Latest news with #VolkswagenT-Cross
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
VW Polo or T-Cross? How to choose between hatch and crossover
Hatchbacks more affordable than its SUV counterparts, but less flashy. The VW T-Cross (right) is the crossover version of the Polo hatchback. Pictures: Supplied Choosing between a crossover SUV like the Volkswagen T-Cross and its hatchback sibling the VW Polo is not an easy choice. The market has become crossover-obsessed as these cars feature SUV-like styling and lofty driving positions. They've become practical and attainable status symbols. Yet hatchbacks continue to deliver exactly what most drivers need at a lower price. Using AutoTrader pre-owned sales data, we compared similar crossovers and hatchbacks produced between 2019 and 2023 to determine whether the pros of owning a crossover outweigh the cons. Crossover versus hatchback Many of B-segment hatchbacks have a crossover counterpart like the Peugeot 208 and 2008, Suzuki Baleno and Fronx and Renault Clio and Captur. For this comparison, The Citizen Motoring has weighed up two star performers in the Volkswagen stable. The VW Polo remains one of South Africa's most popular hatchbacks and one of the few survivors in the ever-shrinking B-segment. With an average listing price of R273 189 the Polo is on average R63 836 cheaper than its crossover counterpart, the VW T-Cross. The T-Cross did offer a lower average mileage of 59 238km compared to the Polo's 67 628km. Both had an average registration age of four years. ALSO READ: Volkswagen Polo now made exclusively in South Africa The VW Polo and T-Cross base models are both powered by the TSI 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine that produces 70kW of power and 175Nm of torque. But the T-Cross consumes 0.6L/100km more than the VW Polo's claimed 5.3L/100km. It also has a shorter fuel range (678km vs 755km) and emits more carbon emissions. Should it matter to you the VW T-Cross also accelerates from 0 to 100km/h 0.7 seconds slower than the Polo. VW Polo and T-Cross equally safe While the T-Cross offers a 34-litre bigger boot than the 351-litre boot of the VW Polo, both vehicles seat five occupants. Both carry the same safety ratings, with Euro NCAP awarding each a five-star score. The VW T-Cross provides a marginally more spacious interior. Still, the average small, young family is unlikely to notice, making the VW Polo the more sensible choice for used car buyers. 'When you look at the data side by side, the value equation speaks for itself,' said George Mienie, CEO of AutoTrader. 'In many cases, hatchbacks offer lower purchase prices, better fuel economy, and comparable safety and tech to their crossover counterparts, without compromising everyday usability. This isn't about steering consumers away from crossovers, but helping them make decisions that suit both their lifestyles and their wallets.'
The Citizen
30-06-2025
- The Citizen
‘Operation Tunnel Buster' nabs cable theft syndicate in Newcastle
A multidisciplinary law enforcement operation led to the arrest of seven suspects believed to be part of a syndicate targeting underground copper cables in Newcastle, KZN. Newcastle Advertiser reports that Imraan Ghafoor from the Newcastle Fighters Task Team (CCPA) says 'Operation Tunnel Buster' was the result of several weeks of intelligence gathering by a co-ordinated team. 'Law enforcement had been monitoring a group of skilled criminals who were allegedly responsible for stealing copper from critical infrastructure using underground tunnels,' he says. On Saturday, intelligence confirmed that a group of suspects from Gauteng had joined forces with their local accomplices and were preparing to strike. Officers continued to keep surveillance throughout the night, and at dawn yesterday morning, just as the suspects attempted to flee the scene, operational teams sprang into action, tactfully intercepting two vehicles. Ninety kilograms of copper was seized during the raid. A Toyota Hilux single-cab bakkie, a Volkswagen T-Cross, copper-cutting equipment and other incriminating items were also confiscated. 'All seven suspects were detained on the scene. Investigations are ongoing, with several leads being followed to link the suspects to additional reported cases of copper cable theft,' says Ghafoor. The team included the SAPS Newcastle Stabilisation Team, SAPS Newcastle K9 Unit, SAPS KZN Crime Intelligence, the CCPA, Amajuba District, Crime Fighters Task Team, Ithemba Security and CPI Investigations. The team was thanked 'for their precision and dedication and commended for their tireless efforts in protecting the town's infrastructure from continued criminal activities'. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Scottish Sun
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
10 cheapest new cars to insure in the UK revealed – as one motor could save you hundreds
MOTORING experts have revealed the ten cheapest cars to insure in the UK. The average insurance premium has increased by a whopping 43 per cent year on year from £284 in 2024 to a shocking high of £941. Prices have begun to drop over the past few months but the average quote is now sitting around £834, which is still a huge premium. Experts have now revealed how to get this massive premium down a bit. They've revealed the top ten cheapest cars to insure in the UK to help keep the price of motoring down for everyday Brits. Not only are the motors cheap to insure but they are affordable for anyone looking to pick up a new car. The list consists mostly of hatchbacks and super minis but some SUVs do make an appearance. Skoda Fabia 10 The Fabia has been touted as one of the most comfortable cars to drive Credit: Alamy The Fabia is reportedly the cheapest of all UK motors to insure. The little Czech hatchback only costs around £237 a year to insure and can be bought for an impressively low £19,410. Seat Ibiza 10 The Ibiza has been a favourite for learners for generations Credit: Getty The Ibiza remains a cheap option since the mark one was introduced to the UK market in 1983. At only £240 a year and £19,795 to buy the little hatchback remains one of the UK's best cheap and cheerful models. Dacia Sandero 10 The Sandero is one of the cheapest to buy Costing just £240 a year to insure and a very cheap £13,250 to buy, the Romanian motor offers an excellent option for first time drivers. Only slightly more expensive to insure than the Ibiza the Sandero is a fair sight cheaper to buy than most of the alternatives. Volkswagen Polo 10 The Polo has been a favourite in the UK for decades with the VW brand one of the most popular in Britain Credit: heycar The German made Volkswagen Polo is up next with an insurance premium of around £247. A favourite among first time drivers in the UK the Polo costs just £21,210 to buy. Volkswagen T-Cross 10 One of two SUVs on the list the T-cross offers more space and size than the rest of the motors Credit: vw Surprisingly the SUV style Volkswagen T-Cross came in next, despite being large it can be insured for just £248. A Volkswagen T-Cross could be purchased for around £24,895 and offers the most space on the list, perfect for families. Hyundai i10 10 The i10 is one of the most technologically advanced on the list Credit: heycar The first Japanese car on the list, the Hyundai i10, can be insured for only £259 and purchased for a modest £16,380. The most technologically advanced of the motors on this list the i10 offers a slew of futuristic features not available with some of the other options. Kia Picanto 10 The Picanto offers a compact package at a fairly average buy price and insurance premium Credit: Getty The tiny Kia Picanto can be insured for just £250 and bought for only £18,945. One of the smallest motors on the list the quick little car is a perfect option for the city, learners or first time motorists. Kia Stonic 10 One of the larger motors on the list the Stonic offers a great deal more space than most of the others Credit: Adam Warner Another Kia, the Stonic, though much larger than the hatchback Picanto, can be insured for around the same at £260. Buying one is a fair bit pricier though costing motorists around £20,265. Hyundai i20 10 The i20 offers slightly more power than some of the other motors on the list Credit: Handout Not to be confused with the much more powerful i20N the Hyundai i20 can be insured for just £282 and purchased for £20,880. A little larger and more powerful than some other entries on the list the i20 offers a bit of a step up in performance for a bit of a step up in cost. Toyota Aygo X 10 Being one of the newer motors on the list the Aygo X is one of the more expensive to buy and isnure Credit: PA Scraping in at the bottom of the list the Toyota Aygo X can be insured for £307, the only motor on the list to break the £300 mark. It remains relatively cheap to buy however at around £16,515.
The Irish Sun
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
10 cheapest new cars to insure in the UK revealed – as one motor could save you hundreds
MOTORING experts have revealed the ten cheapest cars to insure in the UK. The average insurance premium has increased by a whopping 43 per cent year on year from £284 in 2024 to a shocking high of £941. Advertisement Prices have begun to drop over the past few months but the average quote is now sitting around £834, which is still a huge premium. Experts have now revealed how to get this They've revealed the top ten cheapest cars to insure in the UK to help keep the price of motoring down for everyday Brits. Not only are the motors cheap to insure but they are affordable for anyone looking to pick up a new car. Advertisement Read more in Motors The list consists mostly of Skoda Fabia 10 The Fabia has been touted as one of the most comfortable cars to drive Credit: Alamy The Fabia is reportedly the cheapest of all UK motors to insure. The little Advertisement Seat Ibiza 10 The Ibiza has been a favourite for learners for generations Credit: Getty The Ibiza remains a cheap option since the mark one was introduced to the Most read in Motors At only £240 a year and £19,795 to buy the little hatchback remains one of the UK's best cheap and cheerful models. Dacia Sandero 10 The Sandero is one of the cheapest to buy Advertisement Costing just £240 a year to insure and a very cheap £13,250 to buy, the Romanian motor offers an excellent option for Only slightly more expensive to insure than the Ibiza the Sandero is a fair sight cheaper to buy than most of the alternatives. Volkswagen Polo 10 The Polo has been a favourite in the UK for decades with the VW brand one of the most popular in Britain Credit: heycar The German made Volkswagen Polo is up next with an insurance premium of around £247. Advertisement A favourite among first time drivers in the UK the Volkswagen T-Cross 10 One of two SUVs on the list the T-cross offers more space and size than the rest of the motors Credit: vw Surprisingly the SUV style Volkswagen T-Cross came in next, despite being large it can be insured for just £248. A Advertisement Hyundai i10 10 The i10 is one of the most technologically advanced on the list Credit: heycar The first Japanese car on the list, the The most technologically advanced of the motors on this list the i10 offers a slew of futuristic features not available with some of the other options. Kia Picanto 10 The Picanto offers a compact package at a fairly average buy price and insurance premium Credit: Getty Advertisement The tiny Kia Picanto can be insured for just £250 and bought for only £18,945. One of the smallest Kia Stonic 10 One of the larger motors on the list the Stonic offers a great deal more space than most of the others Credit: Adam Warner Another Kia, the Stonic, though much larger than the hatchback Advertisement Buying one is a fair bit pricier though costing motorists around £20,265. Hyundai i20 10 The i20 offers slightly more power than some of the other motors on the list Credit: Handout Not to be confused with the much more powerful i20N the A little larger and more powerful than some other entries on the list the i20 offers a bit of a step up in performance for a bit of a step up in cost. Advertisement Toyota Aygo X 10 Being one of the newer motors on the list the Aygo X is one of the more expensive to buy and isnure Credit: PA Scraping in at the bottom of the list the It remains relatively cheap to buy however at around £16,515. How to get cheap car insurance CAR insurance is an essential cost that you hope to never use but will need to cover the costs of theft or damage to your vehicle. It's a legal requirement to have car insurance, and going without it could land you with a £300 fine, six penalty points on your licence and even a criminal conviction. But there are several ways to slash your premiums. Pay upfront Insurers give you the choice of paying for insurance monthly or upfront. Paying monthly spreads the cost of your cover but the insurer adds interest charges which means the average motorist pays around ten per cent more overall. If you pay for your car insurance annually you don't pay any interest. A typical motorist can save up to £225 a year by paying in one go, according to comparison site MoneySuperMarket. Increase your excess The excess is what you agree to pay each time you need to make a claim on your policy. You can usually choose your own excess when setting up a policy and it can be as low as £100 and as high as £500 or more. The higher your excess, the lower your premium and vice versa. This means you could bring the cost of your insurance down by agreeing to pay more if you do need to make a claim. But before you hike your excess, make sure you would be able to pay in the event that you do need to make a claim. Tweak your job Certain jobs are seen as more risky than others for insurance purposes. Making small but accurate changes to your job title can save you money. For example, swapping your role from "chef" to "caterer" can save you £20, comparison site GoCompare found. And changing your role from "fast food delivery driver" to "delivery driver" could save you £40. But lying about your job could invalidate your policy so make sure any changes are legitimate and accurate. Shop around Not all comparison sites have the same range of insurers so to get the best price it's a good idea to check two or three from Go Compare, Comparethemarket, MoneySupermarket and Insurer Direct Line is also not on comparison sites so check its prices directly. You can also get a free cash bonus by going via a cashback site such as Topcashback or Quidco. Save the date Renewing your car insurance sooner rather than later could save you some cash. New cover becomes more expensive the closer you get to the renewal date. But you can buy your car insurance up to 29 days before the policy start date and 'lock in' the price you're quoted on that day. A typical driver can save up to £265 buying new cover at least 27 days before their current policy ends, according to Go Compare.
TimesLIVE
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
What's hot, what's not: Used car market trends in the Western Cape
There are several new entrants to the top 10 list, with the most notable addition being the Toyota Corolla Cross. Not featuring in 2021 (the locally built crossover was only introduced that year), it has reached sixth place in a short period, with 1,032 used examples sold in the Western Cape in 2024. This reflects its attractive package, with consumers drawn by the reasonable pricing, available hybrid drivetrains, practicality and appeal of the Toyota badge. Another similarly-sized crossover, the Volkswagen T-Cross, has also appeared on the list, in ninth position with 997 units sold. It has effectively replaced the Golf on the list, which has fallen out of favour with used car buyers in the Western Cape. The Golf, like the Ford Figo and EcoSport that were on the top 10 list in 2021, has since been discontinued (apart from GTI and R models),though the German brand has reintroduced regular models to the local line-up. As in Gauteng, the Nissan NP200, despite its discontinuation, has emerged as a popular choice on the used car market, reflecting a strong appetite for affordable, compact workhorses in a segment with fewer new options.
