2026 VW T-Cross
2026 will be the year in which VW comes to realize its true purpose as a Volkswagen factory, not quite entirely, but a huge step in that direction. The ID.Cross will be available this year following the ID.Polo.
Cupra is adding the Raval, which is based on the same platform as the ID.Polo; both are manufactured in Martorell, Spain. Škoda will present the Epic together with the T-Cross in Pamplona (Spain). What they all have in
common is the MEB+ platform.
The plus sign is well-deserved, as VW is finally moving away from rear-wheel drive in the small car segment. It’s likely that there won’t be all-wheel drive on this model. Of course, you can never be too sure with VW.
Avoiding grandiose ideas and focusing on the essentials is not exactly the company’s strong domain. It’s just like how they first introduced the very useful rear drum brake and are now doing away with it again. The disc
brake is probably cheaper.
Speaking of affordability, the multi-link suspension is making a comeback, another sign that all-wheel drive isn't included. It’s a bit embarrassing to have to point out the advantages of front-wheel drive here, namely the
larger trunk. In this category, price also plays a more significant role.
There are also electric-specific advantages, namely a 22-liter front frunk and improved regenerative braking due to the greater load on the front wheels during braking, which is said to enable up to 200 Nm of regenerative
braking even on slightly rougher road surfaces.
Since we're already at the front, let's take a look at the lights. Here, too, there is a welcome departure from the norm: the main headlights are positioned relatively high, and are always available in LED versions, including
those with matrix technology. The turn signals and daytime running lights are located above them.
The light bar connecting to the logo in the center and the illuminated VW logo are not included in the lower trim level, which is one reason to choose this model. By the way, the same
procedure applies to the rear. However, not the very bottom one, which is priced at just under €28,000.
Because this really is a budget package, not only do you not get the higher trim levels, but you can't even add them in addition. You're limited to the lower engine power, which wouldn't be so bad, but unfortunately you're
also stuck with the weaker battery, which is, so to speak, the modern VW standard.
Be prepared to spend at least €33,000 on the larger battery and motor. The ID Polo, which is 10 cm shorter, is reportedly available for just under €25,000. It will be interesting to see if it also has that much space in the
back seat and the truly massive trunk.
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