Volkswagen T-Cross 2024: Australian release date confirmed for facelifted small SUV

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Volkswagen has unveiled a facelifted version of its T-Cross small SUV, bringing in a host of upgrades to technology and design along with enhancements to the level of luxury appointment inside. 

The facelifted version of the T-Cross is set to arrive in the third quarter of 2024. Australian pricing will likely be announced closer to the launch, however, Volkswagen has stated it will still be “offered at a very attractive base price” despite the upgrades. 

Currently, the T-Cross starts at $30,990 before on-roads for the Life grade and $33,490 for the Style in Australia.

The T-Cross was first introduced globally in 2019, arriving in Australia around a year later and serves as the entry-point for SUVs in Volkswagen’s range, competing with the likes of the Toyota Yaris Cross, Mazda CX-3 and the Skoda Kamiq.

T-Cross gains IQ Light Matrix LEDs

Volkswagen has made a series of small but meaningful changes to the exterior of the T-Cross, starting at the front with the lower bumper now wearing a simpler design with a wider lower air intake.

A full-width LED strip now links the two headlights which have been upgraded with IQ Light Matrix LED technology inside.

At the rear, the taillights have been given an updated ‘X’ design, with the lower bumper gaining more body colour elements that form around the chrome diffuser. 

T-Cross interior to gain softer materials

Similar to the facelift of the larger T-Roc small SUV, the dashboard of the T-Cross has been upgraded with Volkswagen stating there are now “soft-upholstered and significantly higher-quality surface materials” fitted, addressing what has been a common criticism among pundits.

Although exact specifications have yet to be outlined for Australia, the touchscreen – which now features a floating instead of integrated design – is available in the current 8.0-inch size along with a larger 9.2-inch unit on higher grades.

Globally, the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster has also become standard fit.

T-Cross to gain greater tow ball capacity

Volkswagen says it has increased the maximum tow ball down weight from 55kg to 75kg to provide greater flexibility when towing and carrying bikes on a rack, although this figures could differ for the Australian market due to differences in specification.

The current braked towing capacity is 1100kg in Australia, with no stated change to this figure so far.

In Australia, the T-Cross is expected to retain its 85kW/200Nm 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with all power sent to the front wheels.