Volkswagen T-Cross R-Line Facelift Review: Happiness in a Pocket

What we like:

Peppy to drive

Puts a smile on one's face

R-Line features are worth the dosh

What we dislike:

Those looking for hybrid-rivalling fuel efficiency will not find much joy here

Colour makes all of the difference, it seems. The Grape Yellow hue worn by the T-Cross R-Line test car received compliments and made people smile - although virtually nobody has ever seen a yellow grape. It’s one of three new youthful colours which aim to make the T-Cross more appealing to younger people, the other two being Clear Blue Metallic and Kings Red Metallic. I think it works.

Of course, Volkswagen didn’t just leave the facelift to a mere colour change. They’ve made LED matrix headlights and LED taillights standard now, which give the T-Cross a distinct light signature at night. The R-Line kit takes it one step further, with 18-inch alloy wheels that are one size bigger than standard, and really sets off the overall look.

On the inside, there’s more stitched leather than you’d expect, especially on the dash. On the R-Line, you get black roof lining, brushed stainless steel pedals, R-Line detailing and a 300W six-speaker Beats audio system that’s properly satisfying. I think it alone might be a compelling reason for the $5k premium of the R-Line over the Style variant.

The T-Cross’ interior is surprisingly versatile. The rear bench can slide up to 140 mm, varying the boot capacity between 385-455 litres. If the rear seats are folded down, there is 1,281 litres of space with a 2.4 metre length - big enough to stow large bulky items.

There’s also a new 8-inch infotainment display as well as a 10.25-inch digital cockpit. Volkswagen has struck the right balance of tradition and modernity here, with pleasing tactile buttons still very much intact, like on the steering wheel. The two-zone climate control is managed via a touch panel; thank heavens that it is not integrated into the touchscreen. The Volkswagens on newer interior systems can learn a thing or two here.

The T-Cross comes with a full suite of safety systems as standard, including Front Assist with City Emergency Braking, Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert and Lane Assist. R-Line equipped cars get Adaptive Cruise Control and Travel Assist too, the latter allowing lane-keeping and speed regulation. Overall, the technology brings the T-Cross bang up to date, while not being fussy at all to use or intrusive.

Being the very definition of compact, the T-Cross feels adequately endowed despite having just 115 PS from its 1.0 TSI engine. It is the 200 Nm of torque that’s more relevant here, which overcomes its 1.3 ton weight easily. Thus, the car is quite zippy and rather enjoyable on a good road. There is decent steering feel and mature, sure-footed damping. That said, while many of its competitors now offer hybrid drivetrains, you would have to put up with higher fuel consumption in the T-Cross - although it is indeed more responsive and peppy.

The T-Cross is refreshing somehow, after going through increasingly digital experiences with newer Volkswagens. It’s a formula that’s tried-and-tested, and reassuringly familiar. Now, all we need is for Cat A COE to fall to make the T-Cross a serious contender as a starter car.

Photos by James Wong

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