VW T-Cross adds frugal diesel 10 | 06 | 2019
VOLKSWAGEN HAS ADDED a diesel engine to its T-Cross lineup. The Euro 6 compliant 95PS, 1.6-litre TDI extends the T-Cross engine options to three: two 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol units, and now one turbodiesel. Prices for the diesel start at £21,240. (Related: VW launches e-Golf 48hr test drives)
The already fuel efficient T-Cross achieves 48.9mpg (WLTP) in its most economical petrol form, but this rises to 52.9mpg across both transmissions and all specs when fitted with the 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine, making it the most fuel-efficient SUV available in the Volkswagen line-up. (Related: VW T-Cross on-sale)
The 95PS four cylinder 1.6-litre turbocharged diesel also has the highest torque peak yet seen in T-Cross, developing 250Nm versus the 115PS 1.0-litre TSI’s 200Nm, across the same 1500-2500 rpm rev range.
Reflecting the flexibility of the engine, all trim levels bar entry-level S will benefit from the option of the 1.6-litre turbodiesel — from the value-focused and equipment-packed SE, to the sportier and more luxurious R-Line specification.
Customers can also choose between a five-speed manual gearbox and a seven-speed DSG unit, although the majority are expected to take the manual option in the UK. The 0-62 mph time for the manual car is 11.9secs, while the DSG-equipped car takes 12.5s to cover the same sprint.
In turbodiesel form, the T-Cross starts at £21,240 for the SE specification model, which produces 140g /km CO2. As with the rest of the T-Cross range, the diesel-driven T-Cross is fitted with a raft of practicality-boosting features as standard, including a sliding rear bench — movable up to 14cm forward or backward, giving the choice between superior rear leg room or 70 litres of additional boot space. (Related: VW unveils portable EV charging station)
Safety equipment normally associated with larger and more expensive models has also been fitted, thanks to the T-Cross’s use of the VW’s MQB platform, such as Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Assist.
“The T-Cross is a car designed for the challenges and trials of family life,” Claire Haynes, T-Cross Product Manager at VW UK, said, “so it needs to be flexible, practical and offer an abundance of choices to tackle almost any combination of requirements.
“Adding a diesel engine option into the UK’s new T-Cross line-up is yet another way that our new compact SUV can offer more of that flexibility, choice and convenience.”
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Jim McGill