Volkswagen T-Cross 85TSI Style 2021 Review

Volkswagen doubled its SUV offering in one fell swoop last year, bringing the Volkswagen T-Cross and slightly larger Volkswagen T-Roc to market.

The light and small SUV segments are growing fast and, unsurprisingly, are highly competitive, attracting plenty of new customers for the leading brands.

While the Mazda CX-3 is the runaway segment leader among the light-sized set, Volkswagen has made an immediate impact with its T-Cross and finished as the third best-seller in the category last year behind the Hyundai Venue and the CX-3.

Sharing its underpinnings and front-drive format with the Volkswagen Polo light car, the T-Cross is not a cheap proposition, but is trading well with a combination of Euro flair, high levels of equipment and a focus on refinement and ride comfort that few others manage at this price point.

You might scoff at the 1.0-litre displacement of the three-cylinder Volkswagen T-Cross, but it’s not a first for the Volkswagen Group or other compact SUVs for that matter – consider the latest Nissan JUKE and Ford Puma, for example. As it turns out, three cylinders will do just fine.

The Volkswagen T-Cross is available in two model grades that from January 1, 2021, increased slightly in price to $28,390 plus on-road costs for the 85TSI Life and $31,390 plus ORCs for the 85TSI Style tested here.

Both use the same 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine (85kW/200Nm) paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with all power to the front wheels.

Standard equipment on the 85TSI Life includes 16-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, wireless phone charging, four USB ports, an 8.0-inch infotainment touch-screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a reversing camera, leather-clad multi-function steering wheel, black roof rails, low-pressure tyre indicator, automatic headlights/wipers and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

Safety systems include front assist with city emergency braking (low-speed AEB), pedestrian and cyclist monitoring, lane assist, driver fatigue detection, and parking sensors with manoeuvre braking.

All T-Cross models have a five-star ANCAP safety rating, too.

Specification unique to the 85TSI Style runs to 17-inch ‘Bangalore’ alloy wheels, LED headlights, chrome roof rails, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and comfort sport front seats, while the driver benefits further with extra tech such as park assist, adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert.

A colourful exterior paint palette encompasses Energetic Orange, Reef Blue, Limestone Grey, Reflect Silver (all $600) and Makena Turquois ($800). Choose basic white or black at no extra cost.

Compared to other city-slicker SUVs including the top-selling Mazda CX-3 and recent entrants such as the Kia Stonic, Hyundai Venue and Toyota Yaris Cross, the 2021 Volkswagen T-Cross boasts arguably more character, sophistication and refinement – in the understated way that Volkswagen is typically known for. And let’s not forget about the badge value.

The Volkswagen T-Cross 85TSI Style is full of promise behind the wheel too, welcoming enthusiastic drivers who enjoy a sure-footed drive and a bit of weight behind their steering efforts.

The small-capacity engine and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission are a great match.

Admittedly it’s no powerhouse, and equally it will not appeal to anyone looking for a more docile, light-at-hand city-car vibe.

The firm ride may also be a turn-off for some. But not me. And probably not anyone who is accustomed to the Volkswagen Group’s dynamics.

Hard cabin plastics are a sign of the segment and price point as far as Volkswagen products are concerned, and in Volkswagen guise they’re not so bad looking. 

The T-Cross is backed by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, and one year of free roadside assist.

The budget-conscious style set will be drawn to the Volkswagen T-Cross’ European style and refinement within a versatile, compact and economical footprint.

But while the 2021 Volkswagen T-Cross 85TSI Style is a well-equipped vehicle, it lacks a few bells and whistles like electric-adjust seats and an electric tailgate, for example. Hardly deal-breakers though.

Family buyers will note the two ISOFIX positions and three top tether anchors for child seats, but this vehicle’s compact proportions will undoubtedly see you outgrow the T-Cross in no time – particularly where luggage space is concerned, with just 385L at your disposal (with the rear seats up).

Sure, there are 60/40-split folding rear seats, but let’s assume you’ll have child seats or bums on those second row seating positions – which are comfortable and benefit from two USB points, indoor storage and seat-back pockets, but no air directional vents.

On the other hand, singles, couples or empty-nesters lugging less bums on seats and/or baggage are prime candidates for the Volkswagen T-Cross.

The compact Volkswagen T-Cross is a fine example of well-considered, fit-for-purpose packaging.

At this top-spec 85TSI Style grade, it delivers good equipment that’s easy to use. You’re not left wanting for much, given this price point.

On top of that, the T-Cross brings Euro style and a prestige badge in a very enjoyable drive experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen T-Cross 85TSI Style is not only breaking new ground for the Volkswagen Group, it’s a great taster to the plethora of larger SUVs you’ll probably graduate to in years to come.

It’s the prestige ice-breaker that won’t break the bank. Where you go next, is on you.

How much does the 2021 Volkswagen T-Cross 85TSI Style cost?
Price: $31,390 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 85kW/200Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel: 5.4L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 123g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2019)