How does one of the public’s favorite compact SUVs perform?

He T-Cross It was Volkswagen’s first compact SUV in the region. His unmistakably German style placed him among the public’s favorites. Of course, there were other attributes that also contributed to that choice. This year, the model that arrives imported from Brazil was renewed to enhance its qualities and in Clarion we put it to the test.

This SUV is produced at the brand’s plant in São José dos Pinhais and is built on the MQB platform, the same one that gives life to models such as the Polo, Nivus and Taos, among other vehicles.

It should be mentioned that this model revalidated the very good result it originally had in the crash tests from Latin NCAP, when it achieved the highest rating. Now he did the same but with more demanding protocols.

The aesthetic changes introduced in the model are in line with the style seen in the brand’s latest models. The most notable is that of “uniting” the lights, something present in Taos and in the renewal of the Amarok, for example.

In the case of the T-Cross the element is a chrome bar that runs through the entire grill and joins the new headlights, now with LED daytime running lights. But this effect is even more innovative in the rear sector, since what is attached to both headlights is a red LED that at night gives a very special effect.

The version tested by Clarion It was precisely the one that debuted with this renovation, called Highline Bitono for having the roof and uprights painted black. The bumpers, roof bars, 17” wheels and mirror housings are also in that color.

The addition that makes the difference in this renovation is the panoramic sliding roofequipment that makes a difference in the segment.

Inside there are also improvements. Some coverings and fixtures were changed that elevate the perception of the interior. However, they are all made of rigid plastics.

The instrument panel is digital (8”) configurable and adds a new 10” ​​screen for the multimedia centerwhich supports wireless connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also offers a wireless charger for your cell phone.

The air conditioning controls are also located on the center console. For this section Volkswagen chose touch surfaces, which are unintuitive, imprecise and require time to get used to.

The interior space continues to be one of its high points, with spaciousness for rear passengers. They also have air vents and two USB ports (Type C).

This version of the T-Cross comes with the engine that the brand calls T-200, a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that delivers 116 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque. It is combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

It is a set that gives very good results, with energetic accelerations, even at low revs. But at times it shows a small delay below 2,000 rpm in low gears which is a bit annoying. That effect is slightly enhanced by selecting Sport mode.

Dynamic behavior also remains one of its greatest attributes, offering a good balance between comfort and fit. The reality is that it allows a comfortable ride in the city, as well as providing confidence and security to the driver when going fast.

The equipment level is among the highest in the segment, with numerous driving assistance systems that can make a difference. However, a valuable element such as autonomous emergency braking appears as optional.

The renewed T-Cross is today one of the most expensive in the category. So much so that it is even matched or surpassed by options from a higher segment.

• Highline Bitono: $ 41.676.000

Wheelbase: 2,651 mm

Fuel tank: 52 liters

Power: 116 CV and 5,500 rpm

Torque: 200 Nm a 2.000 rpm

Transmission: Automatic, 6 speeds

Maximum speed: 185 km/h

Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 10.5 seconds

Average consumption: 8 L/100 km

Front side airbags

Hill Start Assist

Lane Keep Assist

automatic parking system

10” touch screen

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Wireless cell phone charger