2022 Volkswagen T-Cross SE with AID

The relatively new T-Cross — launched in May 2021 — receives a mild tech upgrade one year after. Before we get to the new stuff, here is my take on its looks, features, and performance.

Its body isn’t as avant-garde as other crossovers, and that shouldn’t be surprising since it is a Volkswagen — a company known for modest, straightforward styling. At least it comes with premium features like LED headlights, daytime running lamps, front and rear fog lamps, roof rails, a rear spoiler, and a panoramic sunroof.

The Tribu color is not something you see every day, and for some contrast, it gets silver accents on the bumper and silver front and rear underbody garnishes. It comes with deep character lines along the side highlighted by fins for a touch of sportiness. At the rear is a thick black tailgate garnish that perfectly complements the blacked-out taillights.

It isn’t the most eye-catching model, but I like its symmetry. Everything lines up neatly, not a stroke out of place. It may look too contrived for some, but I’m sure others will appreciate the clean design.

Getting in is easy via KESSY (Keyless-Entry-Start-and-Exit-System). It is actually a system borrowed from Volkswagen subsidiary, Skoda. If you have the key in your pocket, click a button on the door, and the vehicle unlocks.

The Tribu hue on various panels makes this one of the most colorful cabins in the segment. It also lifts the overall bearing of the cockpit despite the mostly hard plastic surface. There is also a glossy black trim on the dashboard’s passenger side, a little bit on the flat-bottom multi-function steering wheel, and the shift knob.

There are very few leather pieces here. It can be found on the shift boot and parts of the seat.

The front and rear seats have the same pattern, design, and leather inserts. The seatback is pretty tall because the headrest is built-in. The fit feels snug thanks partly to the bolsters, but smaller drivers may find their heads out of position.

This part is where we get to the new tech bits. No, the infotainment screen didn’t change. It is still the same 9.2-inch touch monitor, but it now comes with wireless Apple CarPlay. That means you don’t need cables to mirror your phone to the system. But don’t leave it at home just yet because it still doesn’t have a wireless charging feature. The other new thing is the AID or Active Info Display that replaces the old instrument cluster. It is slimmer, vibrant, and can display more data about the vehicle and the drive.

I like that they put a couple of USB ports (Type A and C) in the storage space on the center stack and the same set behind the center console. Volkswagen also updated the manual air-conditioning controls with a digital one in the facelift.

The T-Cross uses a 1.5-liter four-cylinder, multi-point fuel-injection gas engine. It sends 113-PS and 145-Nm of torque to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. Contrary to my previous review of the same model, this engine feels spunkier and more responsive. I’d have to attribute that to break-in issues.

Acceleration is quick. It goes from zero to 100 km/h in 13.3 seconds. Its flat and wide body allows it to be stable on the highway at high speeds, making the drive very comfortable.

The electronic power steering is slightly weighted for a more realistic feel. Don’t worry, it isn’t heavy enough to cause discomfort. It is as maneuverable on the city streets as on the highway.

Comfort is nothing short of excellent, and that partly ties in again with the body dimensions. It moves smoothly and gracefully along bends, corners, and turns. Its weakness is poorly-made tall humps with sharp angles that slightly stress its McPherson independent front suspension. Noise, vibration, and harshness levels are very low.

Safety features include Hill-Hold Control, an electronic stabilization program, reverse camera, a tire pressure monitor, and even a pollen filter.

The two new tech additions are just the cherry on the icing, so to speak. The 2022 Volkswagen T-Cross SE was already loaded, but it becomes more appointed with AID. It will come in a little more expensive though at P1.250 million, but the slight difference for higher ease of use should be well worth it.