We tested the VW T-Cross with a 1.5 TSI 150 hp gasoline engine. A turbo mechanism with a cylinder disconnection system that without any type of hybridization is capable of offering very tight consumption.
After the fashion of downsizing, it seems that rightsizing is slowly beginning to return. There was a time when the engines started to lose cylinders, but it seems that they are starting to recover.
Rightsizing requires certain correction factors. A utility now by default usually comes standard in the most basic finish with a three-cylinder engine. To equip it with a four-cylinder gasoline engine, you must opt for what is possibly the most powerful version of the range.
Now, this has an extra cost. Yes. Cars are getting more and more expensive. To enjoy rightsizing in a utility car, you have to pay even more. In the case of this Volkswagen T-Cross, it means choosing the Sport finish, the most complete, and the 1.5 TSI engine, the most powerful. Worth? Join me and we find out.
The base price of Volkswagen’s small SUV in Spain, the T-Cross is 24,705 euros. Exactly what a 95 hp T-Cross Advance 1.0 TSI with a 5-speed manual gearbox costs.
Although to have the 4-cylinder engine we have to go to the 29,690 euros of this T-Cross Sport 1.5 TSI of 150 CV. Interestingly, while there is an R version of the T-Roc, Volkswagen has not released a racier version of the T-Cross. A car that if it existed could compete with the Ford Puma ST.
But watch out. The issue of price does not end there. The Reef blue metallic paint is 535 euros. The R-Line sports package another 2,440 euros more. It includes a specific body kit, Nevada Volkswagen R wheels in 18”, as well as a complete interior R kit with R-Line upholstery, multifunction leather steering wheel with integrated paddles, mats and front and rear parking sensors. Thus, with all the extras, the price of this unit shoots up to 36,210 euros. A not insignificant number.
- Right now there are more than 20 brand new Volkswagen T-Cross units on coche.net from 20,400 euros.
- Although if you don’t get it for the new one, remember that at coche.net we have a wide range of second-hand vehicles. More than 450 second-hand T-Cross from 18,300 euros.
The T-Cross, in addition to fighting in a disputed B-segment SUV, also has plenty of competition at home. To begin with, it has the Polo, a car with which it shares many elements. The Golf also ranks close with a nearly identical trunk to the T-Cross. With a very similar name is the T-Roc, 14 millimeters longer than the T-Cross. And in case something was missing, now the Taigo is added, which is only 1 millimeter longer than the T-Roc…
All these Volkswagens are cars that offer very similar qualities, both in terms of habitability and comfort of use on a day-to-day basis. As always, it is time to pay attention to our most irrational side to make a final decision. Being the design a key element when decanting the sale.
Small outside, big inside
The T-Cross is 54mm longer and 138mm taller than a Polo. It measures 4.11 meters in length, 1.78 meters in width and 1.58 meters in height. At 1,330 kilos it is 158 kilos heavier than the Polo I recently tested. Not surprisingly, here the engine has one more cylinder. In addition, the change has two additional gears and above is automatic.
The 2.55 meter wheelbase ensures a spacious cabin in both rows. The space in front is good. With comfortable seats and that elevated position characteristic of SUVs that so many like… I don’t… But to taste…
In terms of qualities, it is on par with the Polo. Despite being more expensive, we find the same hard plastics in door panels. A pity since this is a detail that could improve.
It does not offer Apple CarPlay connectivity via Bluetooth, something that is available in the Polo. To connect our Smartphone we will have to do it the old way, pulling the USB cable. The wireless charger is an extra that is billed at 855 euros within the Hello Technology package that also adds keyless access and start.
Access to the second row is good and highlights precisely the free height to the ceiling of these rear seats. The stool is comfortable for two adults of size XL and if we squeeze a little it can fit up to three. In addition, its base can slide longitudinally and its backrest can also be adjusted in inclination.
In standard configuration, its trunk offers a cargo volume of 385 liters, 5 liters more than a Golf. It has a tray that allows the floor to be fixed at two different heights and thus make the most of the space. Depending on the layout of the backrest of the rear bench, we can increase the capacity of the trunk up to 455 liters while maintaining the 5 seats. Of course, folding down the second row the T-Cross provides a maximum volume of 1,281 liters.
more is better
In general, the T-Cross is a kind of Polo with a larger body and somewhat higher off the ground. However, dynamically they are quite different. While the Polo is light, agile and feels very neutral at all times. The T-Cross feels big and heavy. Does the larger displacement engine make up for it? Yes.
The most important thing here is the 1.5 TSI engine. A mechanic that I have been able to test in numerous models of different brands of the Volkswagen Group and that is always smooth and pleasant in daily use. This is not a performance engine in the style of the 2.0 TSI that you find in a Golf GTI or a CUPRA Ateca.
This 1.5 TSI Evo is a power unit designed to be as efficient as possible at all times. Of course it is capable of providing correct benefits. With the figures that it declares, it is better. But, the important thing about this engine is that without the need for any hybridization, it allows you to lower consumption to the maximum if you are soft at the wheel.
On paper it declares 150 hp from 5,000 to 6,000 rpm and 250 Nm from 1,500 to 3,500 rpm. A 1.5-liter turbo that is associated with the well-known 7-speed DSG box. On paper, it declares a top speed of 200 km/h, an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and an average consumption of 6 l/100 km.
In a test route of more than 140 kilometers combining motorway, secondary road and some city, I achieved an average consumption of 6 l/100 km. A very low record, especially if we compare it with the 5.7 l/100 km that I achieved on a practically identical journey that I recently did with a Polo with a 1.0 TSI engine.
He expected to achieve a higher record with the T-Cross, the greater weight of the vehicle, and above all the worse aerodynamics work against him. However, there are several factors that contribute to containing both consumption. On the one hand, the two more gears provided by the DSG box. On the other hand, the cylinder disconnection system that allows you to circulate for a long time in 2-cylinder mode. The automatic transmission inertia mode when you take your foot off the accelerator. All this contributes to lowering the records. As well as the greater delivery of torque offered by this 4-cylinder engine at low revolutions compared to the three-cylinder.
The 18” wheels with low profile 215/45-18 tires make the design of the T-Cross with the R-Line kit look even sportier. Now, by configuring it like this, the tire leaks less. In general, the suspension equipment of the T-Cross filters well, yes, when the potholes are forceful you really feel them inside the cabin.
The touch of the direction is shown somewhat disconnected. It offers correct guidance, but it is not one of those cars with which you are going to have a great time on a curved road. Despite its SUV design, it is only available with front-wheel drive, there are no 4Motion versions with all-wheel drive.
The general response of both the throttle and the automatic gear change changes a lot if you drive in Eco mode, or do it in Sport. From appearing soft and progressive, he goes on to respond briskly. Come on, when it comes to overtaking it shows a lot.
In short
Is it worth the extra cylinder? Well of course I do. It is much finer and smoother. Keeping the accelerator at a constant speed on the highway it is very easy to achieve very low consumption. This is a clear example of rightsizing. That the motors have to have a minimum size. Not only to offer greater pure performance, but also to contain consumption.
