2024 Volkswagen T-Cross review: Facelift, fruity new colour keep it fresh

SOMEONE at Volkswagen doesn’t believe in Jesus handles. You know, those hand grips above the doors that passengers cling to in moments of terror when the driver is cornering at speeds that test the faith of everyone on board. They’re a small comfort that the new T-Cross doesn’t offer, which is one example of its pared-down feel.

But having just emerged from the plastic surgeon’s clinic, the baby sport utility vehicle (SUV) is worth a look if you’re in the market for something practical, compact and relatively affordable.

A facelift sharpens up its design with a revamped front bumper and standard LED Matrix headlights, which cast light at a terrific distance but automatically adjust to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers. The front grille now features a light bar that stretches across it, too, which is fully intended to dazzle, but only in an aesthetic sense.