A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
T-Cross
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
UNI-S
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
T-Cross
UNI-S
Model Introduced Year
2020
2026
Generation
First generation T-Cross on MQB-A0 platform
First current South African UNI-S retail generation, offered in CS, CL and CE grades.
Facelift History
Facelift in 2024 with updated features
No South African facelift has been announced since the UNI-S entered local retail sale in 2026.
Facelift Launched Since
2024
Not Applicable
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Not Applicable
Body Style
SUV
SUV
Color Note
White, Black, Silver, Grey, Blue, Red
-
Dealer Stock Note
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
-
Drivetrain Note
4x2 configuration for the local line-up
-
Model Year
Current
2026
Production Status
published
active
Segment
SUV
Compact SUV
Tare Mass Kg
1291 kg
-
Vehicle Type
SUV
Passenger car
Spec
T-Cross
UNI-S
Length
4135 mm
4539 mm
Width
1760 mm
1865 mm
Height
1573 mm
1680 mm
Wheelbase
2551 mm
2656 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
188 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity
40 l
51 l
Boot/Cargo Space
385 l
475 l
Kerb Weight
1291 kg
1505 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1750 kg
1825 kg
Towing Capacity
1200 kg
Not Officially Disclosed
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
10.6 m
5.66 m
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
167 mm
Payload Capacity
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Rows
-
2 rows
Front Headroom
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Headroom
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Legroom
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Legroom
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
T-Cross
UNI-S
Front Track Width
1528 mm
-
Rear Track Width
1509 mm
-
Front Suspension
Not Available
MacPherson independent
Rear Suspension
Not Available
Multi-link independent
Power Steering
Standard
-
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
-
Spec
T-Cross
UNI-S
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Standard
Automatic climate control
Power Windows
Not Available
All four windows; one-touch up/down
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Passive entry
Push Button Start
Not Available
Yes
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Sunroof
Not Available
Electric panoramic sunroof
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Yes
Boot Space Seats Folded
455 l
-
Boot Space Seats Folded
455 l
-
12V Accessory Socket
Standard
-
Speed Limiter
Standard
-
AC Type
Standard
Automatic climate control
Adaptive Dampers
Not Available
-
Climate Zones
Standard
-
Front Armrest
Standard
-
Front Power Outlet
Standard
-
Fuel Consumption Combined
5.5
-
Multi Function Steering
Standard
-
Performance Data Logger
Not Available
-
Rev Matching
Not Available
-
Speed Alert System
Adjustable speed limiter
-
Air Conditioning
Standard
Automatic climate control
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
-
Bed Extender
Not Available
-
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
-
Centre Console
Standard
-
Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Difflock
Not Available
-
Front Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Intelligent Battery System
Not Available
-
Load Bed Cover
Not Available
-
Load Bed Light
Not Available
-
Load Bed Steps
Not Available
-
Loadbox Depth Mm
Not Available
-
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not Available
-
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Manual Aircon
Standard
-
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
-
Power Socket 12v
Standard
-
Rear Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
-
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
-
Source Model Column
t-cross
-
Sport Plus Mode
Not Available
-
Sports Bar
Not Available
-
Tailgate Damper
Not Available
-
Tailgate Lock
Not Available
-
Tow Bar Type
Not Available
-
Trim Level
flagship
-
Variant Role
Flagship / premium derivative
-
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
-
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
-
Spec
T-Cross
UNI-S
Engine
Not Officially Disclosed
1.5-litre Turbocharged Petrol
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
NE15TG-AC
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1000 cc
1500 cc
Cylinders
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Cylinder Layout
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Not Officially Disclosed
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
85 kW
138 kW
Maximum Torque
175 Nm
300 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
Not Officially Disclosed
FWD
Transmission
Not Officially Disclosed
7-Speed DCT
Top Speed
Not Officially Disclosed
190 km/h
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
3 selectable modes
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
65.8 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
135.6 Nm/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
T-Cross
UNI-S
Gearbox
DCT
7-Speed DCT
Drivetrain Layout
4x2
Not Officially Disclosed
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Gears
Not Applicable
7
Transmission Type
Dual-Clutch Automatic
DCT
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Dual-clutch
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Gear Shift Type
DCT
Automatic
Drivetrain
4x2
FWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Differential Type Front
Not Available
-
Differential Type Rear
Not Available
-
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Gearbox Type
DCT
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Axle Layout
4x2
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Transfer Case Guard
Not Available
-
Transmission Speeds
Not Applicable
7
Spec
T-Cross
UNI-S
Claimed Mileage
18.2 km/l
14.49 km/l
City Mileage
14.7 km/l
Not Officially Disclosed
Highway Mileage
21.4 km/l
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity
40 l
51 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Real-world Mileage
18.2 km/l
14.49 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Litres
40
51
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
T-Cross
UNI-S
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Yes
Traction Control
Not Available
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
ISOFIX Mounts
Not Available
Yes
Brake Assist
Not Available
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
Driver and front passenger
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
AEB
Not Available
Yes
BA
Not Available
Yes
Brake Override System
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Curtain Airbags
Not Available
Yes
Driver Airbag
Not Available
Yes
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Yes
Hill Hold
Not Available
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Not Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Driver and front passenger
Side Airbags
Not Available
Yes
Stability Control
Not Available
Yes
TCS
Not Available
Yes
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Spec
T-Cross
UNI-S
Cruise Control
Standard
Cruise Control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Rear (6 sensors)
Rear View Camera
Standard
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
540-degree HD panoramic view
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Yes
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Yes
EV Mode
Not Available
-
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Yes
Reverse Camera
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Park Assist
Not Available
Straight-in/straight-out automatic parking
Around View Monitor
Not Available
540-degree HD panoramic view
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Yes
Rear View Camera
Standard
-
Reversing Camera
Standard
-
Spec
T-Cross
UNI-S
Seat Material
Cloth
Microfiber leather
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Front seat cushions
Steering Type
Standard
-
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Armrest
Standard
-
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Steering Wheel Material
Standard
Microfiber leather
Interior Colour Options
Black
-
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
6-way electric
Fabric Seats
Cloth
-
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
4-way electric
Armrest Front
Standard
-
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, digital cluster, quality interior
-
Interior Trim Colour
Black
-
Floor Mats
Standard
-
Interior Colours
Black
-
Seat Trim
Cloth
Microfiber leather
Spec
T-Cross
UNI-S
Infotainment System
SYNC
12.8-inch infotainment system
Apple CarPlay
Not Available
Yes
Android Auto
Not Available
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Not Available
Yes
Number of Speakers
Not Available
8
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Applicable
10.25-inch instrument display
USB Ports
Not Available
1 USB-A and 1 USB-C in front
Infotainment Screen Size
SYNC
12.8-inch
Infotainment Screen
SYNC
12.8-inch
Connected Services
SYNC
-
Touchscreen
SYNC
12.8-inch
Spec
T-Cross
UNI-S
LED Headlamps
Not Available
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
LED
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Rear fog lamp
Roof Rails
Not Available
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
6
Black, Putty Grey, Shadow Grey, Fluorite Grey, Moon White
Body Type
SUV
-
Exterior Colour Options
6
-
Headlights
Not Available
Yes
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
-
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Yes
Active Exhaust
Not Available
-
Spec
T-Cross
UNI-S
Approach Angle
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Departure Angle
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Wading Depth
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Breakover Angle
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
-
Front Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Ground Clearance Max
188 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
188 mm
-
Off Road Descent Control
Not Available
-
Off Road Traction Assist
Not Available
-
Crawl Control
Not Available
-
Rear Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Transfer Case
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Mud
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Normal
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Rock
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Sand
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Snow
Not Available
-
Terrain Response System
Not Available
-
Underbody Camera
Not Available
-
Spec
T-Cross
UNI-S
Tyre Size
Not Available
225/55 R19
Front Brake Type
Not Available
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Not Available
Solid disc
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
Temporary-use spare
Wheel Rim Size
Not Available
19-inch aluminium-alloy wheels
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
-
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
Electronic parking brake
Leather Steering Wheel
Standard
-
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
Standard
-
Steering Wheel Trim
Standard
-
Spec
T-Cross
UNI-S
CO2 Emissions
127 g/km
179 g/km
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
Petrol
-
Particulate Filter
Not Available
-
Idle CO2 Output
127
-
CO2 Emissions G Km
127
-
Spec
T-Cross
UNI-S
Basic Warranty
3 years / 120 000 km
5 years / 150,000 km; roadside assistance 5 years
Warranty
3 years / 120 000 km
5 years / 150,000 km; roadside assistance 5 years
Spec
T-Cross
UNI-S
Service Plan
Not Available
5 years / 90,000 km
Spec
T-Cross
UNI-S
Ownership Role
South Africa market model
Current South African derivative
Price Zar
548400 ZAR
469900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Active local lineup
Current South African retail price
Starting Price
548400
469900
Starting Price Zar
548400
469900
In depth: how these cars differ
This T-Cross and UNI-S comparison uses the exact South African derivatives selected above. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: T-Cross 34 vs UNI-S 59.
Efficiency index: T-Cross 69 vs UNI-S 55.
Safety-equipment index: T-Cross 81 vs UNI-S 92.
Practicality index: T-Cross 60 vs UNI-S 68.
Ownership-cover index: T-Cross not separately scored vs UNI-S not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Specification Evidence Index
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
UNI-S leads by 9 points
UNI-S has a modest catalogue-index lead, while T-Cross remains close.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
UNI-S
Performance
59/100
Efficiency
55/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
68/100
T-Cross
Performance
34/100
Efficiency
69/100
Safety
81/100
Practicality
60/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexChangan UNI-S
leads the specification evidence index with 69 pts
vs 60 pts for T-Cross
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, UNI-S leads. However, T-Cross may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South African models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the exact South African derivatives on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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