Volkswagen will launch the upgraded T-Cross in September offering the latest technology from larger and more expensive vehicles, including standard Travel Assist and the availability of IQ.LIGHT Matrix adaptive LED headlights.
One of Volkswagen's top sellers, the first-car-favourite T-Cross comes in three grades – Life, Style and, for the first time as a stand-alone variant, the R-Line. All will be available with features that until now have not been seen in most compact SUVs, such as semi-autonomous driving capability.
"There is naturally talk of larger and more expensive vehicles gaining the most advanced technology, however Volkswagen is committed to democratising the technology we heavily invest in and fine tune," said Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles head of product Michelle Rowney.
"Features such as Travel Assist and IQ.LIGHT Matrix LED headlights with adaptive high beam are arguably the most beneficial to our youngest cohort of drivers, which is why the upgraded Volkswagen T-Cross will be especially appealing to those purchasing their first new car."
The T-Cross gains a sharpened exterior design and more premium interior including new, soft-touch dashboard plastics even at its entry Life specification, plus leatherette dash and door inserts on Style and R-Line.
Adaptive cruise control with Travel Assist is standard, delivering semi-autonomous stop-and-go functionality and freeway lane centring support to all Volkswagen compact SUV customers for the first time.
The Life also newly adds LED headlights, Light Assist, Side Assist, Rear Traffic Alert, Park Assist, a proactive passenger protection system (including active seatbelt-tightening if an imminent collision is detected) and a digital cockpit.
This is in addition to the inclusion of 16" Nottingham alloy wheels, Front Assist and Lane Assist, 8" Composition Media infotainment system with App-Connect, DAB+ digital radio, wireless smartphone charging, leather multi-function steering wheel with paddles, rear view camera, surround lighting with light projection, power-folding door mirrors and roof rails – making Volkswagen's 'entry' standard more akin to rivals' mid-to-high specifications.
The T-Cross Style delivers new technology leadership in the compact SUV class with standard IQ.LIGHT Matrix adaptive high-beam (called Dynamic Light Assist), an illuminated grille strip, Discover Media navigation system with Digital Cockpit Pro map functionality, wireless App-Connect and voice control.
The Style also features 17" Manila alloy wheels, ambient lighting, keyless access, dual-zone climate control air conditioning and chrome roof rails.
Previously, the Life and Style were available with two option packs apiece. Volkswagen has pursued range simplification for the upgraded T-Cross, with enhanced specification and no further option packs available. This includes making the popular, sporty R-Line a flagship grade in its own right.
The T-Cross R-Line provides a more assertive edge with R-Line interior and exterior styling, 18" Misano alloy wheels, driving profile selection including Sport mode, dark tinted side and rear window glass and a Beats premium audio system as standard.
Every Volkswagen T-Cross retains this generation model's packaging prowess, with small-on-the-outside yet big-on-the-inside practicality – including a sliding rear seat and significant 455 litre boot volume. Similarly, the balance between low fuel usage and high drivability continues thanks to a refined 1.0-litre turbocharged engine with 200Nm of torque and 85kW, and a 7-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG).