Priced at $27,990, before on-road costs, the entry-level T-Cross Life we’ve tested here isn’t the most affordable compact SUV on the market, but it does try to justify its relatively high price point with high-end equipment.
As standard, the T-Cross comes with blacked out roof racks, 16-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running and tail-lights, front fog lights, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, cloth interior trim, multi-function leather steering wheel, and automatic wipers and headlights.
However, it’s the features like a wireless smartphone charger and heated side mirrors that elevate it from some of its more budget-focused competitors.
An 8.0-inch multimedia touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support and Bluetooth connectivity also sits front and centre on the dashboard. And, much to our surprise in 2020, also sports a CD player in the glove box for those who still have their copy of 'So Fresh: Hits of Summer 2001.'
A black and white driver display is also included providing readouts for speed, fuel economy, vehicle status and multimedia information, but those who want a digital instrument cluster will have to shell out for the $1900 'Sound and Vision' option.
We do have to point out that the T-Cross Life features an abundance of hard, scratchy plastic in the cabin, cheapening the ambience a little, while some features such as digital radio are noticeably absent.