Having family in other provinces is great – especially when you can get free board and lodging. Wanting to test the fuel consumption of the Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0 TSI; a short trek to the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal proved most opportune.

Times are tough and we are all honing our penny-pinching abilities. Whether that means using one teabag twice, sticking to 1-ply or inviting yourself over to accommodating kin strategically at lunch time, every rand counts.

This year you might be thinking about downsizing to a more economical car. Perhaps the thrill of that six-cylinder performance hatchback has worn off, as you contemplate living more frugally.

The Volkswagen T-Cross is among sensible contenders that make a very strong case for the B-segment compact crossover breed. Dimensions-wise it (more or less) mimics the proportions of the beloved Polo, but with the added benefit of a taller ceiling and pumped-up, outdoorsy aesthetics. A compact car it may be, but the T-Cross does not feel diminutive, or cramped. First introduced to the South African market in 2019, the T-Cross went on to become a hit. A refreshed version of the model is likely to arrive this year.

Still, the current model makes for a compelling prospect, even as a pre-owned purchase, which we will look at in greater detail with a buyers’ guide later this month. We have spent nearly a month and close to 2,000km behind the wheel of the model in 1.0 TSI Comfortline manual guise. Its 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, turbocharged-petrol motor has proven credentials. It even served under the hood of the Golf 7. Paired with a five-speed manual driving the front wheels, quoted outputs are 70kW and 175Nm. In the case of the DSG version, which uses a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic, the figures are 80kW and 200Nm. But in the budget-sensitive, compact end of the market, there still are many buyers who appreciate the long-term simplicity of a manual.

And the gearbox employed in the T-Cross is quite enjoyable to operate, with an assured weighting to the lever, defined gate pattern and clutch that is neither too light nor springy. Before hitting the N3 freeway, I topped off the 40l tank. At the current inland price for 95 petrol (R22.49); filling-up from empty would cost just under R900. In theory, using the claimed consumption provided by the manufacturer, the vehicle has a cruising range of 833km.

From our real-world, long-term average consumption of 5.3l/100km, that is more like 754km. Which is not to be sneezed at. In the right conditions (plenty downhill slopes, with tailwinds and keeping your speed pegged); you could easily achieve better than the claimed consumption. For instance, 338km into the journey from Johannesburg, the average was 4.2l/100km, maintaining around 90km/h. The air-conditioner was always on.

Three-cylinder motors are inherently frugal, but some are better than others in the refinement department. The unit in the Volkswagen manages to be quite smooth, without clatter or vibration, even under hard acceleration. At full tilt it produces an endearing little growl.

Driving it enthusiastically, or over a daily route confined to traffic, expect to see consumption figures edge a little beyond the 6l/100km mark. Aside from its frugality, the accomplished, grown-up road manners of the Volkswagen also made a positive impression. Noise and wind intrusion are suppressed well; rolling on 205/55/17 wheels, the ride quality cannot be faulted.

Criticisms? Not much more beyond what we outlined in our introductory piece on this extended-term test. That includes certain interior plastics of a harder nature, in addition to its pricing, which is notably loftier than certain class rivals.

Look out for final wrap-up piece on our month with the T-Cross, as well as a pre-owned buying guide on SowetanLIVE during January.