Volkswagen T-Cross detailed review: better than a CX-3? | Wheels Australia

[@russellchristison8425]

I’ve driven t-crosses quite a few times now when my Tiguan or my wife’s Polo have been in for services. What has really surprised me is how good it is on the freeway, we live in the southern highlands of NSW and there’s 20 kilometres of freeway on the way home and the car sits on 110kph in 7th gear no problems up hill or on level ground. In town I prefer the transmission in sport mode for better low down response and definitely turn off the stop/start “feature”.

[@ComedicInc]

With the Volkswagen group selling Skodas at a ridiculously good price with features that exceed expectations, people must literally be only buying Volkswagen's for the name alone. The base kamiq is priced the same as this mid spec T-Cross, and yet it is objectively better in every metric. Crazy stuff!

[@eponymous7910]

Skodas are generally better built too, the Czechs take great pride in their manufacturing industry

[@NZsarge1]

Here in New Zealand it’s down to spec by and large, yes base Skoda’s are cheaper the the equivalent VW but the Skoda’s are a bit miserable on spec, by the time you option them closer to the VW’s they very close on price. Over here I’d go Skoda from the Karoq or lower but above that I’d be either or. Wouldn’t hassle someone for choosing Skoda though.

[@rachelryan5805]

I love my t-cross. I've had my orange style for just over a year and have no regrets. Fuel wise I was worried due to it using premium but I've been pleasantly surprised, averaging 6.3L per 100. As for the stop start lag... a quick wriggle of the steering wheel just before you need to go will start the engine so there's no worries when you see a gap in traffic coming.

[@Mikjcal]

I have a Style variant on order to give to my mum for her birthday. Nice little car that ticks so many boxes! The MY22 gets DAB and a couple other improvements.

[@tpv59]

WHAT ''other improvements'' please?

[@graemebee]

Nice car, shame about the halogen headlights. Not exactly cutting edge technology.

[@cresbonz5554]

I just want to put this out there, but the Suzuki Vitara turbo and S cross often get forgotten for some reason, but I feel they drive better. The new S Cross for example is about $2k Aus more than the T Cross, but has AWD, larger boot, weighs the same, more powerful and responsive engine and still gets the same fuel economy without the gimmicky stop/ start tech, and a more predictable torque converter automatic. I've driven the T Cross and I'll give it the win for looks and a few interior tech, but if driving dynamics and performance, proven reliability, and great fuel efficiency are also high on your list, you gotta give the turbo Suzuki's a look.

[@arielfrancisleathem3280]

Good review but overall the Sköda Kamiq is better value for money and I would also say the T-Roc competes closer to the Puma and Yaris Cross then the CH-R and CX-3

[@alfiedog7770]

Skoda Kamiq is on the same platform and you get more for your money standard spec like dual climate control, rear air vents , electric tail gate and soft touch finishes. Surprised they compared this to a Karoq which is bigger and not their direct competition

[@율이와반배]

but in Australia, Kamiq is way more expensive than Tcross.

[@Tha-King-Arthur]

For the KamiQ I was slightly cheaper than the T-Cross. Both cars fully equipped with all options.

[@ubonrat8653]

Great review

[@alexinwood2723]

Cheers! Any other cars you’d like to see us test?

[@ubonrat8653]

@@alexinwood2723 I shall ponder and report back

[@jonlowing7907]

How is this an SUV? It's about as sporty as a Fiat 500 and as utilitarian as any 4.5 seat hatchback. 'Vehicle', granted; 'front wheel drive urban runabout vehicle' is what it is. That said, I like the look of it and would consider acquiring one if it had all-wheel drive and better power and torque. Also, another reviewer said that he found it impossible to attain VW's claimed economy figure around town (5.5 L/100 km, he said) and was, at one point indicating 11 L/100! With a, presumably, small fuel tank, that's not many shopping trips between fill-ups!

[@gonza4428]

I had this same model for over a year now. on highway is very economic 5.5/100km and in the city i get between 6.5-7.5/100km. In terms of power do not expect much of it but is more than what you need for a vehicle of this size, meaning i have never felt is underpower specially if you take advantage of the sport mode that holds the gears longer giving quicker acceleration.

[@randallburgin4585]

I have a 2018 Polo, same engine & chassis, but smaller in size overall....5 years in, always get 700-750 ilms per tank, usually top up after using about 38 L (tank is 40L). That's basically 5L/100 klms, always, in all driving environments....this is a great motor, and very fuel efficient.

[@paulpasin6068]

Any chance of doing a comparison review of the T-Cross, Ford Puma and Skoda Kamiq please? Perhaps even throw in a Hyundai Kona for good measure? Your reviews are very thorough and well put together. Thanks 🙂

[@alexinwood2723]

G’day Paul, we’ll certainly throw that idea into the mix for future comparison tests. Thanks for the suggestion. And I’m glad you’re enjoying the reviews!

[@Tha-King-Arthur]

What an ugly license plate. doesn't make the front look any better.

[@andreibusnei3626]

stop saying v dub, its not cool

[@sontozitha5833]

❤

[@lyandrewmoraes5808]

The Karoq is way bigger than the T Cross. the should be compared to a Hyundai Venue or Stoinic, Kia.

[@alexinwood2723]

Yep, you’re right. When it comes to size the T-Cross is a rival for cx-3, C-HR and Stonic etc. I mentioned the Karoq because it costs similar money and is worthy of consideration for people looking for more space

[@isengardmiddle5053]

HE SAID SAME PRICE MRN