The Volkswagen T-Cross, the compact SUV manufactured in Brazil that was recently updated, was rated with the highest score in crash tests carried out by Latin NCAP, an entity that evaluates the level of safety of models sold in the region.
The model that is produced in the Brazilian plant of São José dos Pinhais (Paraná state) and is sold in Argentina along with 14 other Latin American markets, obtained the five stars possible in protection for adults and children.
One of the keys to its outstanding performance was that the T-Cross update received a more complete safety package that was added to other standard elements such as six airbags (front, side and curtain), Isofix hooks for child seats and control stability (ESP), among others.
Latin NCAP tested the degree of protection of the T-Cross in frontal and side impact tests, adding the side crash test against a side pole post. It also evaluated the whiplash suffered by occupants during an impact, as well as pedestrian protection and the performance of active safety systems.
It is the second time that the VW T-Cross achieves the highest safety score from Latin NCAP – the first was in 2019 – and there are currently four models of the brand with five Latin NCAP stars: Nivus, Virtus, T-Cross y Taos.
Five star security
The VW achieved a high performance in all categories: 92% (36.92 points) in protection for adult passengers, 90% (44 points) for child occupants, 66% (31.50 points) in protection for pedestrians and vulnerable road users, and 85% in security assistance.
Adult passenger protection. The Latin NCAP report details that after the frontal impact, the head and neck protection was good for both the driver and the passenger; as well as in the chest, legs and feet.
In turn, the structure of the vehicle was considered stable and capable of supporting greater loads.
Latin NCAP crash tests are carried out in Germany, near Munich, in the ADAC (German Automobile Club) laboratory. The reason for this is that there are no accredited independent laboratories in Latin America.On the other hand, in side impacts it showed good protection in the head, abdomen, chest and pelvis. The only marginal note was in the chest area during the impact against the post.
Child occupant protection. The one and a half year old dummy was installed rear-facing using I-size anchors and a kickstand. He was able to prevent head exposure, but showed greater than expected chest deceleration.
While the three-year-old dummy, which was also installed rear-facing, was able to prevent head exposure and offered full protection.
In the side impact, the child restraint systems (CRS) offered total protection. All SRIs that were evaluated for installation passed. The vehicle offers Isofix anchors from the factory and the signage meets the Latin NCAP criteria, also for I-size.
Pedestrian protection. The vehicle showed good to adequate levels of protection in most head impact areas, and fewer areas with marginal protection.
In our market, the T-Cross is offered in four versions, with prices ranging from $30,861,500 to $38,905,900.Although some areas near the A-pillar (front) and windshield got poor protection. Likewise, upper leg protection was mostly poor to weak near the vehicle ends, and adequate for the lower leg.
Security Assistance Systems. The VW T-Cross was equipped with several driving aids, among which the autonomous emergency braking system with pedestrian recognition (optional), fatigue sensor and audible and visual alert for the driver about the use of seat belts stands out. front and rear safety.
For its part, the full version (Highline) adds parking assistant, blind spot detector and active lane change assistant, among others.
In our market, the T-Cross range is made up of four versions and two turbocharged engines: 1.0 with 101 HP and five-speed manual gearbox; and 1.0 with 116 HP and six-speed automatic transmission. The prices, for their part, go from $30,861,500 to $38,905,900.