VW’s T-Roc has a new look with ‘R’ headlining the range
Bridging the gap between the larger Tiguan and the compact T-Cross, the Volkswagen T-Roc has carved out a comfortable niche for itself. It represents that sweet spot of being refined enough, stylish enough, and spacious enough, which makes it easy to recommend to anyone wanting something versatile yet premium in the subcompact crossover space.
Introduced locally in 2020, it’s now entering its second generation, which, among other improvements, comes with more space and enhanced technological features, and this goes to show, coupe-SUVs are here to stay.
Visually, it retains its sporty coupe-like silhouette that made it so popular, but it’s now 12cm longer than the outgoing model. That extra length translates directly to more interior volume and, more specifically, a 30-litre increase in boot space, bringing the total to 475 litres. That’s plenty for weekend getaways or everyday errands.
Its design is in line with VW's maturity recipe, which we have seen in the company's most recent products. Like the Tiguan, it has a softer approach to its design, and honestly, that’s what most manufacturers are going for these days. It comes with new LED headlights as standard, while IQ.Light matrix is available as an option. These are connected by a slim light strip that ties into a white-illuminated VW logo. At the back, there’s a full-width LED crossbar and red-lit logo that round off the updated rear styling.
It comes in a total of six paint finishes: Pure White Solid, Wolf Grey Metallic, and the new paint colours Canary Yellow Solid, Flame Red Metallic, Celestial Blue Metallic, and Grenadilla Black Metallic. For a more classic look, the roof can be painted a bi-colour solid black.
Inside, the T-Roc follows the same minimalist design approach we've seen in the latest Tiguan, where most functions are now integrated into the infotainment system. Depending on the model, you’ll get either a 10.4-inch or a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen. As with the Tiguan, there's a stylish multifunction control that handles both volume and drive mode selection, paired with a touch slider for quick adjustments. VW has also made a point of improving interior quality, introducing a newly developed fabric across the dash panel that seems to add a more refined and premium feel to the interior.
While the local range specifications will be confirmed, overseas markets will receive hybridised TSI engines. These include a 1.5 eTSI available in two states of tune: 85kW and 110kW. These will be followed by two full hybrids that VW says have been developed from scratch and will send power to the front wheels. Like before, the T-Roc will have a 4Motion all-wheel-drive system paired with a 2.0-litre TSI with a mild-hybrid system. And for those who want something with real bite, the good news is that the T-Roc R is sticking around to headline the range. Across the board, the range will use the brand’s 7-speed DSG transmission as standard.
With over two million units sold globally, the T-Roc has firmly established itself as a key player in the brand’s lineup and a global bestseller. In fact, in recent years, it’s been VW’s second most successful SUV after the Tiguan, which says a lot about its appeal. Looking at everything the new generation brings to the table, from enhanced tech and space to updated styling and efficient hybrid powertrains, it’s poised to keep that momentum going, and we won’t be surprised if it becomes a new favourite all over again.
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