As a relative latecomer to the compact SUV segment in 2017, you might be wondering why it took so long. VW T-Roc will arrive. The Golf-size SUV was a strong contender in its class, as well as a sales success for VW, and one could have said ‘so predictable’.
That’s especially true as T-Roc has ushered in a new level of design emotion for the brand, with its cute, compact shape and plenty of personalization options. Best of all, it’s great to drive with a powerful engine and chassis that combine controllability and fun with a decent level of comfort.
Inside there’s more space for passengers and luggage than in a Golf (thanks to the increased height), plus plenty of high-tech connectivity, autonomous driving and available safety kit. Our previous flaws with the T-Roc’s interior quality have been somewhat resolved with a mid-life upgrade, although it’s much needed for list price, which is closer to premium.
About Volkswagen T-Roc
The Volkswagen T-Roc is a version that combines SUV style with best-selling products VW Golf. Like many crossovers, the T-Roc is blessed with off-road luxury design cues, but the reality is that it’s configured for tarmac ease, practicality, and affordable pricing. rather than a boring old car. family hatchback car.
Like so many of its rivals, the T-Roc is designed to tap into the booming market for stylish yet family-friendly products. SUVs, while bringing younger audiences to the VW brand. The kind of owner can be put off by the conservatism of typical VW design, or the mature and streamlined image of Golf projects.
More reviews
Check out the car group
Road test
Used car check
Behind the more distinctive image, however, the T-Roc shares all the technology and engineering with its hatchback sibling, and it’s all the better for it. You pay a little more to be fashionable, but the advantages don’t stop there as the T-Roc is actually a bit more spacious than the Golf hatch due to the taller body size.
The T-Roc comes with the same range of engine options as the Golf, and you can get different entry-level Life versions, on the other hand a high-performance T-Roc R – the latter boasting with almost 300 hp and 4MOTION all-wheel drive for an impressive grip. In 2020, the scope is even expanded to include T-Roc Cabriolet which, as the only convertible SUV of its kind, is sure to be a ‘must have’ for those inspired by such things.
Since the T-Roc is based on the Golf, it enters the VW crossover between the Tiguan and recently introduced Cross. Prices start at around £26,000 and go up to over £41,000 for the hot R version.
T-Roc has many different opponents, including Audi Q2 (shared device running with T-Roc), Compatriots MINI, Mercedes GLA and lower specification versions of Volvo XC40. There are also Toyota C-HR and Honda HR-WORLD to consider, and also BMW X1 and X2 and Lexus UX.
Where the T-Roc separates from the Golf course is with its funky-looking interior. Instead of using the Golf’s cabin wholesale, VW added color splashes inside, including a color-coded dashboard for the exterior. We weren’t impressed by the use of stiffer plastic in the pre-facelift model, although the updated T-Roc features an improved cabin with softer materials being used and enhanced overall feel. .
A wide range of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines is offered. As for petrol power, you can opt for a 108bhp 1.0 TSI turbo, surprisingly capable in T-Roc’s Evo 1.5 TSI unit, VW’s 148bhp with cylinder deactivation, 2.0 TSI petrol 187bhp and the highest 2.0 TSI engine 296bhp. All petrol engines come with a six-speed manual transmission except for the 2.0 TSI, which has a seven-speed transmission Auto DSG – this is available as an option with the 1.5 TSI Evo engine. 4MOTION all-wheel drive is also standard with the 2.0 TSI.
Diesel power is handled by 113bhp or 148bhp variants of VW’s familiar 2.0 TDI. The former is only available with a six-speed manual transmission, while the second has the option of a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
Volkswagen offers a range of trim levels for the T-Roc, including Life, Style, sporty R-Line and top-of-the-line R models.
For an alternative review of Volkswagen T-Roc, visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk…
