

[@mrmilk5558]

I'm only 3 weeks driving this car and it had just 72 km mileage. Wow , I love the sound. Honestly speaking, its sound invites me to speed when I drive.

[@lasse007]

Great reviews Paul! Keep them coming! Very informative and entertaining

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks, @Ciprian Laza - definitely will! As always if you have any feedback (positive or negative), feel free to shoot it through!

[@karkybibek]

I enjoy watching paul review, even i m not buying any for now.

[@CarExpertAus]

Ha ha, thank you mate! Appreciate it.

[@thendebele]

I've had this car for a year... Im surprised about all the complaints about cheap plastic... I never notice them, they are not meant to give you an degree of comfort... #Smashing car....good on cas...stylish...Best in its class...

[@rudzyeli]

I have had it for a year. People thinks it looks great inside

[@ameliafaust1877]

Excellent review!

[@margaretdabb7755]

Had mine, t cross special edition, since September. . Lots of extras. Lovely to drive. Love it. Previously had vw Polo

[@YTuberosity]

As an owner of a Mk7 Golf, I can appreciate the soft touch plastics on the dash etc., but how many people keep touching their dash all the time? Surely you only need soft touch on the doors, leg area, and centre console?

[@phofierka]

Great review Paul. I picked up a Silver Style with R line kit for my mother yesterday and she absolutely loves it. I must admit that the engine is highly impressive for a 3cyl. The 200Nm of torque is what sets it apart from its competitors and this is coming from a guy who has owned an RS3, A45 and more recently MK7.5 Golf R. Not that the performance is close by any means, it’s just got an impressive amount of grunt for such a small engine. We tested the Hyundai Venue and Kia Seltos and trust me, they just don’t compare. VW have done well with this little thing although the costs get close to $40k with all options which is quite a bit more than the competitors. The 5yr warranty helped get it over the line for us.

[@Mikjcal]

I’ve ordered one for my mother also. For her 70th in February. Delivery is Nov and I went with a reef blue style. Glad to hear your mum loves it. I’m hoping it turns out to be quite a practical car given its size and having a high ride height.

[@dedclownsRfunny]

I’m looking at a car with ground clearance that isn’t too high for me to get my wheelchair into, so I’ve been looking at Outback, Kona, TCross, TRoc, Skoda equivalents, etc. but the fastest versions of them because I love my fast cars even tho I’ve only got a Liberty Gt tuned by STI currently, had a GolfR wagon in the past which I loved… anyway I wanted to ask you do you really think the TCross is satisfying after coming from those cars? It did have a surprising amount of push when I test “drove” one, but I’m still hesitant. It’s likely I’ll have to tow a very small caravan or at least trailer as well

[@mharro88]

I've driven it .. a MG ZST drives better than this , has a better interior, more power and it's 8k less. What are you paying for here? The badge?

[@vancamerawoman7399]

Keep coming back to this review maybe one day I’ll have one too 😊

[@stephenhillard7912]

Paul the colour is definitely in the blue range and is a stunning choice on behalf of VW . The pigments used are very close to a colour that is known as French Ultra Marine . Great review yet again .

[@CarExpertAus]

Ha ha. I think I’m going blind!

[@caderaojohncyrus1378]

I have to be honest here. Paul is just the best car reviewer! Though this is subjective. I enjoy every single car review because of him.

[@julzyin]

Nice review of this car! Can you make a comparison between the Tcross and the Skoda kamiq.

[@Ssssss-jo7jj]

Hey Paul. Big fan of your reviews. I would love to know your rop 2 choices in each category.. Large sedan? Uts? Med suv Large suv? Cheers

[@McNgcobo]

It doing very well in South Africa. I am waiting for mine to be delivered.

[@alandaddydaycare200]

we are going to test drive one this weekend. but will wait for the 110TSI to arrive for purchase.

[@CarExpertAus]

Sounds good - enjoy the new wheels!

[@kensouza9239]

Great car, great review - honest and detailed! We saw one at the showroom the other day while we were heading for an evening walk and looked beautiful. I think the R version is also coming.

[@CarExpertAus]

Cheers, Ken! Yeah an R version would be bloody awesome! It'd be a little pocket rocket.

[@syedmoinuddin7375]

@@CarExpertAus Hi seriously after watching your video no need to do more research 😊 One question in terms of car service if you need to order any part, will it be in Australia or will need to order from Germany?

[@georgefirth900]

Had mine 7 months from new and really liked it but the lack of power is not good a d mines the 115 version, I get 365 miles to a full tank of fuel Where as the wife's polo bets 420 and I'm a careful slow driver build quality is great and looks good in the green 👍

[@minwade5436]

Does it run on normal unleaded petrol, not RON 95/98? Thanks for review

[@JillsNest]

Do you have 2023 t cross review Paul? Im at the stage of looking for it atm, id love to see your review. 😊

[@tonywalls6563]

Hi Paul Kindly note the DSG Seven speed ( Direct shift gear ) or you could call it Dual Clutch is still the best automatic gear boxes when driving it finds the highest gear which saves more fuel than conventional automatic gear boxes there is no means any lag only issue can be is the stop start can have a slow pull off i personally avoid using the stop start as the car is very efficient what do you think?

[@hardrockice]

Hi! Loved the reviews very detailed!! Can you review MG HS as well? Thanks!

[@CarExpertAus]

Yes - we will try and get our hands on one 😁

[@hardrockice]

@@CarExpertAus looking forward to it!

[@pedrosuarezesparza4212]

Do u know when the faster one model is coming to Australia?

[@kmuinde]

I usually don't mind the plastics if it's the hard wearing ones and not charge a premium price for it

[@malcolmwindust3888]

Got a T-Cross with United trim (that’s in France, I don’t know if it’s the same in Oz) in bright white. It’s a looker and us a total pleasure to drive. I just can’t understand all the fuss over hard plastics. I think the interior is great. For me the only criticism is the tiny tank at 40 litres. 😬 I would have preferred 60 litres. I love the DSG7 box, the rear seat, the digital cockpit, the safety features. For me it’s a winner.

[@JG-wv6bj]

Really should do separate videos for the R-Line models....

[@Mikjcal]

So got an update on my T-Cross order, it’s coming in November and will be an MY22. Asked what the difference is and they said the MY22 is getting DAB Radio 🤩 yes! The one feature I actually wished the T-Cross had, it’s now getting.

[@1197tom]

Where you located?

[@Mikjcal]

@@1197tom Melbourne

[@1197tom]

@@Mikjcal Oh, there’s heaps of tcross’ at the vw dealers here in Melbourne, but is that wait because of that rare blue colour?

[@Mikjcal]

@@1197tom yep, with me the delay is with the colour choice. It actually is the blue. If I wanted White/silver/grey I could have it now. But I have time so I’m happy to wait and get the colour I want. I don’t want to settle for a white car as I find them to be so boring.

[@GabrielA-nf7vz]

How is it driving after all this time? I am really wanting to consider this model. Do you find the engine gives enough kick for a small size? Car is visually stunning !!! I’m super keen in looking at one.

[@lawrencegatt4515]

what is the top model a 4 cly . who wants a 3 cly. not for me but another great show mate . well done.

[@CarExpertAus]

There's a four-cylinder top-specification coming in June, which should be good fun to drive!

[@srinivasnodagala1722]

When it launch in india n how much cost

[@cargenius4619]

paul we need a infiniti q60 red sport review, those cars are very quick and underrated

[@CarExpertAus]

Unfortunately they no longer sell Infiniti cars in Australia. I did drive a Q60 Red Sport when they were and it was really quick! It just had one major flaw - it didn’t have a limited slip differential so it was constantly spinning a single rear wheel and was hard to drive confidently in the wet.

[@cargenius4619]

@@CarExpertAus it would be hard to drive in the wet, 400hp on the rear wheels is too much

[@gourmetbanana]

So which SUV is the quietest?

[@naveenkumar11111]

Hi Paul.. planning to a new one.. however in dilemma between t cross and asx... what would be your suggestion?

[@CarExpertAus]

If you want new and fresh, the VW. If you want basic, but dependable with a big warranty, it’s the ASX :-)

[@naveenkumar11111]

@@CarExpertAus thanks for your response mate 😊

[@Jayeffhi]

What do you think of this over a seltos? This is a bit smaller but the boot is bigger in this with the seats forward!

[@CarExpertAus]

Hmm, depends on the engine. Are you looking at the 1.6T Seltos or the 2.0?

[@Jayeffhi]

@@CarExpertAus the 2, s or sport. Trying to look at it as a whole, lkme build quality and reliability, fuel economy and space.

[@CarExpertAus]

I prefer the gearbox in the 2.0 over the 1.6, but it just lacks a little bit of punch. I think most people will find it fine, but put a car load of people in the car and it’ll feel a bit sluggish. Would recommend test driving one to make sure you’re satisfied with the engine - but outside of that it’s a really great car with competitive features and a strong warranty.

[@Jayeffhi]

@@CarExpertAus thanks legend! I just got out of the VW T Cross 10 mins ago. Man, did you find the lag on the first gear was REALLY bad? I couldnt believe how bad going from rolling to accelerating through first gear was. There was hardly any power and a lag on it.

[@ashalim79]

How is this car on the highway? Will it struggle to go on 100km/h speed limit highways?

[@CarExpertAus]

It's actually pretty good. The engine is punchy enough to keep it moving. It's only light, so it doesn't need a massive engine :-D

[@heyaly3115]

Is this much bigger than a golf? The boot seems similar in size to a golf? And so is the back seating?

[@temiaghedo4754]

I had a polo, then I got a golf and moving to a T-cross. The dealer said the boot of the golf is bigger than the T-cross. He said the T-Cross is an advance polo and the T-roc is an advance Golf. 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@indy4887]

Dream car 🚗 🔥🔥

[@nzdagirl]

reverse camera not mentioned and parking assist I wonder if this car has this features.

[@cathlohrentz]

I have a T-cross and I have both parking sensors and a camera - but they are extras

[@josiahw125]

Definitely more Green!

[@CarExpertAus]

I'm glad I'm not going blind!!

[@Velodynamic]

mint green, miami green, surf green or as VW says "Makena Turquois" 🙂

[@charliebrown2679]

Is there any small SUV that you do recommend in this price range. The plastic is going to be a thing for all of them . I’m currently in a 2007 Corolla and looking to get into SUV with excellent price on servicing and mechanics like the Corolla. Every one I’ve looked at and thought was ok in this price range, you haven’t got a lot of positive to say. When your only have around $25K and safety is the main factor I’m surprised to here you knock so many of them. Pls suggest something instead of knocking them all. We all can’t afford a Land Drover

[@bowlingaz]

What did you end up going for? I am weighing up a Venue, cx-3 and T-Cross.

[@vandur2322]

Looks green in this video but I've seen it in RL and it's more blueish turquoise

[@pppxtc]

Is it better than a golf.

[@dinushabandara1157]

Please note car advantages and disadvantages separately on the video...

[@SonicView09]

Green definitely

[@honguenloh4612]

Its green mate…..but the hard plastics are very TACKY!!! Hate the recent cost cutting measures by most car manufacturers who dont bother painting their door frame internally….another tacky step…:(

[@andrewkennan8812]

you're joking a hard tester, who cares about a hard dash as long as it's nice to look at, nice to drive and very reliable

[@paulaus]

To be fair the VW Soft Touch falls apart after 10 Years so the hard stuff might be an improvement :D

[@CarExpertAus]

😅

[@dragospahontu]

Not true soft is quieter

[@T0LL1S]

Hello. Why not bring it to Europe with a panoramic roof except in Brazil? You can find out the reason. If I really like it, I won't buy it unless it comes with a panoramic roof. My weakness is the roof on the cars.

[@CarExpertAus]

We love a good panoramic roof!

[@eshanmirash2456]

When AUS gets it could you guys they and review the Mercedes GLB? It’s the most confusing car in the current Mercedes lineup imo

[@CarExpertAus]

Definitely will! While we're at it, which other cars would people like us to add to the review list?

[@mattdrayton3347]

@@CarExpertAus Audi S3/RS3

[@CarExpertAus]

We have an S3 coming through the garage in the next couple of months and hanging out for the next gen of RS 3 😁

[@eshanmirash2456]

CarExpert maybe a big SUV test. Porsche Cayenne, Mercedes GLE and Range Rover Sport?

[@tiernanv0]

More green!

[@CarExpertAus]

Finally somebody agrees with me! 😅

[@auswhofan]

What about the requirement to run on 95 RON fuel? that will dampen the economy figures.

[@d.j.z.j]

So is this better then the t roc and skoda Karok

[@CarExpertAus]

This is smaller than the T-Roc :-D

[@johncowie9191]

What do you mean by industrious? Do you know the meaning of the word? Did you mean to say industrial? That would make sense if you did.

[@CarExpertAus]

You're right, John. Meant to say industrial.

[@christopherwyndham-mellor7065]

Industrial and not industrious, I suggest!

[@SonicView09]

Is the rline $30990

[@p6102zrfxe]

5.4l/100km but on dash is 6.5l/100km. And you compare it with hybrids???

[@CarExpertAus]

Hi Marjan - 4.5? The fuel economy is 5.4L/100km (said in the video) and the fuel economy we get isn’t representative of normal driving. By the time we end up filming, the car has been sitting idle for a large portion of the day. We get the same inconsistency when we test hybrids too.

[@p6102zrfxe]

@@CarExpertAus sorry 5.4. Did you get average 5.4l/100km with that car?

[@aaronxu1721]

Like the design of it, but again.. Dual clutch really turns me away. The wet clutch is not too bad, dry clutch? No, thank you.

[@CarExpertAus]

I'm in the same boat, Aaron. I'm not a huge fan of dual-clutch gearboxes. It works well in this car, but a torque converter will always be smoother.

[@-TJ-]

This car was made for the hardness tester. Golf and Polo have much nicer materials

[@CarExpertAus]

Ha ha, it sure did give our hardness tester a workout!

[@-TJ-]

@@Quinni1980 I was of the belief that the Polo has a soft touch dashboard, but the door tops are hard plastic.

[@MzwandileHarmans]

One thing I hate about it, it’s a cheap interior and cracky noise door handles make eww. French just has best quality interior lately. Soft touches are a luxury

[@conscienciapositiva8706]

Volkswagen is a mistery...no prices in the website..lol.

[@dazza9360]

Green

[@matifi]

Rather buying 10-15 years old premium brand car for that money. 🤦🏼

[@ianr5322]

It is Green

[@unintentionallyfire]

Interior looks swish but the material quality is rubbish. And I'm pretty sure the T-Roc isn't that much better off.

[@CarExpertAus]

T-Roc is definitely better, which is good! But it's more expensive.

[@Rally4Life1982]

She's a looker.

[@CarExpertAus]

You definitely won't miss it in this colour!

[@lskipski5023]

That dash really spoilt the look, sad times :(

[@conscienciapositiva8706]

probably was designed by an ex-RDA designer.

[@joefattal7592]

It’s likeable.

[@CarExpertAus]

True :-D

[@Chris2phaBrown]

@3:35 industrious? wtf?

[@lukelawrence6007]

The side of this car sorta looks like Nissan juke a bit

[@CarExpertAus]

It does a little! We are looking forward to having a drive of the new Nissan Juke in a few weeks time :-D

[@deathbystereo-]

I have a caddy and now looking for car. I’ve ruled out staying with vw as their interior is cheap crap

[@erwinmalimban2197]

3:55 Well, that was useless information.

[@tonywalls6563]

Hi Paul i tried to customize my D Drive S Symbol to my instrument cluster even from my manual and then i went to the internet the only one i could do was change digital speedometer to the instrument cluster will you help me from I am from Sunny South Africa?

[@hojusupplement]

wow.. Plastic even R Line??

[@javidsakhizada8427]

Only Toyota yaris cross

[@nevillegreg1]

On these smaller engine cars, why aren't reviewers doing an up-hill acceleration and a highway overtaking review. Here's one test location: at the big round-about at Ourimbah taking the M1 on-ramp heading towards Sydney, there is like a km of continuous uphill at 110kph. Then let us know how long it takes to reach 110kph? And don't forget to chuck some gear in the back, after all, you were boasting how much room there is for a 'Polo" like car.

[@CarExpertAus]

Sounds like a situation you'd rarely ever encounter?

[@nevillegreg1]

@@CarExpertAus Rubbish! Eg. Going over the Gladesville Bridge heading north from the traffic lights, there are many more. Just tell us how the thing accellerates going uphill instead of sucking up to VW.

[@CarExpertAus]

Sounds like it’s not the car for you if you’re climbing mountains each day, bud.

[@dragospahontu]

@@nevillegreg1 small engine = light car= wheeee

[@CarExpertAus]

@@MichaelSmith-py3cf Mountains don't have inclines like hills?

[@dsinghr]

85 kw is way too weak

[@CarExpertAus]

There's a more powerful version coming soon!

[@jordanjablonski664]

My mum just got a new mg zs 1.0 🐌🐌

[@CarExpertAus]

How is it Forza Geek 101?

[@jordanjablonski664]

CarExpert pretty good You should review one

[@CarExpertAus]

We will try get our hands on one soon!

[@tatski2274]

Why do you always test the hardness of the materials? It is just annoying.

[@CarExpertAus]

Coz.