Volkswagen T-Cross
Volkswagen T-Cross First Edition
Overview
ManufacturerVolkswagen
Model codeC11[1]
Also calledVolkswagen Tacqua (China, FAW-VW)
Volkswagen Taigun (India and Mexico)
ProductionDecember 2018 – present
AssemblySpain: Pamplona
Brazil: São José dos Pinhais (Volkswagen do Brasil)
China: Anting, Shanghai (SAIC-VW, T-Cross); Changchun, Jilin (FAW-VW, Tacqua)
India: Chakan (Škoda VW India)
Body and chassis
ClassSubcompact crossover SUV (B)
Body style5-door SUV
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
PlatformVolkswagen Group MQB A0
RelatedŠkoda Kushaq
Volkswagen Polo Mk6[2]
Volkswagen Virtus
Volkswagen Taigo/Nivus
SEAT Arona
Škoda Kamiq
Audi A1
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission5-speed manual
6-speed manual
6-speed automatic
7-speed DSG
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,551 mm (100.4 in)
2,650 mm (104.3 in) (LWB models)
Length4,108 mm (161.7 in)
4,199–4,218 mm (165.3–166.1 in) (LWB models)
Width1,760 mm (69.3 in)
Height1,583–1,589 mm (62.3–62.6 in)
Curb weight1,245–1,390 kg (2,745–3,064 lb)

The Volkswagen T-Cross is a subcompact crossover SUV (B-segment) manufactured by the German automaker Volkswagen. It is based on the MQB A0 platform shared with the Polo Mk6, and was officially launched in April 2019. Positioned as the smallest SUV in Volkswagen's lineup, below the T-Roc and alongside the Taigo/Nivus, it is the smallest SUV model from Volkswagen.

Overview

The T-Cross started as a replacement for a cancelled project of a small SUV based on the Volkswagen Taigun concept which was showcased in São Paulo in 2012. It is an SUV based on the Volkswagen Up! with a length of under 3.9 m destined for Europe, Brazil and India, and was planned to be on sale in 2016 after the project was green-lit in 2012.[3][4] In 2016, Volkswagen cancelled the plan of producing the Taigun after an internal study concluded that its dimension was too small.[5][6] Volkswagen shifted its focus onto developing a Polo-based small SUV instead, which eventually spawned the T-Cross.[7] The Taigun nameplate is being reused as a rebadged long-wheelbase T-Cross for the Indian market.[8]

Volkswagen T-Cross Breeze concept

In 2016, the T-Cross was previewed as a concept car called the VW T-Cross Breeze at the Geneva Motor Show. This vehicle was, in contrast to the production version, a four-seater convertible with a fabric top. The T-Cross Breeze was 4.13 metres (162.6 in) long, 1.80 metres (70.9 in) wide and 1.56 metres (61.4 in) high. The concept vehicle was powered by a 1.0-litre TSI engine with 81 kW (109 hp) and 175 N⋅m (129 lbf⋅ft) of torque.

The production version of the T-Cross was officially launched on 25 October 2018 simultaneously in three cities located in three continents – Amsterdam, Shanghai and São Paulo – demonstrating T-Cross's nature as a global product.[9] The model is produced in China and Brazil with a modified length of 4.2 m and a longer wheelbase of 2.65 m shared with the Škoda Kamiq and Volkswagen Virtus, with the goal of improving interior space.[10] These models also have different front fascias and steering wheels from the variant sold in Europe.[11]

Markets

Europe

Debuted in Amsterdam, the T-Cross is positioned below the T-Roc in Volkswagen Europe SUV line-up and acts as an entry-level model.[12] The vehicle is built together with the Volkswagen Polo at Volkswagen Navarra S.A. in Pamplona, Spain.[13]

Although the T-Cross is only slightly smaller than the Golf-based T-Roc, VW is marketing the T-Cross as the more practical and family-oriented car, as Volkswagen expects the T-Cross to appeal to young families and older demographics due to its tall roof and its high driving position.[14]

Four engines have been announced for the launch model, and only one of them is a diesel, which is 1.6-litre TDI four-cylinder unit with 95 PS (94 hp; 70 kW). There are two versions of the 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol three-cylinder, with either 95 PS (94 hp; 70 kW) or 115 PS (113 hp; 85 kW), and a range-topping 1.5-litre TSI petrol with 150 PS (148 hp; 110 kW).[15][16] It is available with a 5- or 6-speed manual, and a 7-speed DSG transmission. All T-Cross variants are front-wheel drive as its Polo-sourced underpinnings do not support an all-wheel drive configuration.[14] It was delivered to the customers in April 2019.

The T-Cross went on sale in Turkey in March 2022.

T-Cross First Edition

First-edition models are based on a T-Cross style 1.0-litre TSI with 115 PS (113 hp; 85 kW). It is available in 150 and 50 units in manual and dual-clutch gearboxes respectively, which were available as part of a lottery.[17]

Powertrain

Petrol engines
Model Displacement Power Torque Transmission
1.0 TSI 95 999 cc I3 95 PS (70 kW; 94 hp) 175 N⋅m (129 lb⋅ft) 5-speed manual
1.0 TSI 115 999 cc I3 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) 200 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft) 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG
1.5 TSI 150 1,498 cc I4 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) 250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG
Diesel engine
1.6 TDI 95 1,598 cc I4 95 PS (70 kW; 94 hp) 250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) 5-speed manual or 7-speed DSG
Euro NCAP test results
Volkswagen T-Cross (2019)
Test Points %
Overall:
Adult occupant: 36.9 97%
Child occupant: 42.4 86%
Pedestrian: 38.9 81%
Safety assist: 10.4 80%

Safety

The Euro NCAP has awarded the T-Cross a five-star rating.[18] It scored 97% for adult occupant safety, 86% for child safety, 81% in the pedestrians and other vulnerable road users category and 80% for on-board safety tech. The T-Cross features several passive and active safety systems, including pedestrian and cyclist protection, automatic emergency braking, front assist and a speed limiter. High-end trim levels add several advanced features including adaptive cruise control, hill start assist and blind-spot monitoring.[19]

Latin America

Brazil

Unveiled on 25 October 2018 and sold from April 2019, the T-Cross built in São José dos Pinhais plant in Brazil is a long-wheelbase version one, sharing the 2.65 m wheelbase with the Virtus which stretches its length to 4.19 m while keeping it on the MQB A0 platform.[20]

The Latin American T-Cross is available with several engine options, including 1.0-litre TSI making 128 hp (130 PS; 95 kW) used in the Brazil-made Polo and Virtus serving as an entry option, while the high-end trims is equipped with 1.4-litre TSI engine capable of 150 hp (152 PS; 112 kW) produced in São Carlos, São Paulo. The São José dos Pinhais plant will also manufacture the T-Cross with 1.6-litre MSI engine with 110 hp (112 PS; 82 kW) of power output dedicated for exports to other Latin American countries and LHD African countries. It is available with a 6-speed manual transmission for the lowest trim, while the other trims solely available with a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The Brazilian-made T-Cross used torsion beam for the rear suspension, sharing its suspension configuration with the Virtus with specific calibrations for an SUV model.[21]

While the Brazilian-made T-Cross has a longer wheelbase compared to the European version, the engineering team focused on making a larger space and legroom for the second row passengers. As the result, the capacity of the boot was reduced. While the European T-Cross carries between 385 and 455 litres (rear seats unfolded, depends on the rear seat recline position), the Brazilian model is only capable of 373–420 litres. This is also the case for the Chinese T-Cross and Tacqua, being the long-wheelbase version of the T-Cross.

Mexico

The T-Cross was introduced in Mexico in September 2019 and was imported from Brazil. It uses a 1.6-litre engine coupled with the Tiptronic six speed automatic transmission. It is the second car in Volkswagen's Mexican lineup to use the MQB A0 platform. It also comes with a 6.5" Composition Media and Apple CarPlay infotainment system, six airbags, ABS brakes and electronic stability control, and automatic post collision braking is available in all versions. It obtained a five star rating by Latin NCAP. It arrived to the market in Mexico in 2019.[22]

The Brazilian-made T-Cross was briefly sold alongside the Indian-made Taigun, which went on sale in February 2023. The Taigun replaced the T-Cross in the market.[23][24]

Powertrain

Petrol engines
Model Displacement Power Torque Transmission
1.0 200 TSI 999 cc I3 118 PS (87 kW; 116 hp) (with petrol) 200 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft) 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
130 PS (96 kW; 128 hp) (with ethanol)
1.5 250 TSI 1,498 cc I4 152 PS (112 kW; 150 hp) 250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) 6-speed automatic
1.6 MSI 1,598 cc I4 112 PS (82 kW; 110 hp) 155 N⋅m (114 lb⋅ft) 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic

China

In China, the car is offered by two manufacturers (SAIC-Volkswagen and FAW-Volkswagen) with two different names, which are the T-Cross and Tacqua respectively.

T-Cross

The Chinese market T-Cross was unveiled on 25 October 2018. It is manufactured and marketed by SAIC-VW and adopted the long-wheelbase body like the Brazilian T-Cross. It features a different front and rear bumpers to adapt with the Chinese market taste and trends. It is available in two engine options, which include 1.4-litre TSI which makes 148 hp (150 PS; 110 kW) and 1.5-litre MPI with 113 hp (115 PS; 84 kW) of power output. It went on sale in April 2019.[25]

Tacqua

The twin model of the T-Cross for the Chinese market is named the Tacqua. Manufactured and marketed by FAW-VW, the Tacqua bears more resemblance with the Brazilian-made T-Cross in terms of exterior appearance, with the exception of the Tacqua R-Line model which is a new design. The Tacqua offers the same long-wheelbase body and engine options as the T-Cross built by SAIC-VW, which are 1.4-litre TSI and 1.5-litre MPI. It was unveiled in November 2019 and launched to the market in December 2019.[26]

Powertrain

Petrol engines[27]
Model Displacement Power Torque Transmission
1.4 TSI '280 TSI'† 1,395 cc I4 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) 250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) 7-speed DSG
1.5 MPI 1,498 cc I4 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) 145 N⋅m (107 lb⋅ft) 5/6-speed manual

† Marketed and labeled as such in China

India (Taigun)

Main article: Volkswagen Taigun

In February 2020, Volkswagen revealed the Taigun for the Indian market which is based from the Chinese market T-Cross with several changes, such as the redesigned C-pillar.[28] It is unrelated to the concept model from 2012 with the same name. Volkswagen stated the Taigun is built on a modified MQB A0 platform dedicated for Indian market called the MQB A0 IN. It went on sale in India in September 2021.[29]

Safety

2022 Volkswagen Taigun 'Comfortline' RHD (2 airbags)
Global NCAP scores (2022)
Adult occupant stars
Adult occupant score 29.64/34.00
Child occupant stars
Child occupant score 42.00/49.00
Bodyshell Integrity Stable

Volkswagen Taigun rated Adult And Child safety 5 star in Global NCAP.

Philippines

The T-Cross was launched in the Philippine market on May 26, 2021. Imported from China, it is only available in a single trim variant called the S with a 1.5 liter petrol engine.

Indonesia

The T-Cross has been sold in Indonesia since 23 February 2022. Based on the Indian market Taigun, it is offered in a single variant with a 1.0-litre TSI engine.[30]

Sales and production figures

Year Sales Global
production
Europe[i][31] Turkey China Brazil Colombia Mexico
T-Cross[32] Tacqua[33]
2019 101,229 63,495 2,457 37,081[34] 1,059[35] 788[36] 274,071[37]
2020 113,320 44,523 30,908 60,124[38] 1,429[39] 5,961[40] 285,824[41]
2021 125,325 30,195 31,535 62,313[42] 2,064[43] 6,690[44] 295,101
2022 4,573[45] 65,190[46] 1,944[47] 7,965[48]
  1. ^ Europe: 2020 EU 27 + UK + Switzerland + Norway + Iceland

References

  1. ^ "VW T-CROSS (C11)". Meyer Motoren. Retrieved 2023-11-25.
  2. ^ "Production of the T-Cross: Employees are thrilled". www.volkswagenag.com. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  3. ^ "Report - VW pleased with response for Taigun, green lights it for production". Indianautosblog. 3 November 2012. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  4. ^ "Volkswagen Taigun Concept 2012 review". Autocar. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  5. ^ Radu, Mihnea (2016-02-09). "VW Taigun Canceled Because It's Too Small, New SUV Concept to Debut in Geneva". autoevolution. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  6. ^ "VW Taigun compact SUV cancelled - Report". Indianautosblog. 16 February 2016. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  7. ^ "Volkswagen Taigun SUV production cancelled - report". Paul Tan's Automotive News. 2016-02-15. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  8. ^ Volkswagen. "VW Taigun Returns As Small Crossover With T-Cross Looks". Motor1.com. Retrieved 2020-03-05.
  9. ^ "World Premiere of the all-new Volkswagen T-Cross". www.volkswagenag.com. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  10. ^ Gregor Hebermehl, Holger Wittich, Peter Wolkenstein (2018-10-25). "VW T-Cross (2019): Geräumiger SUV auf Polo-Basis". Auto-motor-und-sport.de. Retrieved 2018-11-06.((cite web)): CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  11. ^ "Volkswagen lança T-Cross no Brasil de R$ 84.990 a R$ 109.990; compare com rivais".
  12. ^ T-Cross, Volkswagen. "Watch VW Unveil The First-Ever T-Cross SUV". Motor1.com. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  13. ^ The new T-Cross will be manufactured in Volkswagen Navarra
  14. ^ a b "VW T-Cross review: TDI driven". CAR Magazine. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  15. ^ Briscoe, Neil. "Volkswagen's smallest SUV, the new T-Cross, unveiled in three cities at once". The Irish Times. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  16. ^ World Premiere of the all-new T-Cross: Volkswagen expands its family of SUVs
  17. ^ Available to order now: the new T-Cross
  18. ^ "Official Volkswagen T-Cross 2019 safety rating". www.euroncap.com. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  19. ^ "Volkswagen T-Cross SUV 2020 reliability & safety". Carbuyer. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  20. ^ T-Cross, Volkswagen. "Volkswagen T-Cross terá preços entre R$ 84.990 e R$ 109.990". Motor1.com (in Portuguese). Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  21. ^ Redação. "Novo Volkswagen T-Cross: revelado o primeiro SUV compacto da marca". Motor1.com (in Portuguese). Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  22. ^ "Volkswagen T-Cross: Precios, versiones y equipamiento en México". 18 September 2019.
  23. ^ "Made-in-India VW T-Cross exports commence". Autocar India. Retrieved 2022-02-10.
  24. ^ "Llega a México la nueva Volkswagen Taigun 2023 y este será su precio". El Universal Puebla (in Spanish). 2023-02-06. Retrieved 2023-02-16.
  25. ^ "售12.79-15.99万 上汽大众T-Cross上市" [SAIC Volkswagen T-Cross listed for sale, priced 12.79-15.99 million]. www.autohome.com.cn. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  26. ^ "SAIC Volkswagen Tacqua unveiled|Volkswagen|Tacqua-Internet Info Agency". english.news18a.com. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  27. ^ "售12.79-15.99万 上汽大众T-Cross上市" [SAIC Volkswagen T-Cross listed for sale for 12.79-15.99 million]. Autohome. Retrieved 2020-08-20.
  28. ^ Volkswagen. "VW Taigun Returns As Small Crossover With T-Cross Looks". Motor1.com. Retrieved 2020-03-05.
  29. ^ "Volkswagen Taigun specifications and features revealed". CarWale. 2020-02-11. Retrieved 2020-03-05.
  30. ^ R., Dwi Wahyu (2022-02-23). "Resmi Dijual, Segini Harga Volkswagen T-Cross Terbaru di Indonesia". GridOto.com (in Indonesian). Indonesia: Kompas Gramedia. Retrieved 2022-02-23.
  31. ^ "Volkswagen T-Cross European sales figures". carsalesbase.com. 2019-05-17. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  32. ^ "Volkswagen T-Cross China auto sales figures". carsalesbase.com. 2019-04-19. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  33. ^ "Volkswagen Tacqua China auto sales figures". carsalesbase.com. 2019-12-18. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  34. ^ AutoPapo, Os carros mais vendidos em 2019 no Brasil: confira lista completa (in Brazilian Portuguese), retrieved 2020-08-19
  35. ^ Mantilla, Óscar Julián Restrepo (2020-01-22). "Top 100: Los carros más vendidos de Colombia en 2019". El Carro Colombiano (in Spanish). Retrieved 2023-02-16.
  36. ^ García, Gerardo (2020-01-10). "Los 374 autos más vendidos de México: la lista completa porque el top 10 ya te lo sabes". Motorpasión México (in Spanish). Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  37. ^ "Volkswagen AG Annual Report 2019" (PDF). Retrieved 2020-03-17.
  38. ^ "Carros mais vendidos do Brasil em 2020". AUTOO (in Brazilian Portuguese). 2016-01-01. Retrieved 2021-01-12.
  39. ^ Castañeda, Fabián Rojas (2021-01-15). "Top 100: Los carros más vendidos de Colombia en 2020". El Carro Colombiano (in Spanish). Retrieved 2023-02-16.
  40. ^ "Carros mais vendidos do Brasil em 2020". AUTOO (in Brazilian Portuguese). 2016-01-01. Retrieved 2021-01-12.
  41. ^ "Volkswagen AG Annual Report 2020" (PDF). Retrieved 2022-01-07.
  42. ^ "Carros mais vendidos do Brasil em 2021". AUTOO (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2022-01-11.
  43. ^ Castañeda, Fabián Rojas (2022-01-22). "Top 100: Los carros más vendidos de Colombia en 2021". El Carro Colombiano (in Spanish). Retrieved 2023-02-16.
  44. ^ García, Gerardo (2022-01-08). "Los 379 autos más vendidos de México en 2021: la lista completa del ranking de ventas". Motorpasión México (in Spanish). Retrieved 2022-01-11.
  45. ^ "2022'de satılan her 100 otomobilin 28'i Bursalı - Emre Özpeynirci". Bursada Bugün. Retrieved 2023-01-11.
  46. ^ "Carros mais vendidos do Brasil em 2022". AUTOO. 2022-02-03. Retrieved 2023-01-11.
  47. ^ Castañeda, Fabián Rojas (2023-01-24). "Los 100 carros más vendidos de Colombia en 2022: Informe Especial". El Carro Colombiano (in Spanish). Retrieved 2023-02-16.
  48. ^ García, Gerardo (2023-01-06). "Los 371 autos más vendidos de México en 2022: el ranking completo con todos los modelos". Motorpasión México (in Spanish). Retrieved 2023-01-12.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Volkswagen T-Cross.
Volkswagen passenger cars
« previous — Volkswagen Passenger Cars, a marque of the Volkswagen Group, car timeline, European market, 1980s–present
Volkswagen Passenger Cars, a marque of the Volkswagen Group, car timeline, South American market, 1980–present
Volkswagen Passenger Cars, a marque of the Volkswagen Group, car timeline, Chinese market, 1980s–present
Categories