Small SUV: The VW T-Cross is the polo of the Pampas

Stand: 19:51 | Reading time: 3 minutes

eIt took a little while, but now VW has also found a response to the boom of small SUVs. In the spring of 2019, Lower Saxony launched the new T-Cross on the market. As a Polo for the Pampa, which costs 17,775 euros, it should contribute to the fact that SUV's share of VW sales will soon be 50%; and, of course, the T-Cross should also increase sales.

VW relies primarily on interior values: the pbadenger seat can be adjusted as standard and the rear seat must be moved at least 14 centimeters at an additional cost. Thus, with its 4.11 meters long and 2.56 meters wheelbase, two adults can also travel at least at the rear for shorter distances. With a cargo volume of 385 liters to a maximum of 1281 liters, the T-Cross is a fashionable evolution of the Polo Variant. Even the twelve inches longer, but much sportier cutter T-Roc, he stands in almost nothing.

But the new is not only suitable for everyday use, it also tries to please by its appearance. Colorful rims, twelve lacquer shades, contrast finishes and eye-catching adhesive tattoos should catch the attention of latecomers, said design chief Klaus Bischoff.

The direct comparison with the Polo does not have to fear the T-Cross: it is five inches longer, much beefier and has a proud grille that merges with the headlights, and catchy taillights, connected to a reflective tape red. Inside, it continues with the joy of colors. On request, noisy consoles surround the digital badpit with the large touch screen on the side, colorful seat covers and contrasting seams.

Comparing the driving characteristics of the T-Cross and the Polo, the surprises are limited: apart from the center of gravity, weight and suspension, the engineers have not changed anything. The axles, steering and drives are identical to those of the Polo.

On our first outing with the rather final prototypes, the T-Cross was good-natured, adult and a bit boring. At least with current engines that range from three-cylinder with 1.0 liter displacement and 95 or 115 hp four-cylinder with 1.5 liter and 150 hp and, initially, only a 1.6 liter diesel with 150 hp . There will be later – depending on the client and CO₂– Preferences – possibly a variant on natural gas and with a little luck, maybe a GTI.

Many extras, but not the four-wheel drive

However, Lower Saxony does not offer any option for all the money in the world: the all-wheel drive T-Cross. As the first SUV in Wolfsburg, the new front-wheel drive has to be heard. "This is not expected on the A0 platform and would not have been possible within the indicated price range," says head of badembly, Andreas Krüger.

He does not think it's a disadvantage. Because first of all, four-wheel drive is lacking in most competitors, like the very popular Renault Captur, the 2008 Peugeot of the Spanish cousin Seat Arona. And second, the adventure of most SUVs takes place anyway in the city, where roads are paved and unobstructed in winter.

Of course, they also know in Wolfsburg that they are still late. But for that they come a lot. And there are many indications that, as for Tiguan, Touran and all other latecomers, the golden rule is confirmed: whoever laughs the last laughs better.