Volkswagen T-Cross vs. Kia Seltos

The crossover market just became more crowded with the arrival of the successful and safe Volkswagen T-Cross.

Volkswagen Philippines said the T-Cross registered good sales in 2020, with 300,000 units sold worldwide. Today, the model is sold in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Sao Paulo, Brazil, and China.

Sitting on the VW Group's MQB platform, it was rated five stars at the European New Car Assessment Program back in 2019.

The MQB platform is used in other cars in the Group such as the Audi A1 and Volkswagen Polo.  

So, the Kia Seltos faces touch competition. Launched in 2019, the Kia Philippines highlighted this crossover's stylish looks.  

 

Interestingly, both the T-Cross and Seltos are distributed by companies under the Ayala Corporation, making this comparison a bit of a sibling rivalry. But which car is the best?

Volkswagen T-Cross (P1.098 - P1.198 million)

Powering both the base T-Cross MPI AT S and top-spec MPI AT SE is a Euro 6-compiant 1.5-liter engine, which is paired to six-speed automatic transmission. The engine produces 113hp and 145Nm of pulling power.

The crossover wears funky hues such as Polar White and Chinchilla Gray, which are available in both trims. The SE-exclusive hues include Syringa Violet, Romance Red, and Tribu. The S sits on 16-inch wheels, the SE on 17s.  

Providing accents inside the cabin are the body-color interior trims in the SE. The interior can also seat five occupants while offering 329 liters of luggage space at the back. When seats are folded, the space expands to 1,319 liters.

VW Philippines said that thanks to the T-Cross' class leading wheelbase of 2,651mm, the car has a roomy cabin. 

The MPI AT SE has a leather and fabric combo, while the MPI AT S wears only fabric. A 9.2-inch infotainment is available on the SE; an eight-inches goes on the for the S. The SE features panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting.

On the safety front, both cars are equipped with park distance control, tire pressure monitor, and electronic stabilization program. The SE adds side and curtain airbags, autonomous emergency braking, and a rearview camera.

Kia Seltos (P1.098 to P1.505 million)

All Seltos cars are powered by a two-liter gasoline engine that's good for 147hp and 179Nm of torque. Meanwhile, gear changes are done by an infinitely variable transmission (IVT).

The IVT system comes with a Drive Mode Select feature, allowing the driver to choose between five different driving modes: Smart, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Custom.

Other features across the Seltos range are 17-inch alloy wheels, and the eight-inch touchscreen multimedia with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

 

The EX and SX share LED daytime and taillights, while only the SX gets full LED headlamps and fog lights, and that two-tone paint option. Buyers can opt for a Starbright Yellow body and Black roof, or a Clear White/Black combo. 

Aside from automatic climate control and push-button start, the SX includes a host of safety features. These include airbags dotted around the cabin, electronic stability control, and downhill brake control and hill-start assist.

Verdict 

While the subcompact T-Cross is smaller than the compact Seltos, it makes up for the fact with an objectively funkier design, assuring safety record, and a more substantial platform. We suggest going for Germany's global product.

Photos from Volkswagen, Volkswagen Philippines, Kia Philippines

Also read:

Volkswagen PH hypes up T-Cross launch today with vehicle-spotting campaign

BUYER'S GUIDE: 2020 Kia Seltos