MAJORCA - T-Cross is the latest addition to the home T-Family Volkswagen, a compact SUV direct relative of Tiguan, Tiguan Allspace, Touareg and of course its closest “sister”: T-Roc (recently tested in The Driving Fjona).
Volkswagen seems to have staked a lot on T-Cross, introducing important innovations for the B-SUV segment (with which compact crossovers are identified). Intention amply justified by the numbers: suffice it to say that segment B represents almost half of the Italian market (46%) and that about half of this segment is made up of SUVs (44,8%). Virtually 1 in 5 cars today is a segment B SUV. It is therefore not surprising that the expectations around the T-Cross are very high.
Field-proven Volkswagen T-Cross
We have been invited by Volkswagen to try T-Cross directly on the pitch and so, seeing that refusing seemed ugly, we resigned ourselves to leaving for Mallorca (envy eh!)
Since the world began: style first of all! So, for obvious flag reasons, we chose to try the one with bodywork Reef Blue metallic, in perfect color with TechPrincess colors. Only secondarily did we verify that it was a 1.0 TSI 115 HP engine.
Not bad, however, also the launch color, the Metallic Makena Turquoise (below in the photo). The choice extends up to 12 colors without the possibility of the two-tone available instead for T-Roc.
Rental
As is well known, Mallorca is a cyclist's paradise, which makes the island a nightmare for drivers! But no jokes, the road must be lived in mutual respect and rules; even if behind the irony there is still a fund of truth and the winding roads of the hinterland, scattered with centuries-old olive trees, stone walls, swarms of cyclists, tractors and herds of sheep at the crossing, are actually a better stress test than Nurburgring for cars of this segment.
Our itinerary was therefore a pleasant mix, starting directly from the Mallorca airport at the west end of the island, we reached the easternmost tip, facing a good variety of cases along a hundred kilometers that can be encountered: from traffic of Palma de Mallorca, with short stretches of freeway, passing through rural villages and sunny country roads.
T-Cross it has never been found uncomfortable or inadequate, indeed. The high drive, as we will see, allows for an excellent view and pleasant control in every situation.
High guide and design
T-Cross is made on a base MQB and today it is the smallest model fitted on this platform. MQB is the same base as Polo, for example, the wheelbase is the same, with the difference, however, that T-Cross guarantees a much higher driving height (just 2 cm less than Tiguan).
For this reason T-Cross at first glance appears powerful and voluminous but manages to fool you only for a while, as long as you do not get behind the wheel. Once behind the wheel, you immediately realize how much the combination of a high guide and a frame with the right proportions (4,11 meters long) can make Agile and lean T-Cross.
From an aesthetic point of view, the optical groups are certainly striking, extremely distinctive and recognizable, collected in the rear in a single reflective strip, a new solution for a VW model.
Overall an aggressive and gritty look, emphasized by a wide choice of wheels and color and interior combinations. The result is a youthful and highly customizable vehicle.
On board
On board we find a tailor-made Sound System, good quality soundproofing and the driving comfort typical of a crossover, which allows long and panoramic navigation without straining back and shoulders.
The secret is in the packages
Volkswagen T-Cross it is designed to be an ideal solution for those looking for a “ready-made” machine. The three proposed set-ups are in fact particularly rich in solutions which, if requested individually, would greatly increase the final cost (a convenience of about 20% is calculated on the purchase of packages compared to the optionals).
The touch screen, for example, is available on all models in an appreciable 8 ”format and on board we already find four USB ports, two in front and two for rear passengers.
The fittings are identified in three packages: Urban, Style e Advanced and all three are available with manual transmission or DSG.
Read also: Best Compact SUVs and Crossover 2019Safety
Front Assist, Pedestrian Tracking, Lane Assist and Blind Spot Alert are standard and make Volkswagen T-Cross one of the smartest and safest cars in the segment. However, VW has chosen not to provide the standard navigator, giving instead the possibility of using external systems. The pro of this choice is obviously the possibility of traveling with the interface and system you prefer, avoiding an unnecessary cost in this case. The cons is that only the integrated navigator allows you to view turning information directly in the digital dashboard.
The load capacity that starts from a minimum of 385 liters of the boot up to 1.281 liters with the seats folded down is more than satisfactory (or the possibility of simply sliding the rear bench forward to gain useful centimeters thus avoiding the collapse).
Defects
One gets the impression that the pedal board is slightly too far to the right with respect to the seat line, especially the right leg, too close to the central group, could feel a bit constrained in space.
It is also not possible to request the sunroof. This choice of Volkswagen that disappoints a bit, but understandably controlled by the containment of final costs.
In conclusion
T-Cross it is an ideal machine for those who love a high, comfortable and safe drive without disdaining a few touches of style and character. You drive with pleasure and comparing the model with the peer-segment of the competitors it is evident how Volkswagen has worked to find a quality / price balance that could be really interesting.
Here from Mallorca that's all!
TagsT-cross tcross volkswagen Volkswagen T-Cross: we tested it in Mallorca
