Test driving the Volkswagen T-Cross and ranking it from a millennial
work-from-home laborer’s perspective
LANGKA. The name we chose to describe the T-Cross in ‘Tribu Yellow’ that Volkswagen Philippines offered for this week’s test drive.
This is not the first time I have driven seen the car nor the first time I have been enthralled by its youth. This is also not the first time I have driven a VW of such proportions, the first one with the VW Santana.
The colors with names like Makena Turquoise, Pure White, Moonstone Grey, Syringa Violet, Tribu Yellow, and Romance Red are passionate. We had a T-Cross at home just a month ago and my dad wrote about it. I wasn’t able to drive that one extensively because it was always on the go to trips to Manila. My dad spoke gloriously about it–styling, space, driveability and economy. But all that was empty chatter, until I experienced it myself.
VW knew how to talk to the dynamic and tech-savvy millennial. From its design and performance to its connectivity and versatility, here is my “kuya duties” drive with the VW T-Cross.
Sleek, modern yet strangely conservative
Most millennials will deny it, but I readily admit it. I want something familiar, something dynamic yet not strange. That is what the T-Cross represents. The sleek and modern design, is uncannily at home and in touch with me.
Its compact yet well-built proportions exuded a sense of style and sophistication. The bold grille, expressive headlights with the LED inserts, and dynamic body lines gave the T-Cross a distinctive and eye-catching presence on the road. The colors were very personal that can reflecting the T-Cross owner’s individuality. The compact size made it agile for navigating the semi-urban environments of Batangas and Laguna where I mostly grazed and frolicked, while the properly elevated ride height provided a great but not commanding view of the surroundings.
And by the way, from where I come from, at this time of year, driving with the sunroof sunshield open is the norm. Taking in a lot of Vitamin D isn’t hard when you have the superior climate control of the T-Cross.
Dynamic performance but with frugality
I am mostly at home but when I do go out of my home office, I bring my office with me. This is why seamless integration with digital devices is a must. The T-Cross was good enough in this area, offering advanced connectivity and infotainment features.
The touchscreen display provided an intuitive interface to access a range of functions, including navigation, music streaming, and smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The voice control system enabled hands-free operation, ensuring safety while on the road. The optional premium sound system enhanced my listening experience, immersing me in high-quality audio.
I appreciate that the T-Cross offers both performance and fuel efficiency. This is because the pocket of a millennial WFH person is usually thinly lined.
So on frugality and distance, T-Cross delivered on both fronts.
The Volkswagen T-Cross is powered by a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine that produces 111hp and 145 Nm of torque, which sends power to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission with a Tiptronic function. This provides a suitable balance between power and economy. The responsive acceleration allowed for confident merges on highways, while the smooth ride quality ensured comfort during longer journeys. The T-Cross also impressed with its fuel efficiency–10.9 kilometers to a liter–in mostly mid-density provincial traffic. This reducing the frequency of visits to Cleanfuel stations around and aligning with my sustainability goals.
Safety is of utmost importance
With my younger sister and brother on board, safety is a paramount concern, and the T-Cross prioritizes it with 6 SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, stability control with hill start assist, and rear parking sensors with reverse camera. What is doesn’t have is the comprehensive suite of driver assistance features found in similar models elsewhere in the world. Adaptive cruise control for example would be a great help to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, reducing stress during long drives.
The rear-view camera and parking sensors made maneuvering in tight spaces effortlessly, saving time and avoiding potential mishaps. These safety features provided peace of mind.
Fast enough
If you want zero to 100 in 9 seconds or less, the T-Cross isn’t for you. But if you want a respectable urban transporter, for like what I am doing, bringing my sister to her dorm 83 kilometers aways, it’s a truly great car. The steering is light and precise, especially in the tight one-way streets of Lipa or that last mile turning into Ateneo Gate 3. Weaving your way through Katipunan traffic is made easy because it doesn’t jerk when you push it. There is none of the bounciness commonly associate with short wheelbase SUVs.
The body structure also feels solid. Even better, these attributes carry over once at higher speeds. It has more than enough grip available and feels balanced through corners.
Adaptability
Volkswagen’s DNA of adaptability and practicality seeped into the T-Cross. These same traits are vital aspects of my daily life. The T-Cross impressed me with its versatility. The spacious interior comfortably accommodated passengers and cargo, making it ideal for business trips or meetings. The adjustable rear seats allowed for flexible storage configurations, enabling me to transport larger items when needed. The compact exterior dimensions made parking in crowded urban areas a breeze, saving me valuable time and effort. The easy-to-access rear hatch and low loading height further enhanced convenience during loading and unloading tasks.
Take a look at the T-Cross.
It is a compelling package for millennial (be you an entrepreneur, a hybrid worker or a digital laborer) seeking a stylish, practical, and connected compact SUV. With its sleek design, dynamic performance, advanced connectivity, and versatility, the T-Cross aligns with the lifestyle and needs of today’s tech-savvy individuals on the go.
It’s a vehicle that perfectly complements the independent, millennial spirit.
