The main mission was to discover, finally, what the most expensive variant of the family still has to offer to stand out in an increasingly competitive segment , especially after the arrival of Chinese brands and their electrified models.
After driving the T-Cross Extreme for a few days , both in urban areas and on highways, it became clear that the obvious is true: the top-of-the-line version of the compact SUV is great , but it has one detail that, for many people, puts it a step behind in the competition against BYD , GWM, Geely, Omoda & Jaecoo and others.
Check out our impressions in the full review of the Volkswagen T-Cross Extreme .
Pros
- Technology package
- Reliable mechanical assembly
- Handling
Cons
- Lack of electrification
- High price
What are the distinguishing features of the T-Cross Extreme?
What might lead a consumer to choose the Volkswagen T-Cross Extreme when looking for a new compact SUV? The straightforward answer to that question is actually quite simple: the reliability delivered by the mechanical components and the brand as a whole.
It’s undeniable that Volkswagen continues to bravely resist the onslaught of Chinese brands, largely due to the trust the brand has built in the Brazilian market since arriving here just over 70 years ago. And the T-Cross Extreme hasn’t abandoned that recipe.
The excellent mechanical setup consists of the 250 TSI engine (1.4 turbo flex with 150 hp and 25.5 kgf/m of torque) and a 6-speed automatic transmission . Although it doesn’t offer electrification, it remains extremely honest and efficient, as we will detail further below.
Beyond the mechanical aspects, the top-of-the-line version justifies its position in the T-Cross “family tree” with its comprehensive package of features and accessories , quite extensive for the segment. The Extreme has two digital screens, an inductive smartphone charger, ADAS system features, and a panoramic sunroof that adds a special charm to the cabin.
The orange details , both on the body and in the cabin, along with the exclusive logo , help to differentiate the T-Cross Extreme from other versions of the SUV. The matte paint, in Oliver Green, however, could not be appreciated by CT Auto , as the unit loaned to Canaltech was white. The two-tone roof, however, completed the model’s bolder look.
How’s the T-Cross Extreme doing?
Under the hood, the 250 TSI engine, a 1.4 turbo flex with 150 hp , the same one that equips other Volkswagen cars, such as the recently tested Nivus GTS , delivers what it promises : excellent acceleration , vigorous pick-up and “honest” fuel consumption for a car without any level of electrification.
In tests conducted by CT Auto , the T-Cross Extreme performed close to the official Inmetro figures, averaging 8.4 km/l on ethanol in mixed driving , approximately 0.3 km/l above the agency’s measurement . We did not fill the SUV with gasoline, but according to PBEV, it can deliver between 11.7 and 14 km/l with this type of fuel (city and highway).
The handling also didn’t disappoint . The T-Cross Extreme follows the family recipe, delivering a sense of security to the driver that, curiously, some newcomers from Chinese brands haven’t yet managed to discover the recipe for. And what does that mean?
In practice, this means that when driving the T-Cross Extreme you know exactly how the car will behave , both on city streets and highways. And it’s perfectly balanced, thanks to its suspension tuning, which is neither excessively stiff nor too soft, and its precise response to every steering wheel movement. A recipe for success that remains valid.
Is the Volkswagen T-Cross Extreme worth buying?
Before answering whether or not the Volkswagen T-Cross Extreme is worth buying , I invite you to reread the title of this review and finally understand why the top-of-the-line version of the SUV is ” great, except for one detail “.
The detail that works against those looking for a brand-new SUV and puts the T-Cross Extreme on the scale alongside models like the Jaecoo 7, BYD Song Pro, and GWM Haval H6 is, for the vast majority, decisive when closing the deal: the price .