VS
At a Glance
Power
138 kW
85 kW
Torque
305 Nm
200 Nm
Fuel
8.1 l/100km
5.6 l/100km
Towing
—
1200 Kg
0-100 km/h
—
10.2 s
Engine
1498 cc
999 cc
Choosing between the BAIC B30 and the Volkswagen T-Cross is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BAIC B30 delivers 138 kW while the Volkswagen T-Cross produces 85 kW. On fuel, the B30 returns 8.1 l/100km while the T-Cross uses 5.6 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R549 900 for the B30 and R548 400 for the T-Cross. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
BAIC B301.5t Premium Adventure DCT 2025 - From R549 900
Volkswagen T-Cross1.0 TSI R-LINE DSG 2026 - From R548 400
Performance
Power Output
138 kW
85 kW
Torque
305 Nm
200 Nm
0-100 kph
—
10.2 s
Top Speed
-
193 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1498 cc
999 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
7
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.1 l/100km
5.6 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 l
40 l
CO2 Emissions
181 g/km
126 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4730 mm
4135 mm
Width
1910 mm
1760-1993 mm
Height
1790 mm
1573 mm
Wheelbase
2820 mm
2551 mm
Ground Clearance
215 mm
188 mm
Kerb Weight
1600 Kg
1291 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
1496 l
385-455-1281 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1200 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
—
Optional
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
Optional
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7
3
Warranty Distance
200000 Km
120000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
7yr
3yr
Service Plan Distance
90000km
45000km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volkswagen T-Cross
2 / 4 categories
Performance
B30
Fuel Economy
T-Cross
Value
Tied
Practicality
T-Cross
Pros & Cons
BAIC B30
More powerful engine (138 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (8.1 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen T-Cross
Better fuel economy (5.6 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R548 400)
Less power than rival (85 kW vs 138 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the B30 or T-Cross?
The B30 uses 8.1 l/100km and the T-Cross uses 5.6 l/100km on the combined cycle. The T-Cross is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the B30 or T-Cross?
The B30 produces 138 kW and 305 Nm of torque while the T-Cross delivers 85 kW and 200 Nm of torque. The B30 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the B30 and T-Cross?
The B30 starts from R549 900 and the T-Cross from R548 400, a difference of just R1 500, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the B30 or T-Cross?
The B30 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the T-Cross can tow 1200 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the B30 or the T-Cross?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.