First impression of T-Cross – near-production car.
International: The redesigned Volkswagen T-Cross comprises of updated design, improved standard features, advanced technology, and newly crafted high-quality interior. Pre-sales will commence in the fourth quarter of 2023. In just four years, the T-Cross has become a leading choice among compact SUVs, with approximately 1.2 million individuals already selecting this versatile Volkswagen. Producing an average of 300,000 units annually, the T-Cross has emerged as one of Volkswagen’s most successful models worldwide, available under different names such as Tacqua and Taigun outside of Europe.
T-Cross Facelift
The updated T-Cross boasts a modern exterior design and introduces fresh new colors. Its front and rear now feature a new integrated LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, and LED taillight clusters, making it instantly recognizable. Another novel addition is the IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights, a pioneering development from Volkswagen, making their debut in the T-Cross. The model range has expanded with three vibrant colors: Grape Yellow (a lively, sporty yellow), Clear Blue Metallic (an elegant and friendly light blue), and Kings Red Metallic (a bold and eye-catching red).
Interior
Inside the T-Cross, a new generation infotainment system takes center stage, complemented by a high-quality interior. The focal point is the free-standing infotainment display, which comes in two options: an 8-inch touchscreen as standard and a top-of-the-range version with a 9.2-inch display. Furthermore, all variants of this four-door five-seater will now come equipped with digital instruments as a standard feature. The dash panel and front door trims in the Style and R-Line versions have undergone a complete redesign. Featuring premium surface materials akin to larger VW models. The standard offering includes a manual air conditioning system, while the optional Air Care Climatronic automatic air conditioner with back-lit touch sliders provides added convenience.
The space & COmfort
The T-Cross has always been celebrated for its well-designed and adaptable interior. Now it even accommodates the transportation of e-bikes. Offering one of the most spacious and versatile interiors among compact SUVs, the T-Cross can comfortably seat up to five people. Its rear bench seat can be moved by 140 mm, and the luggage compartment is extremely flexible.
When all seats are occupied, the T-Cross provides a luggage capacity ranging from 385 to 455 liters up to the height of the rear bench seat. Folding down the rear bench seat (60:40 split) creates a flat load area with a storage volume of up to 1,281 liters (loaded up to the height of the front seat backrests). The front passenger seat can be folded down from the Life specification package onwards. This results in a continuous load area from the rear to the front, measuring 2,398 mm. Further, capable of accommodating various items from surfboards to paragliders.
Volkswagen has significantly increased the T-Cross’s drawbar load, raising it from 55 to 75 kg. This additional 20 kg allows for a greater vertical load on the removable towbar (optional). Enhancing the vehicle’s towing capacity for heavy trailers. Additionally, the maximum permitted weight of bicycles carried on a towbar-mounted carrier has been increased. Which is especially beneficial for transporting e-bikes.
Key Features
Enhancing comfort, the new T-Cross offers the optional Travel Assist3, a feature rarely found in its class. Travel Assist provides improved longitudinal and lateral vehicle control. Further, allowing the T-Cross to regulate speed with automatic acceleration3 and braking3 based on the traffic ahead and permitted speed. Within system limits3, Travel Assist can also account for speed limits, bends, and roundabouts. Lane Assist helps keep the vehicle in its lane. Moreover, when equipped with the DSG, the new T-Cross can even perform stop-and-go operations automatically.
The upgraded base version of the T-Cross now includes several standard features. Such as LED headlights (replacing halogen), LED taillight clusters, a multifunction camera, Dynamic Road Sign Display, the Digital Cockpit, and a new free-standing infotainment display across all versions. The Life version adds new 16-inch alloy wheels and a leather multifunction steering wheel. For those seeking more elegance, the Style specification package is available, while the R-Line package adds sporty accents. Powering the new T-Cross models are the efficient TSI engines from Volkswagen.
Conclusion
The new T-Cross will be available for pre-sales and online configuration in the fourth quarter of 2023. With dealership market launches starting in the first quarter of 2024. Despite the extensive enhancements, the new T-Cross remains attractively priced. The current version of the best-selling model is already sold out in many European markets for 2023. However, will only be available in limited quantities in Germany. Customers who configure and order the T-Cross after the final sales phase based on the current model. Now will receive the new T-Cross generation when deliveries begin in the first quarter of 2024. Volkswagen is providing customers and the media with an early glimpse of this significant T-Cross update.