Volkswagen T-Cross the best small crossover SUV in 2019?

Volkswagen's considered entry into the supermini-based SUV sector, the T-Cross, should find a ready market.
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Think of a Volkswagen Polo with a more adventurous image, a slightly larger cabin and a more flexible interior. You're picturing this car, Volkswagen's smallest SUV, the T-Cross. It's trendy, quite sophisticated and very acceptably efficient, thanks to its 1.0-litre TSI petrol and 1.6 TDI diesel engine options. And you can make it very much your own. What's not to like?
Background
It may seem as if Volkswagen has a considerable number of family SUVs in its model line-up but the surprising truth is that until the introduction of this T-Cross model, the Wolfsburg brand had been completely absent from one of this crucial segment's fastest-growing sectors; that for supermini-based SUVs.
Nissan launched the Juke in 2011. Renault announced the Captur in 2014. It wasn't though until late 2018 that we first saw this T-Cross. It slots into the Volkswagen range just below the Golf-based T-Roc. Which in turn sits below the Tiguan and Touareg SUVs in the company's line-up. the T-Cross is Polo-based and sits on the same MQB-A0 platform as its VW Group cousins, the Skoda Kamiq and the SEAT Arona.
Engines and Tech Spec
There are three T-Cross engine options. Most buyers will want Volkswagen's 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine. Entry-level variants get it in 95PS form with a 5-speed gearbox but further up the range, the variants available feature this unit in a 115PS state of tune. Go for that and you'll be offered the option of a 7-speed DSG auto gearbox. Both engines have impressive torque available from low revs - the 95PS version delivering 175Nm from just 2,000rpm and the 115PS version serving up its 200Nm across the same 2,000rpm to 3,500rpm band. In other words, you won't have to row this little VW along with the gear lever through town.
T-Cross models equipped with the 95PS engine reach 62mph in 11.5 seconds, with a top speed of 112mph where legal, while the punchier 115PS versions top out at 120mph, reaching 62mph in 10.2 seconds. We said there were three engine options. The minority-interest third choice is a 1.6-litre TDI diesel with 95PS. It develops 250Nm of pulling power, a useful increase from the 200Nm figure you get in the 1.0 TSI 115PS unit. All T-Cross models are front-driven: there's not much appetite in this segment for 4WD. In any case, the Polo platform doesn't allow for it. Don't expect a T-Cross to ride quite as well as a Polo - that taller, heavier body has to tell somewhere - but for the school run and commuting duties, few buyers are likely to have issues.
Design and Build
The T-Cross is actually very similar in size to its T-Roc showroom stablemate, despite the fact that it sits on an MQB-A0 platform supposedly designated for cars a class smaller. It's a couple of inches longer and just under six inches taller than the Polo supermini it's based upon but that still leaves it a touch tinier than most key rivals in the segment for small SUVs. That doesn't stop it from being plenty spacious enough for a small family inside though. There's second row space big enough for a couple of six foot adults to sit comfortably, particularly if they shift the standard sliding rear bench all the way back. Doing that reduces boot space from 455 to 385-litres (still 10% more than a Polo). An adjustable-height boot floor makes the cargo space accessible for a variety of loads too.
Up front, the elevated hip point makes this T-Cross feel bigger than a supermini. If you find yourself paying more to get the Volkswagen badge, you might be a little disappointed to find that the dashboard plastics are rather scratchy. Still, the fascia controls are intuitive and the top two trim levels get a classy 8-inch centre-dash touchscreen with 'Apple Carplay'/'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring functionality.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Would you consider a T-Cross... or cross it off the list?

[@kn58]

This fake suv trend needs to stop. There is no need of these monstrosities on the roads in UK /Europe. And if someone is buying them coz they feel it will make their journey more safer, they need to have a reality check

[@funnyfiveminutes]

Not with the 1.5 tsi engine!

[@ettorefieramosca5460]

No. Design horrible. Overpriced,cheap interior quality.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

@@kn58 no need but a market none the less. We predict that by 2030 cars will be driving on stilts.

[@kn58]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply oh wow that will be a sight to behold when there will only be a space for a bicycle to go through a street coz there will be these so called SUVs parked on both sides of the road.

[@jamesure2445]

Another first class professional car preview by a chap who knows what he's talking about in regards to the vehicles he talks about.From a pensioner who appreciates your advice, i thank you Sir.👍🇬🇧🚙

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks James, Great to have feedback like this 👍

[@michaelgoh5830]

Always comprehensive and independent , enjoyed your review.

[@grayman999]

Swapping my VW GOLF Match edition 1.4 for the 1.0 litre SE T Cross it's a fantastic car and I'm very much looking forward to collecting it I was lucky to get an SE with front and rear sensors fitted and a healthy £2200 reduction in price happy days ! JCT600 Hull 👍👍

[@leejordan1992]

Great review thanks, very thorough

[@user-uy2dp1ku8k]

2023 life manuel 1.0 tsi 110 beygir 200 tork olarak satin aldim ve 3 aydir kullaniyorum memnunum ❤

[@rayr8066]

Great review, informative and very well presented.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Many thanks for watching, Ray 👍

[@forza223bowe5]

Nice to see a proper handbrake on a new car

[@johnedwards7542]

But not a spare wheel?

[@hoompak4562]

Professional, comprehensive and spot on! Enjoyed it. Thank you..

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for the feedback Hoom 👍

[@guinnessharvey4476]

These reviews are fab. Well done sir

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Many thanks for watching 👍 Make sure to subscribe for the latest vehicle reviews: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@kp1804]

I think that currently VW is the top car maker among the non premium car makers. It's only just below the trio Mercedes-BMW-Audi but above opel, ford, citroen, toyota etc

[@MrVidimlic]

Great review! I'm wondering if you think it's worth paying a little more for the T-Roc instead?

[@Squats200]

OSV - Best reviews on KZbin!

[@bungabening3530]

This is a great review!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! Be sure to subscribe for the latest vehicle reviews - bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@andandrew6107]

Good review, thanks

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thank you for watching :)

[@Praktycznie]

Brilliant review ❤😊

[@blex5579]

if everything fails with Brexit, you can still export OSV-reviews- a class of its own... cheers from germany

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

😁

[@stewartmoss6364]

Very well review indeed !!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks Stewart! Let us know if you're in the market for one: bit.ly/39YHCml

[@peterhobbs7609]

Great review thankyou

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Our pleasure, Peter. Thanks for watching 👍 Are you interested in getting a new VW T-Cross?

[@hyena-chase2176]

Now the yeti has gone,the vitara is the best in this class imo,great review thank you

[@alexander96051]

Ese Volkswaguen T-Cross es espectacular... Que buen carro. Excelente equipamiento.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Gracias por ver, Alexander! 👍

[@Squats200]

Awesome reviewer 👍🏻

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Awesome commenter! Thanks for watching 👍

[@1SaG]

Just got back from my VW dealer where they had a T-Cross sitting right next to a T-Roc. And, honestly, if they hadn't had their names on the tailgates, I wouldn't have been able to tell the difference between the two at first - or even second - glance. It's certainly not like the difference between, say, a Mk II Golf and a Polo Mk II.

[@SuperMirette]

Is the folding passenger chair not tandard?

[@Slow_Horse]

Got one, great car!

[@wolvoman1]

That would be brilliant as an R version

[@joshbacon8241]

Why isn’t the T-Cross offered with a folding front passenger seat in the UK like it is in other markets where it’s sold?

[@karlp8484]

Another really accomplished VW that's top of the game. I wish VW would just get a divorce from Beats sound systems, they are completely rubbish.

[@forza223bowe5]

Fords use B and O play

[@jakebond4006]

Very informative review. Btw some information, this car is sold as "taigun" in India and south asia.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for sharing

[@kangchenjunga591]

Can you please also make a video on the 2022 t-cross r-series, 1.5L please 🙏

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for the suggestion Ahila! We'll see what we can do 👍

[@jasonpoole6284]

went to vw looked around one of these wanted to order one but the waiting list for one of any decent spec was 6 months, but they can sell you a basic model in a month. and Merc was 3 months. this was a couple months back so maybe things have changed.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

We can source all cars with good lead times so could be worth getting in touch 👌 www.osv.ltd.uk/contact-us/

[@awesomemike-4411]

Well i would buy it with the 1.5 tsi evo. It would be great for urban and provincional driving.

[@joshbacon8241]

So why isn’t the 1.5 TSI Evo offered on UK-spec T-Crosses like it is on the SEAT Arona?

[@joshbacon8241]

ekim andersom I meant why isn’t the 150PS 1.5 TSI Evo offered in the T-Cross in the UK like it is in its SEAT Arona sister car?

[@McNasty214]

You could argue that the original mk1 tiguan from 2008 predates the T cross as volkswagens first suv

[@MajorSpam]

I really don't like how VW is just slapping the Artheon grill on every car, it works on the Artheon but the T-Cross looks like a 2008 Honda CR-V.

[@remandlo]

Seems as if it is so impractical to open the tailgate. The door handle is positioned in the middle of the door and lifting up the tailgate seems cumbersome... This car looks awesome when u look at it from outside but inside it is not so enticing.

[@PB-fj5lh]

The side profile is quite nice and the steering wheel is ok. However, the rest of it is a bit boring in my eyes.

[@Hazzer20]

Nice little car.. shame it’s abit boring/cheap inside.. would rather jump to a t-roc and better yet Tiguan 🤤

[@bonzobanana1]

VW depreciation might appear to be good but it doesn't factor in extra money paid for options generally it is based on the normal non-optioned price vs resell price on average plus some brands have heavier discounting at time of purchase so their depreciation can appear higher but they paid less for the car compared to the suggested selling price. Some luxury cars pay a huge amount for options but only get a tiny amount of that back when sold. As ever the right options can help sell your car for better money. Just making the point that depreciation figures can favour cars where people pay a lot extra for options. Options often have the highest depreciation of all spends on cars and yet many German cars that have the longest option lists and less standard equipment actually have lower depreciation? Many sites warn you of the danger of paying for optional extras as depreciation is so high for them. If I buy a £12,000 car with lots of standard equipment and get back £9,000 after 3 years that is 25% depreciation. If I buy a £10,000 model but add £3,000 of options and get back £8,000 after 3 years they tell you that is 20% depreciation they just ignore the personalised features of the car generally. If you are buying on PCP make sure you compare the price to a car that has the optional features you want as standard. You may be surprised how much better those PCP prices are. Sometimes it makes more sense to go for a higher model that has features as standard equipment rather than pay for options which is a money pit.

[@raymondmccarthy6244]

No mention on parking asst. ?

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi Raymond, many thanks for the feedback. We'll take this on-board for future episodes 👍

[@cmartin_ok]

... and in 2023, prices have risen so much that used cars from 2019 are selling for what they cost new. Not only that, but if you can afford to buy new, lead times run to many months. If you want climate control instead of basic air con, it appears not to be an option any more meaning you have y=to go for SEL trim or higher. It may be a good car, but it is somewhat expensive

[@forza223bowe5]

How reliable are modern VW cars ?

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Not particularly, stay clear of German vehicles regarding reliability. Asian brands as a whole are far more reliable 👍

[@steliosieronymakis2480]

What's the name of the presenter? I just wish to put up a statue of him in the main square.

[@nickyfoulkes8476]

Very disappointing cabin quality makes me cross it off the list.

[@forza223bowe5]

Cutting corners to pay these fines and lawsuits

[@bextar6365]

Like the styling but, I have always heard VWs are un reliable vehicles.

[@forza223bowe5]

VW used to have a good reputation for reliability

[@1SaG]

Try to get your hands on meaningful statistics. I use the German TÜV-report (German MOT equivalent but AFAIK more strict than the MOT) and ADAC's (Germany's biggest automotive services club) statistics of breakdowns/roadside assistance requests. Sure: They won't have data yet for brand new models, but seeing how a manufacturer's other models rank in reliability can still be useful. Other than that, do what everyone on the net recommends and buy a Toyota... ;)

[@mariojager43]

Boring with bland styling it could be anything.

[@kubanskiloewe]

VW is one of the most unreliable cars in Northamerica. I would choose the Lexus UX Hybrid or pure Electric instead. RAV4Hybrid is also a better deal.

[@Klplant78]

I won the t-cross at maccas

[@davidpearn5925]

DSG so not for me.

[@matthewsmith2787]

Looks similar to the polo

[@richardsbooth]

Cross it off the list, VW engines don't last - case in point my golf destroyed engine after 120k weak timing chain, coupled with carbon build up - don't touch a VW

[@MarkJT1000]

As a result of the surge in interest in all these SUVs (Stupid Ugly Vehicles) and the move to electric many manufacturers are discontinuing the manufacture of other models with low volume sales. As a result for most people your choices boil down to a hatchback or a SUV. VW themselves recently ditched the Scirocco and the Beetle.

[@Vincent.S.W.]

Excellent, but please this is too long video. Maximum is 30 minutes

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hey Vincent, we have a shorter 10-minute version of this review if you'd prefer to watch that! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gF68hJeAbL6dfLs

[@simonjones575]

Emission cheats

[@ernokirnyan9984]

It turned out officially that all of them cheated not just vw..

[@Sto79Be]

@@ernokirnyan9984 No it didn’t. Some brands did, hardly “all”!

[@SD-cs1ti]

The worst

[@stephenboulton1347]

Another boring vw product.....box on wheels....oh and they are so confident of there reliability they give you 3 years...I've had a few vw cars o or the years and a seat and they have all been unreliable especially electrics...never again...overrated overpriced German cars.