The onslaught of Chinese language automobiles launched to native market has been relentless over the previous few years, and heritage manufacturers are beginning to really feel the strain.
Photograph: Mark Jones
In February this 12 months, Volkswagen South Africa (VWSA) introduced it was including two new entry-level derivatives to its top-selling T-Cross line-up: a 1.0 TSI 70kW Base fitted with a five-speed handbook transmission, and a 1.0 TSI 85kW Base with a double-clutch setup, priced at R400 700 and R418 200, respectively.
Quick ahead about 5 months, and The Citizen Motoring acquired an invitation to spend a while with VWSA and turn out to be acquainted with the VW T-Cross within the steel. A 1.0 TSI 70kW Base was dropped off at our workplace for us to make use of for a couple of weeks. It will even be our trip to the occasion as a part of an impromptu media launch-type drive.
Whereas we anticipated the spec to be precisely that very same, what we didn’t count on was that VWSA had quietly dropped the value on the 70kW Base mannequin to R399 900. Citing unrelenting market strain from the Chinese language, who’re extraordinarily energetic on this phase, VWSA aimed to cost the entry stage T-Cross under the psychological R400 000 barrier.
This makes completely good enterprise sense, particularly when you think about that the VW T-Cross is 100% below hearth from the likes of Chery with its Tiggo 4 Professional. With seven mannequin derivatives priced from R269 900 to R386 900, it’s simple to see why the Tiggo 4 Professional is capturing the lights out.
This Chinese language providing has, the truth is, now moved as much as be South Africa’s third best-selling passenger automotive, behind the VW Polo Vivo and Toyota Corolla Cross.
The 1.0 TSI 70kW Base VW T-Cross comes kitted with the fundamentals like an 8” digital cockpit, App-Join, multifunction steering wheel, two USB ports in entrance, two audio system, central locking, childproof locks on the rear doorways, material inside trim (seats and doorways), air con, hill help, 16” wheels, and a tyre strain monitoring system.
Whereas not flashy in any means, all of the controls are inside simple attain and easy to make use of, in typical VW style.
Whereas Chery Tiggo 4 presents 108kW and 210Nm, the 1.0 TSI Base, with its 70kW and 175Nm, is rarely going to really feel speedy. VWSA claims a 0-to-100km/h dash time of 11,5 seconds and a high velocity of 180km/h.
However maybe extra import is the 1.0 TSI Base’s claimed gas consumption of simply 5,9ℓ/100km. And the Chery Tiggo 4 falls brief.
So, whereas seemingly outgunned on value and spec on paper, VWSA is relying on its legacy and popularity for high quality. And on individuals nonetheless eager to personal a VW. It’s a tricky ask in a really price-sensitive a part of the market.
However this battle may go right down to the brand new regionally produced Tengo compact crossover, set to hit the market in 2027 as a extra inexpensive substitute for the overseas-sourced T-Cross.
The VW T-Cross Base comes customary with a three-year/120 000km guarantee and three-year/45 000km service plan.
70kW Base handbook
Engine: 1.0ℓ TSI petrol
Transmission: five-speed handbook
Energy: 70W at 5 000 to five 500rpm
Torque: 175Nm at 2 000 to three 500rpm
Gasoline consumption (claimed): 5,9ℓ/100km
Value: R399 900
85kW Base automated
Engine: 1.0ℓ TSI petrol
Transmission: seven-speed auto
Energy: 85W at 5 000 to five 500rpm
Torque: 200Nm at 2 000 to three 500rpm
Gasoline consumption (claimed): 5,6ℓ /100km
Value: R418 200
