Volkswagen T-Cross 2022: price bump brings DAB radio to Mazda CX-3 rival

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The 2022 Volkswagen T-Cross range will land on Australian dealership forecourts imminently with a few key updates over the 2021 specification – and a small price increase.

The additions aren’t major but they bolster the value proposition of the T-Cross in the competitive light SUV segment that also includes the Mazda CX-3, MG ZS, Nissan Juke and Toyota Yaris Cross. 

Aside from the updates, Volkswagen has retained a two-pronged range with the T-Cross in Australia with the price of entry climbing $810 to $29,200 (plus ORCs) for the 85TSI City.

Meanwhile the range-topping 85TSI Style now starts at $32,100 plus on-roads, an increase of $710. 

New T-Cross features for 2022

Volkswagen has added DAB radio functionality across the T-Cross range, with digital stations accessible via the eight-inch touchscreen that also provides wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

For the entry-level Life grade there are some extra niceties added for 2022, including power folding door mirrors and steering-wheel mounted shift paddles.

The upmarket Style sees physical dual zone climate controls swapped out for haptic touch buttons as in the Passat R-Line 206TSI.  

What are the differences between the T-Cross Life and Style grades?

The $29,200 (plus ORCs) T-Cross Life packs 16-inch alloy wheels, halogen headlights, four USB ports and a leather-appointed steering wheel. Safety systems for the life AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist and driver alertness monitoring. 

Stepping up to the Style ($32,100 plus ORCs) brings 17-inch alloys, LED headlights, keyless entry, chrome roof rails and sports seats. 

The Style further builds on the safety suite with adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic parking and blind-spot monitoring. 

What options are available on the T-Cross?

Volkswagen offers ways to customise the T-Cross with premium paint costing $800. For $1,200 the Life can be specced up with the driver assistance package which adds adaptive cruise and the other safety features of the Style.

Both variants can be optioned with digital driver’s display, nav and premium sound system with the $1,900 sound & vision pack. For those after a sportier appearance, the R-Line package comprising privacy glass, 18-inch alloys and different bumpers can be added to the Style for $2,500.

What engines are available in the T-Cross?

In Australia the Volkswagen T-Cross is only available with one powertrain: a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine dubbed the 85TSI. Outputs are strong for the class, with 85kW of power and 200Nm of torque available from 2,000-3,500rpm.

As standard the T-Cross uses a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, there is no six-speed manual option found on the more affordable Volkswagen Polo light car with which the T-Cross shares its MQB-A0 platform.

Other markets can take advantage of a gruntier 1.4-litre 110kW/250Nm turbocharged four-cylinder engine, though that isn’t currently available in Australia.

Buyers looking for a city-sized SUV with a four-cylinder engine would be well served by the Skoda Kamiq 110TSI, which shares the same platform as the T-Cross. 

However, buyers after a VW-badged small car with the 110TSI engine could also look at the larger T-Roc 110TSI Style from $33,390 (plus ORCs).

The 2022 Volkswagen T-Cross is available to order now, with cars arriving at dealers shortly. 

2022 Volkswagen T-Cross: pricing in Australia

Prices listed are before on-road costs

• T-Cross 85TSI Life – $29,200 (up $810)
• T-Cross 85TSI Style – $32,100 (up $710)

• Sound & vision package – $1,900
• Driver assistance package (Life only) – $1,200
• R-Line package (Style only) – $2,500