Entry-level VW T-Cross could be the pick of the range
The T-Cross was set apart by the typical Volkswagen brand hallmarks, from sturdy on-road characteristics to a solid interior (even though certain surfaces were not all that plush), bolstered by punchy engines and attractive styling.
As expected, the model carried a more premium price tag versus rivals. While this was largely warranted from a quality and substance perspective, the level of standard specification, it was felt, could have been more generous.
That criticism was given further credence when players such as the Haval Jolion and Chery Tiggo 4 Pro came to town, offering a much longer list of goodies at prices that upstaged the German.
However, loyal fans continue to appreciate what the T-Cross represents. Even brand impartial shoppers without an allegiance concede to the strength of the Volkswagen emblem, its proven reputation in South Africa and the fact that its local manufacturing operations contribute greatly to the economy.
Though it is getting on in years, the T-Cross remains an important vehicle for the Volkswagen brand locally, boosting the compact end of the portfolio alongside the Polo Vivo and Polo. In 2027 the range will gain the Tera, which would realistically replace the T-Cross in Mzansi as the most attainable Volkswagen crossover.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
TimesLIVE
14 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
VW lowers earnings forecast as US vehicle tariffs hit Q2 margins
Volkswagen on Friday gave its first assessment of how US President Donald Trump's trade war with Europe is expected to impact its 2025 earnings after tariffs dealt a blow to the German auto giant's operating profit in the second quarter. Europe's biggest carmaker expects an operating return on sales in the range of 4% to 5%, compared with a previously forecast 5.5-6.5% range, the company said, giving its long awaited assessment of the impact of tariffs on its business. Full-year sales are expected to be level with the year before, versus a previously forecast rise of up to 5%. Volkswagen and its peers are pressing European trade negotiators to strike a deal to replace a 25% tariff on their cars in place since April. Volkswagen reported an operating profit of €3.8bn (R78,677,067,972) in the quarter ended June 30, down 29% on the year before, citing tariffs, restructuring costs and higher sales of lower margin all-electric models. Car sales data for June underpinned a broader slowdown in Europe's struggling auto sector, and showed Volkswagen among the laggards as the company undergoes a major overhaul to cut more than 35,000 jobs by the end of the decade.
The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
Here is why VW is recalling 253 Polo Sedans. Is yours included?
The cars were made available for sale from 11 August 2022. Volkswagen of South Africa has informed the National Consumer Commission (NCC) of a recall of 253 Polo Sedans. This is an addition to the recall of 18 Polo Sedans that was announced last week. NCC spokesperson Phetho Ntaba said the cars were made available for sale from 11 August 2022 to date. 'The recall is due to incorrectly fitted seat belts on the driver and passenger sides.' ALSO READ: Ford is recalling 2024 Rangers in Southern Africa: Here's why Recall of Polo Sedans NCC is a body that protects consumers by ensuring businesses treat consumers fairly and follow consumer protection laws. The Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 protects consumers from hazards and ensures their well-being and safety by governing product recalls. The NCC can order a recall if a product is deemed unsafe or poses a potential risk to the public. The first recall was made on 17 July 2025, in which VW stated that the affected vehicles were the Polo sedans. The issue is caused by a mix-up of belt webbing. Seat belts in Polo Sedans 'The NCC received another recall affecting an additional 253 vehicles,' she added. According to VW, the recall is due to a fault in the rear right seat belt; both rear seat belts (left and right) require inspection. Due to the manufacturing issue, the seat belts' restraint function may be severely limited in the event of an accident. 'This could lead to serious or fatal injuries for the driver.' ALSO READ: Did you buy a VW Polo in 2025? It's among six car brands recalled over safety defects Visit VW Those who purchased Polo Sedans from 11 August 2022 are advised to contact a VW-approved dealership for a check. If needed, the affected component will be replaced. 'The success of these recalls is dependent on the response by the motorists of these affected vehicles. 'We remind consumers that the recalls are safety critical; therefore, consumers must respond to any recall with urgency.' NOW READ: Chevrolet cars and Honda motorcycles are being recalled: Here is the list
TimesLIVE
3 days ago
- TimesLIVE
Entry-level VW Amarok mixes business with pleasure
In a leisure double-cab market increasingly populated by luxury bakkies priced at more than R1m, there is a subsegment of models that offer a mix of business and leisure for less than R700,000. Volkswagen's base Amarok double cab sells for R669,700 and comes with a black front bumper instead of colour-coded to the body as in upper spec versions. It has cloth seats in place of leather, and the floor has a hard-wearing rubber covering rather than carpets. It lacks features such as lane-keeping assist, keyless operation and electrically adjustable seats as found in upper end Amaroks, but overall it's a satisfying level of gadgets that doesn't leave you feeling shortchanged. The base Amarok double cab avoids feeling like a down spec workhorse and comes with a decent array of comforts to serve as a family leisure vehicle. The manually adjusted, cloth-covered seats are comfortable and have good side support, while the steering column adjusts for height and reach to cater for different size drivers. The infotainment system, while offering a smaller 10' screen than the 12' one in higher spec Amarok variants, is large and offers modern conveniences such as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Most functions are touchscreen controlled, with physical buttons reduced to a minimum inside the uncluttered cabin. It is all relatively user-friendly except for the finicky icon-activated aircon and ventilation controls. For a frequently used function such as setting the cabin climate, I would prefer old-fashioned knobs and buttons. Other standard features in the most affordable Amarok double cab include a digital instrument panel, cruise control, trip computer, four-speaker audio system, USB charging ports, reversing camera and remote central locking. It has rain-sensing wipers and automatic LED headlights. Safety spec is also comprehensive with seven airbags, ABS brakes and stability control. With only rear-wheel drive, the bakkie isn't suited to hardcore off-roading, though its elevated 237mm ground clearance and rear diff lock provide some adventure driving capability. It is a practical workhorse with an above average 1,125kg payload capacity, a standard tow hitch and a braked towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes. It has a full-sized steel spare wheel. The next model up is the Amarok Life automatic at R704,700, which adds two pedal convenience and extra features such as front park distance control, LED fog lamps, lumbar support adjustment for the front seats and a lockable tailgate via the remote central locking system (in the base Amarok the tailgate must be separately locked). With outputs of 125kW and 405Nm, the entry level Amarok double cab has enough gusto for easy cruising and overtaking. The manual bakkie lacks the two pedal convenience of an auto, particularly in heavy traffic. The light clutch and positive shifting lever take some of the chore out of driving, however. A benefit of the manual transmission is that it allows you to rev past the diesel engine's slight turbo lag in a standing start. There are driving modes for Eco, Normal and Slippery. With a fuel tank capacity of 80 l, the test vehicle averaged a fairly frugal 8.5 l /100km, though VW quotes an official 6.9 l figure. It's a refined bakkie that cruises without unpleasant acoustic intrusions, with engine and wind noise well suppressed. It rides comfortably on high-profile 17' tyres even with no load in the back. Priced at R669,700, including a five-year/150,000km warranty and five-year/100,000km maintenance plan, the baseline Amarok offers a good combo of workhorse and leisure capability at a lower price point in VW's double cab range, albeit at a premium over most rivals in the segment. It offers most of the important comforts while cutting out expensive frills and tops it off with good performance, decent fuel economy and satisfying refinement. THE COMPETITION Nissan Navara 2.5 DDTi double cab SE Plus manual, 120kW/403Nm — R595,000 JAC T9 2.0 CTI double cab Super Lux auto, 125kW/410Nm — R599,900 Foton Tunland G7 2.0 TD double cab Limited 4x4, 120kW/390Nm - R599,900 GWM P300 2.4T double cab LT auto, 135kW/480Nm — R599,900 Toyota Hilux 2.4 GD-6 double cab Raider manual, 110kW/400Nm — R612,100 Ford Ranger 2.0 SiT double cab XL manual, 125kW/405Nm — R620,000 Isuzu D-Max 1.9 TD double cab LS X-Rider manual, 110kW/350Nm — R652,500 Peugeot Landtrek 1.9 TD double cab Allure, 110kW/350Nm — R653,900 Mitsubishi Triton 2.4 DI-D double cab GLS auto, 135kW/430Nm — R679,900
