AC Motors, the official distributor of Volkswagen cars in the Philippines, invited us to join the 2022 T-Cross media drive to the pleasant climes of Cavite, and the rolling hills of Tagaytay. During the drive, we got the chance to ride and pilot the brand’s premier entry into the competitive subcompact crossover market.
2022 Volkswagen T-Cross units parked near the AC Motors headuarters in BGC
It was there that we found out that this stylish crossover has the potential of being a great daily driver, a family car, and a chariot for a young and active individual. In other words, it’s quite a versatile crossover. Here are the reasons that make the 2022 Volkswagen T-Cross SE tick the right boxes.
The right style and the right size
The Volkswagen T-Cross isn’t loud nor is it bombastic-looking when it comes to its overall design. But, it does manage to present a good balance between elegance and youthfulness.
From the front, the side, and the rear, the T-Cross is all straight lines. This of course is in keeping with the styling cues of its Santana and Lamando VW sedan cousins. To describe its styling in a phrase, it’s a straight-shooter.
The T-Cross in purple is particularly fetching
Its front end does get a detailed-looking grille while the lower front bumper is decorated with chrome accents. The rear can also be described as refined with its square LED taillights, a not-so-large roof spoiler, and quietly-styled lower bumper.
Those exterior bits coupled with the awesome color options give the T-Cross the capability to attract a young set of buyers as well as individuals who are starting to build a family. Of note, the colors available for the Volkswagen T-Cross include yellow, red, grey, violet, and white.
The T-Cross' styling is consistent all around
We also felt that it exhibited just the right size when we tackled the tight traffic while going out of AC Motor’s headquarters in BGC. On the flip side, we also felt that it had enough road presence as we weren't pushed around by larger vehicles on the highway.
A well-arranged cabin makes for plenty of space
Most of the drive was spent inside the T-Cross, but this wasn’t an issue since its cabin is well-arranged as seen on the dashboard layout.
Finding the right driving position is made easy thanks to a tilt and telescopic steering wheel and sufficiently sized seats. I myself stand at 5’11 and am wide on the waist but I found no issues at all.
The front cabin of the 2022 Volkswagen T-Cross
For those who have to ferry passengers, you’ll also be glad to know that the rear cabin provides sufficient legroom for taller individuals. This makes the T-Cross great for those with kids and even growing teens. Heck, it might also prove to be generous for carpooling needs, and even for road trips.
Speaking of road trips, the T-Cross's trunk can swallow up to 1,281 liters with the rear seats folded down.
Kitted-out for convenience, fun, safety, and comfort
While being spacious is well and good, what made the T-Cross even more pleasurable to drive is its array of onboard features.
The availability of a rear air-conditioning vent and a sizable sunroof that stretches all the way back is nice to have. This is especially true if you’re particularly concerned with keeping your rear occupants happy. Charging gadgets for the rear passengers are also made easy thanks to illuminated Type C and Type A USB ports for the rear.
A closer look at the touchscreen. This also features gesture control for ease of use
Handling onboard entertainment for the T-Cross is a 9.2-inch infotainment touchscreen that features wireless Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity.
This VW model also comes with safety features you’d expect from a modern vehicle. The top-spec SE in particular gets dual front airbags, side airbags, head curtain airbags, anti-lock braking, stability control, hill-hold control, an anti-slip system, a tire pressure monitor, ISOFIX child seat anchors, among others.
It gets a sizable trunk, which is great for road trips, shopping, etc.
Capable, stable, and consistent
The VW T-Cross isn’t quick and isn’t sporty. Regardless, it is fairly stable and easy to control on city roads and provincial roads.
It is powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine that can produce 111 hp and 145 Nm of torque. The engine is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission sending power to the front wheels.
That output is enough for a daily drive within the city, and even on trips to the hills of Tagaytay and Cavite. It can also cruise well on the highway, but as we’ve said in our T-Cross review, do plan your overtakes.
The T-Cross uses a 1.5-liter four cylinder multi-point fuel injection gasoline engine
Cruising on the highway is likewise a pleasurable experience since noise, vibrations and harshness (NVH) is effectively reduced. Engine noise can still be heard, but it is muffled just enough to be ignored.
In the case of ride comfort, it sits a bit on the softer side. It can roll on corners a bit but it was enough for dealing with potholes and bumps.
The T-Cross also provides its driver with a cruise control system, which is great for long highway driving. Plus, the digital gauge cluster on the T-Cross SE was pleasant to look at and easy to understand.
The T-Cross was easy to park
Parking the T-Cross was also easy thanks to the presence of a rear camera, as well as a rear parking distance control system. These features of course, may provide some respite for young (or young at heart) newbie drivers who are just getting familiar with parking.
So there you have it folks, the reasons as to why we think the Volkswagen T-Cross ticks the boxes when it comes to being a daily, a family car, and a youthful-looking chariot. If this versatile crossover model interests you, do check out our full review of the Volkswagen T-Cross.
For more car buying guides, car maintenance tips, and the latest updates from the automotive industry, keep it here on the Philippines’ largest automotive portal.
Know more about Volkswagen T-Cross 2024
The Volkswagen T-Cross is a five-seater, subcompact crossover. Locally, it has only one different variant priced at Php 1,340,000.
Size-wise, the T-Cross is 4,218mm long, 1,760mm wide, and 1,599mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,651mm and a ground clearance of 185mm.
Under the hood of the Volkswagen T-Cross is a 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine that can make 111 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque. The said engine is then paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox, which sends power to its front wheels.
Locally, the Volkswagen T-Cross competes against the likes of the Toyota Raize, Kia Seltos, MG ZS, Geely Coolray, Honda HR-V, among others.
Volkswagen T-Cross: Is it your next crossover? | Philkotse Reviews
>>> New and used Volkswagen T-Cross 2024 for sale in the Philippines
Volkswagen T-Cross Launch
The Volkswagen T-Cross first made its world premiere in October 2018. Volkswagen Philippines officially launched the T-Cross in May 2021 offering two variants that are both powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine. The said power unit can put out 113 hp and 145 Nm of torque. The engine is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Volkswagen T-Cross Exterior
The Volkswagen T-Cross comes with a sharp and distinctive exterior design. It is equipped with sharp-looking headlights, and a large mesh grille, and it is the first locally sold car model that features the new Volkswagen logo. Turning to the side, the new T-Cross comes with straight character lines, a distinct design detail that Volkswagen is known for. The rear is fitted with large wraparound taillights, a spoiler, and a muscular bumper. The Volkswagen T-Cross is offered with five exterior color options: Tribu, Romance Red, Chinchilla Gray, Syringa Violet, and Polar White.
Volkswagen T-Cross Interior
Inside, the T-Cross Philippines features a two-tone interior theme. The top-of-the-line T-Cross SE variant is equipped with a 9.2-inch infotainment system as well as leather trims for the seats. Standard features in the two variants of the Volkswagen T-Cross include the following: multifunction steering wheel, 12V sockets, USB ports, and four speakers. The top-spec T-Cross SE also comes with a panoramic sunroof.
Volkswagen T-Cross Tech & Safety
The new Volkswagen T-Cross comes with notable safety features that include the following: electronic stability control, anti-lock braking system, hill hold control, anti-slip regulation, tire pressure monitoring system, and ISOFIX, among others. The entry-level T-Cross variant is equipped with dual airbags, while the top-spec SE trim comes with additional airbags such as side, and curtain airbags. Of note, both T-Cross variants come with cruise control, Apple Carplay and Mirror Link, and rear sensors. Only the top-spec T-Cross has a rear camera and an autonomous emergency braking tech.
Volkswagen T-Cross Platform & Chassis
The Volkswagen T-Cross Philippines is powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine that puts out 113 hp and 145 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and power is sent to the front wheels.
The Philippine-spec Volkswagen T-Cross is available in five different colors. These include Polar White, Chinchilla Gray, Syringa Violet, Romance Red, and Tribu (Yellow).
The Volkswagen T-Cross sits in the middle of the pack when compared to its local rivals in terms of engine output. Features-wise, the same is the case, though do note that this Volkswagen model already comes with cruise control, tire pressure monitoring, hill-start assist, and Apple CarPlay as standard.
Volkswagen T-Cross 2024 Price List
Let's check out the Volkswagen T-Cross 2024 price in the Philippines.
| Variants | Price |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen T-Cross 180 MPI SE AT | ₱1,340,000 |
Volkswagen T-Cross Pros & Cons
Pros
- Good looks
- Roomy
- Comfortable
Cons
- Not the most powerful example in its class
Volkswagen T-Cross FAQs
1. Does the T-Cross have parking sensors?
No, T-Cross doesn’t have parking sensors.
2. Does the T-Cross have a sunroof?
No, the Volkswagen T-Cross 2024 doesn’t have a sunroof.
3. Does the Volkswagen T-Cross come with an automatic transmission?
The T-Cross 2024 comes with an automatic transmission.
4. What are the Dimensions of the Volkswagen T-Cross?
The dimensions of the Volkswagen T-Cross are 4,218 mm in length, 1,760 mm in width, and 1,599 mm in height.
5. Is the Volkswagen T-Cross an MPV?
No, the T-Cross is an SUV car.
₱ 1,098,000 - ₱ 1,340,000
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