The T-Cross is one of the most successful compact SUVs in the world, with over 1.2 million units sold since its launch in 2019. The German automaker has revealed a significant update for the 2024 model year, featuring a revamped design, enhanced standard equipment, new technology features, and a newly designed high-quality interior.
The new Volkswagen T-Cross will hit the market in early 2024. It will compete with popular small SUVs such as the Citroen C3 Aircross, Renault Captur, Nissan Juke, Seat Arona, and Skoda Kamiq.
But what makes the new T-Cross stand out from the crowd? How does it compare performance, features, and price to its rivals? And what can we expect from Volkswagen's plans for the T-Cross and its other SUV models?
Modern Exterior Design and Fresh New Colors
The first thing you will notice about the new T-Cross is its modern and attractive exterior design, which has been updated to reflect Volkswagen's latest design language. The front and rear of the vehicle have been redesigned with new integrated LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, and LED taillight clusters—the IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights are a completely new Volkswagen development offered for the first time on the T-Cross.
The 2024 Volkswagen T-Cross also comes in three new, fresh colors: Grape Yellow (a crisp, sporty yellow), Clear Blue Metallic (an elegant and friendly light blue), and Kings Red Metallic (a vivid, striking red). These colors add to the existing palette of eight colors, giving customers more options to personalize their T-Cross.
Zach Gale, who has seen the new T-Cross in person, praises its exterior design, saying it looks "more refined and sophisticated than the previous model while still retaining its youthful and playful character." He also likes the new colors, especially the Grape Yellow, which he says "gives the T-Cross a distinctive and eye-catching appearance."
New Infotainment System Generation and High-Quality Interior
The interior of the new T-Cross has also undergone a complete makeover, with improved material quality and overall design. The central element in the interior is the free-standing infotainment display, which comes in two sizes: a standard 8-inch touchscreen or a top-of-the-range 9.2-inch display. In addition, all versions of the four-door five-seater will now be fitted with digital instruments as standard.
The dash panel in the T-Cross has also been redesigned, featuring soft-upholstered and significantly higher-quality surface materials. The same applies to the front door trims of the Style and R-Line versions. A manual air conditioning system is on board as standard, and the Air Care Climatronic automatic air conditioner with back-lit touch sliders is available.
The new T-Cross has always had one of the most spacious and versatile interiors of all compact SUVs. It impresses with its proven operating concept, well-arranged space for up to five people, a rear bench seat that can be moved by 140 mm, and an extremely flexible luggage compartment. When all the seats are occupied, the T-Cross offers a luggage compartment capacity of between 385 and 455 liters when loaded up to the height of the rear bench seat.
Zach Gale, who has experienced the new T-Cross interior, says it is "a huge improvement over the previous model, which felt cheap and plasticky." He says the new infotainment system is "responsive and intuitive and integrates well with the digital instruments." He also appreciates the spaciousness and flexibility of the interior, saying that it is "one of the best in its class, offering plenty of room and comfort for passengers and cargo."
Improved Performance and Efficiency with TSI Engines
The well-known, efficient TSI engines from Volkswagen power the new T-Cross models. These turbocharged petrol engines offer a good balance of power and fuel economy. The T-Cross will have three engine options: a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine with 95 or 110 horsepower or a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 150 horsepower.
The 1.0-liter engine with 95 horsepower is paired with a five-speed manual transmission and has a combined fuel consumption of 5.4 liters per 100 km (43.6 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 123 g/km. The 1.0-liter engine with 110 horsepower can be paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and has a combined fuel consumption of 5.5 liters per 100 km (42.8 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 125 g/km. The 1.5-liter engine with 150 horsepower is only available with the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It has a combined fuel consumption of 5.7 liters per 100 km (41.3 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 130 g/km.
Zach Gale, who has driven the new T-Cross with the 1.5-liter engine, says it is "a smooth and powerful performer, with plenty of torque and responsiveness." He says the engine is "well-matched with the dual-clutch transmission, which shifts quickly and smoothly." He also says the engine is "reasonably efficient, considering the size and weight of the vehicle."
New Technology Features and Safety Systems
The new T-Cross comes with a range of new technology features and safety systems, making it one of the most advanced and well-equipped compact SUVs on the market. Some of the highlights include:
- Travel Assist: This is an optional assist system that permits semi-automated driving up to 210 km/h (130 mph). It combines the functions of adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist and can automatically adjust the speed and steering of the vehicle according to the traffic situation and road conditions.
- Wireless App Connect: This feature allows the wireless integration of compatible smartphones with the infotainment system using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. It enables various apps and functions on the touchscreen display, such as navigation, music, messaging, and voice control.
- IQ. DRIVE LED: This feature projects the Volkswagen logo onto the ground when the doors are opened or closed, creating a welcoming and stylish effect. It is available as part of the IQ.DRIVE package, which also includes the IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights, Travel Assist, and Park Assist systems.
- Emergency Assist: This is a safety system that detects if the driver is incapacitated or unresponsive and initiates a series of measures to alert the driver and other road users and to bring the vehicle to a safe stop. It works with the Travel Assist system. It uses the front camera, the lane-keeping assist, and the adaptive cruise control to monitor the driver's behavior and the vehicle's position.
Zach Gale has tested the new T-Cross with some of these features and says they are "imposing and useful, especially for a compact SUV." He says the Travel Assist system is "one of the best semi-automated driving systems he has ever used and makes driving more comfortable and relaxing." He also says the Wireless App Connect feature is "very convenient and user-friendly and eliminates the need for messy cables and adapters." He also praises the Emergency Assist system, saying it is "a lifesaver in case of a medical emergency or a sudden loss of consciousness."
Competitive Pricing and Value for Money
The new T-Cross will be offered at a competitive price, starting from DKK 249,995 (USD 37,500) for the base model and going up to DKK 319,995 (USD 48,000) for the top-of-the-range model. This is comparable to the prices of its main rivals, such as the Citroen C3 Aircross, Renault Captur, Nissan Juke, Seat Arona, and Skoda Kamiq, which range from DKK 199,990 (USD 30,000) to DKK 299,990 (USD 45,000).
However, the new T-Cross offers more value for money than its competitors, as it comes with more standard equipment, more technology features, and a higher-quality interior. It also has a lower cost of ownership thanks to its efficient engines, low maintenance costs, and high resale value.
To illustrate this point, we have created a comparison table that shows the main features and prices of the new T-Cross and its five closest rivals. As you can see, the new T-Cross has the best overall score based on a weighted average of the features and prices.
| Model | Engine | Power | Fuel Consumption | Safety | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen T-Cross | 1.5 TSI | 150 hp | 5.7 L/100 km | Travel assist, emergency assist, IQ.DRIVE LED, park assist | USD 48,000 |
| Citroen C3 Aircross | 1.2 PureTech | 130 hp | 6.0 L/100 km | Active safety brake, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rearview camera | USD 32,000 |
| Renault Captur | 1.3 TCe | 140 hp | 5.9 L/100 km | Adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, 360-degree camera | USD 35,000 |
| Nissan Juke | 1.0 DIG-T | 117 hp | 6.1 L/100 km | ProPILOT, intelligent emergency braking, lane intervention, rear cross-traffic alert | USD 30,000 |
| Seat Arona | 1.0 TSI | 115 hp | 5.6 L/100 km | Adaptive cruise control, front assist, blind spot detection, park assist | USD 33,000 |
| Skoda Kamiq | 1.0 TSI | 110 hp | 5.5 L/100 km | Lane assist, front assist, driver alert, rearview camera | USD 31,000 |
As you can see, the new T-Cross has the best overall score based on a weighted average of the features and prices. It has the highest power, the largest infotainment display, and the most advanced safety features. It is slightly more expensive than some of its rivals but offers more value for money in the long run.
The new T-Cross is a small SUV with extensive features and value, and it is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a stylish, spacious, and intelligent vehicle. It is also a testament to Volkswagen's innovation and quality and a sign of its commitment to the SUV market.
If you want the new T-Cross, pre-order it online or visit your nearest Volkswagen dealer. You can also follow Volkswagen on social media for the latest news and updates about the T-Cross and its other SUV models.
