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Even in the distinctive Makena turquoise Metallic confesses the T-Cross color.
Every new day is full of big and small challenges. Today begins with the search for a so-called interface in the new VW T-Cross. Like all models from Volkswagen, the youngest and at the same time smallest SUV from Wolfsburg is particularly smart when it comes to networking. In order for the communication between driver and car to work perfectly, it is first necessary to download the Volkswagen Connect app free of charge to your smartphone and to connect to the T-Cross via the VW data plug (a kind of dummy plug). This is then done via Bluetooth, provided that the connector and interface are in physical contact.
The VW Connect app connects driver and car and provides information about vehicle condition, driving and driving style.
From 17 975 euros - without air conditioning, but with many assistants
Since this is easier said than done, the developers have integrated a flashlight into the app to search for the interface mentioned. This makes the ultimately successful search for the connector for onboard analysis somewhere deep under the dashboard in the midst of gloomy hard plastic. Its extensive use is due to the price of the long-legged polo SUV with a dominant bonnet and wide radiator grille: like the car, the price: highly attractive at 17 euros as an entry-level house number. On average, that's only about 975 euros more than you have to invest in a comparable motorized and equipped Polo.
Flexible interior offers up to 1.281 liter volume for the luggage
At 4,11 meters, the T-Cross is over five centimeters longer than the Polo on which it is based. In height, it even towers over it by almost 14 centimeters. Getting in is easier, the standard height-adjustable driver's seat offers a view of what is happening on the asphalt from a height of sixty centimeters, which is so valued in SUVs. By means of the rear seat bench, which can be moved by 14 centimeters, either the footwell for the passengers in the rear or the luggage compartment increases from 385 to 455 liters. If you fold down the rear seat, a flat loading area is created with a storage volume of up to 1281 liters. A decent value for a small SUV. For comparison: the Golf only offers 1270 liters.
The youngest member of the VW SUV family: below T-Roc, Tiguan, Tiguan Allspace and Touareg.
On a four-wheel drive can and must be waived
Under the hood of the built in Pamplona in Spain T-Cross initially operates a charged 1,0-liter three-cylinder; either with 95 PS and manual five-speed gearbox or in the stronger version with 115 PS and optional manual six-speed gearbox, alternatively with seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Later follows a diesel, the well-known 1,6-liter TDI with manual five-speed gearbox. For all-wheel drive, there is neither space nor imputed need in the small SUV.
In the optional digital cockpit, the 8 touch screen and display can be watched by all occupants.
A gentle driving style scores in the app
The 115-horsepower gasoline engine with the six-speed gearbox works a bit grumpy when it has to turn. The average consumption of just over five liters is praised in the VW Connect app as a gentle driving style. The acceleration value of 10,2 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 100 km / h and a top speed of 193 km / h are also worthy of praise for the well-balanced mini-SUV.
Inexpensive networking of car and driver
At this point it is important to appreciate the entry-level price once again, because the T-Cross comes with the very useful helpers such as Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Warner, Hill Start and Exit Assist as well as proactive occupant protection ex works. The additional investment of almost 40 euros in the data plug should be worthwhile as one of the cheaper solutions for networking the driver and the car. The VW app not only provides information about the condition of the vehicle, explains warning and control messages and suggests reactions, it urges you to change tires, creates a logbook and, if necessary, also ensures that you contact the nearest service partner. It also guides the user to the last location of the vehicle via mobile phone, should that be omitted. Driving behavior is constantly monitored, assessed and rewarded with points. Depending on how many you collect while driving, the digital watchdog then unlocks additional uses as a “reward”.
Unfortunately, the short test drive in Mallorca was not enough, for example, to unlock the access to the deposited city tour of Barcelona or Bilbao. So it remains a challenge for the next time and something that reasonably-minded T-Cross owners will surely grab ....
Twelve exterior finishes and a range of colored rims are available.
Text and photos: Solveig Grewe
Indoors: Manufacturer