Volkswagen T-Cross gets new range-topping 1.5-litre petrol engine

New 1.5-litre petrol engine produces 148bhpOffered only with a seven-speed automatic gearboxPrices start from £24,910

The Volkswagen T-Cross is now available with a new turbocharged 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine. It’s the second recent addition to the T-Cross engine range after the 1.6-litre TDI diesel engine and is available to order now, with prices starting from £24,910 in SEL trim, rising to £26,810 for the flagship R-Line model.

The new turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder TSI unit becomes the most powerful engine in the T-Cross line-up. It’s only available with front-wheel drive, and can only be specified with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Volkswagen claims this new powertrain gives the T-Cross a 0-62mph time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 124mph.

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Despite being the most powerful unit in the T-Cross range, the new 1.5-litre petrol engine offers decent efficiency with claimed fuel economy of up to 44.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 119g/km. This is comparable with the less powerful 113bhp 1.0-litre petrol engine, which produces up to 44.8mpg and 114g/km of CO2. Both of these petrol options fall short of the most frugal 1.6-litre diesel engine, which claims fuel economy of 52.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 140g/km.

You can only choose the 1.5-litre petrol engine if you go for one of the two highest trim levels in the T-Cross range. SEL spec cars feature 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, sports seats, climate control, front and rear parking sensors and sat nav. The range-topping R-Line model has sportier exterior styling, 18-inch alloy wheels and a 10.25-inch digital dial cluster.

Want to know more about the Volkswagen T-Cross? Read our in-depth review for everything you need to know.