Tech updates coming for Volkswagen T-Cross

VOLKSWAGEN is set to launch its updated T-Cross small SUV in Australia from September, the model to offer the latest technology from larger and more expensive vehicles across the VW range, including standard Travel Assist and available IQ.Light Matrix adaptive LED headlights.

The T-Cross range will be made available in three model grades – Life, Style, and R-Line – all sporting a sharpened exterior design and more premium interior finishings. Soft-touch plastics will make their way into every T-Cross grade, while Style and R Line variants will further benefit from leatherette dashboard and door card inlays.

On the tech front, the T-Cross now receives adaptive cruise control with Travel Assist as standard across the range, the semi-autonomous driver technology adding Stop & Go functionality and freeway lane centring support across the range.

The T-Cross Life variant newly adds LED headlights, light assist, side assist, rear cross-traffic alert, park assist, a proactive passenger protection system, and digital instrumentation.

The features join 16-inch Nottingham alloy wheels, front- and lane assist, an 8.0-inch multimedia screen, App-Connect, DAB+ digital radio reception, wireless device charging, a leather-clad multifunction steering wheel, rear-view camera, surround lighting with light projection, powered folding mirrors, and standard roof rails.

Moving up to the mid-tier T-Cross Style we find standard IQ.Light Matrix adaptive LED headlights, an illuminated strip across the grille, Discover Media navigation system with Digital Cockpit Pro map functionality, wireless App-Connect and voice control.

The Style grade further offers 17-inch Manila alloy wheels, LED ambient cabin lighting, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone climate control, and chrome-finished roof rails.

Owing to the increase in specification, Volkswagen has droped the available option packs from its Life and Style variants.

At the top of the range, the T-Cross R-Line features a more assertive, sporty presence with its own interior and exterior styling flourishes. Features in addition to those offered on the Style include 18-inch Misano alloy wheels, drive mode selection, rear privacy glass, and a Beats premium audio package.

Volkswagen Australia says the latest generation T-Cross continues to provide the same packaging and mechanical benefits as before with 455 litres of cargo space, a sliding rear seat, and its refined 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. As before, the model offers 85kW of power and 200Nm of torque driving the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

“There is naturally talk of larger and more expensive vehicles gaining the most advanced technology, however Volkswagen is committed to democratising the technology we heavily invest in and fine tune,” said Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles head of product Michelle Rowney.

“Features such as Travel Assist and IQ.Light Matrix adaptive LED headlights with adaptive high beam are arguably the most beneficial to our youngest cohort of drivers, which is why the upgraded Volkswagen T-Cross will be especially appealing to those purchasing their first new car.”

Volkswagen Australia will announce further details, including pricing, of the updated T-Cross closer to the model’s local launch. The T-Cross range currently starts at $30,990 plus on-road costs.

The Light SUV segment model competes locally with the likes of the Mazda CX-3, Toyota Yaris Cross, and Kia Stonic. It is currently the eighth-best-selling model in the 10-strong segment, with year-to-date sales of 452 units.

Best sellers in the Light SUV segment include the Mazda CX-3 (4223 YTD sales), Suzuki Jimny (2175), Toyota Yaris Cross (1868), Kia Stonic (1759), Hyundai Venue (1621), Nissan Juke (871), Ford Puma (590), and Suzuki Ignis (540).

The segment is rounded out by the Renault Captur with 78 year-to-date sales.