The VW T-Cross is the perfect cross country hatid-sundo
Fathers will empathize with me. When it comes to our daughters, who are going to college, as much as possible, public transportation is not an option. I made sure I had a reliable vehicle for those weekend trips, pick up of a Friday evening and drop off early on Monday. That being said, my 10 year old Subaru Forester was reliable enough, but it wasn’t frugal, not was it colorful.
The chance to drive the fire-engine red (VW calls it Romance Red) was an eye opener for t his Gen-X dad whose weekly duty is to drive 83 kilometers both ways and was surprised that it can be done in less than a tankful of gas.
From its practicality and comfort to its safety features and performance, let’s explore the T-Cross’s suitability for our university journeys.
Spacious and comfortable interior. Laura gets to school with entourage in tow. My wife Ludi and my son Darrel, who volunteers to sing with the choir. The T-Cross provides ample space for everyone. The comfortable seating and generous legroom ensured a pleasant journey, even for longer distances. The adjustable rear seats allowed for additional cargo space, accommodating bags and other essentials. The ergonomic design of the cabin contributed to a fatigue-free driving experience, perfect for a dad behind the wheel.
Practicality for this long distance university trips. The T-Cross excelled in practicality, meeting the demands of our Laguna-to-Ateneo weekend trips. The rear hatch provided easy access to the cargo area, making loading and unloading a breeze. The compact dimensions of the T-Cross made navigating through city traffic and tight parking spaces effortless, saving time and reducing stress. The fuel-efficient engine allowed us to make the most out of each trip, keeping costs in check. How fuel efficient? When driving judiciously I was able to extract 11.2 kms per liter, under normal circumstances that went down to about 10.1 kms per liter and 9.6 kms per liter in the late morning trips with C5 traffic in full bloom. Still, that is only about 8 to 10 liters one way–or not even half tank back and forth. That meant lesser stops at my favorite Cleanfuel stations.
Advanced safety features. Safety is paramount for any family, and the T-Cross came equipped with a range of advanced safety features. The blind-spot monitoring system alerted me to vehicles in adjacent lanes, ensuring safer lane changes. The rear-view camera provided a clear view of the surroundings while parking, enhancing maneuverability. Additionally, the T-Cross’s comprehensive safety structure and stability control systems offered peace of mind, my family were protected during our journeys.
Connectivity and entertainment. Keeping everyone entertained during the trips was made easy with the T-Cross’s connectivity features. The infotainment system seamlessly integrated with our smartphones, allowing us to stream music and navigate with ease. The touchscreen interface was intuitive and user-friendly, making it convenient for my daughter to control the media options. Additionally, the available USB ports ensured that everyone’s devices stayed charged throughout the journey.
Smooth and efficient performance. The T-Cross provided a smooth and enjoyable driving experience on our trips to Ateneo. The responsive acceleration allowed for confident overtaking on the highway, while the agile handling made navigating through traffic a breeze. The fuel-efficient engine delivered a balance between power and efficiency, minimizing the need for frequent refueling. The suspension is pliant enough and ensured a comfortable ride, even on rough roads, providing a smooth and enjoyable experience for both the driver and passengers.
The two weekends with the T-Cross provided an excellent experience with the car I tested just a year ago in October. The media test drive event was fun and the beeline to borrow the car was long. I was on the tailend. But it didn’t matter. Test driving the car with so many kilometers to it also gave a better understanding and perspective to just how tough and how frugal the VW T-Cross is.
Its spacious and comfortable interior, practicality, advanced safety features, connectivity options, and smooth performance made it a perfect fit for our family’s needs. The T-Cross delivered on all fronts, providing an enjoyable and reliable driving experience for my university journeys.
