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Although this is not immediately obvious, Volkswagen is the general manufacturer with the largest number of SUVs in its range, following the offensive launched in 2016. So today, the T-Roc (4.23 m), the Tiguan, the Tiguan Allspace (7-seater version of the Tiguan) and the Touareg, just recently renewed, and it is not over since running in 2019 will arrive the T-Cross, the smallest of the family . This will bring to five the number of SUVs in the range of the firm of Wolfsburg and even six, if one integrates the Atlas, reserved for the American and Chinese markets where it is sold under the name of Teramont. An ambitious strategy encouraged by long-term forecasts that will double the number of SUVs marketed within 10 years
Unveiled in 2016 at the Paris Motor Show Geneva in the form of the T-Cross Breeze concept, the T-Cross will therefore become reality but not in a convertible version – at least for the moment. If the camouflage perfectly fulfilled its function by perfectly erasing the volumes and curves of our trial version, we could discover a T-Cross devoid of any artifice. The T-Roc had been able to make believe in an early fantasy style at the German manufacturer, but here, it is not. It's clbadic.
The main touches of originality finally reside at the back with a banner running across the width of the tailgate, which incorporates lights to LED with a unique design. Note in the same genre, front projectors positioned on two floors. We knew more inspired all the more because it will not be necessary to count on many possibilities of personalization since Volkswagen will only offer the possibility to have a black roof. Developed from the MQB A0 platform – the same as the Polo – the T-Cross will measure 4.11m. It will therefore be at the heart of the urban SUV category and will come into direct competition with the stars of the segment such as Renault Captur, Peugeot 2008, Opel Crossland X, Kia Stonic, Hyundai Kona, etc.
Not surprisingly, the interior is very close to that of Polo and its big brother the T-Roc. No picture yet because it is always secret. We can still announce that it remains faithful to the current trend with a little more fancy thanks to color reminders of the body at the steering wheel, the center console but also the banner of the dashboard. The latter will offer seven different decorations depending on the finish chosen. But be careful, as noticed on the Polo and the T-Roc, this has an impact on the quality of materials. Thus on the T-Cross, only hard plastics, which is however the case of many other vehicles of the segment. It will also be necessary to ignore the automatic parking brake.
Arriving much later than the majority of these opponents, VW seems to have badyzed the market well. The T-Cross will be able to receive a 15 cm sliding rear seat. The cargo volume of the trunk will be between 385/455 and 1,280 liters is in the high average of the category. The rear space is also very interesting whether it is at the knee space or the roof guard thanks to a wheelbase of 2.56 m and a height of 1. 55 m (+ 11 cm) that a Polo ). On the other hand, why a huge transmission tunnel so imposing? Incomprehensible knowing that the T-Cross will only be available in traction. We expressed our astonishment to our German interlocutors who explained to us that it was due to the MQB platform, which can receive on some models a full transmission. Too bad because it strongly handicaps the rear central square.
The slogan of this T-Cross is "I am more" understand by that, "Monsieur Plus". In short, Volkswagen wants to give more than the competition but for the same price. The manufacturer wants to make the difference especially in terms of equipment. It will be equipped with the emergency braking system or the maintenance aid in the track and will be able to receive an 8 inch multimedia touch system, the 100% digital instrumentation – a first on the segment -, the recharge by induction, keyless entry and start, fatigue detection, adaptive cruise control, unintentional line crossing warning, parking badistance or the 300W audio system designed in partnership with the American brand Beats
First rounds of no surprises
After this static discovery, we had the right to take the wheel of prototypes. Under the hood, there are petrol and diesel engines known to the TSI 95, 115 (BVM or DSG), 150 hp all with particle filter and the TDI 95 badociated with a manual or dual clutch. The first contact was with the TDI 95 ch DSG and then with the TSI 95 BVM. The verdict is without appeal: the clbadic with benefits close to the Polo even if the seat is higher. Without knowing the exact weight of the T-Cross, the TDI 95 appeared to us particularly at ease playing deeply on his couple. The 1.0 TSI should appeal to pure city dwellers or those who circulate in peri-urban areas because of its low-end punch but it tends to quickly run out of steam. Consumption was 6.7 l / 100 km, which is quite conclusive.
On our short test run, we have everything from even noted some weaknesses in the soundproofing with both engines but also a relatively firm depreciation. Two defects that should be corrected on the final versions, according to Volkswagen. To check then during the first tests. On the other hand, the new seats showed a good comfort and maintenance while the management was rather pleasant to handle even if a greater consistency would have been appreciated. In conclusion, even if it is difficult to get a definitive opinion on such a short course, the T-Cross appears in the extension of the last productions of the brand in this segment.
The T-Cross will be officially unveiled at the end of October but will not be exhibited at the Paris Motor Show, Volkswagen having chosen to ignore the rendezvous of the Porte de Versailles . The trials will take place in the first quarter of 2019 for a planned commercialization around April. Without knowing the prices, no doubt, the success should be at the rendezvous, given the craze around this segment.
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