Review of the new Volkswagen T-Roc 2022

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The updates have resolved some of the previously noticed quality issues, and the T-Roc is still fine-tuned and fit to drive. Some more electrification in the range would broaden its appeal, but opt ​​for the 1.0-litre TSI – more refined than the 1.5-litre unit – in a more streamlined trim level and the T-Roc will only stick to the fourth star, but still not quite provide enough quality to compete with the best class.

The Volkswagen T-Roc received an upgrade. It’s always been a solid competitor in the compact crossover segment, but the mid-life updates aim to not only strengthen the areas where it already offers strong appeal, but answer back. one or two of the criticisms it faced for the first time.

It has been among the more distinctive looking cars in the Volkswagen segment – a car that in the face of competition looks as distinct as a car. Toyota C-HR and a Citroen C3 Aircross, it’s really important to give it a second look. There are changes here, giving a nod to models like the Mk8 Golf and recent revision Polo.

At the front, the revised grille detail is highlighted, quite literally, by a strip of LED lights that run its entire width from headlight to headlight – now also using LED technology. across the range. The front and rear bumpers have been reworked, while at the rear there is a set of taillights with more subtle lenses than before. They also have scrolling indicators.

Additionally, the exterior changes extend to several new colors and wheel designs, starting at 17 inches and increasing to 19 inches.

Inside, the main dashboard features have been shuffled around to make room for a new eight-inch touchscreen. That means you’ll get a slicker, larger system than before, but on the flip side, the way the old version neatly integrated its display into roughly the center of the panel is gone. Instead, the new layout places the display above some repositioned vents, with its top protruding above the top of the panel.

Below those new vents is a redesigned climate control panel with touch controls. Physical controls could previously be used without looking, meaning their low placement on the dash shouldn’t be an issue. The new controls are much harder to use; They seem like a big step backwards.

However, it is not all doom and gloom. While the quality of materials has never really been a strong point of the T-Roc before, this new model fixes that. In a cabin that was previously decorated exclusively with hard plastic, the dashboard top padding – complete with a stitching that, if you glance a little, gives the impression of leather – improves things.

Other details, such as the ink plates on the doors and armrests, plus the new tactile touch controls on the steering wheel (fitted to higher trim levels) also elevate the space. subtly. It won’t make you feel special that way Peugeot 2008 but it’s an improvement over what was there before. Rear seat space is above average for the segment, as is the trunk volume of 445 liters.

The way the T-Roc drives is exactly the same as before. In other words, it won’t set clocked races, but for an everyday car it’s very unlikely to go wrong. It takes sharp corners enough, the light steering makes it manageable at low speeds but still precise enough on country roads and road noise is kept under control from the cabin. The ride comfort offers a well-regarded balance as firm enough to provide excellent stability at highway speeds, but also forgiving enough to keep things calm around the city. .

There are quite a few engines to choose from, though lacking dip into the mixture options would limit its appeal to corporate car drivers.

Diesel buyers can choose from a 2.0-liter diesel with 113 hp or 148 hp. The lower model only gets a six-speed manual, while the other has a choice of a seven-speed manual or automatic for front-wheel drive and automatic transmission variants. four-wheel vehicles model.

The gasoline product line has three different engine types. The range starts with manual 108bhp 1.0 TSI and excels with 187bhp 2.0 TSI; the latter is offered exclusively with an automatic and four-wheel drive. Between them in price and power is the 1.5 TSI making 148 hp, front-wheel drive and with both manual and automatic transmission options.

We sampled 1.5 TSI units with DSG along with a 1.0-litre TSI manual transmission. While the 1.5 engine has more power, it’s a smaller, quieter and more refined three-cylinder. The manual transmission is also precise enough. It’s the one we’ll go for.

The trim line-up has been simplified for 2022, with the entry-level Life, More Luxury Style, and sporty R-Line variants on offer. As before, there is even a converted version. At the top of the range is the hot T-Roc R, which boasts four-wheel drive, 296bhp and costs £40,445.

The rest of the lineup starts at a much more reasonable £25,000. Even the base model is pretty well equipped; 16-inch alloy wheels, Volkswagen Digital Cockpit presented on a separate 8-inch, 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Autoadaptive cruise control and lane assist are both standard – the latter two are part of a suite of improved safety technologies for the revised T-Roc.