As part of what it describes as the biggest model offensive in its history, Volkswagen is extending its model range by adding a compact-class crossover: the T-Roc.
VW says it offers maximum personalisation, innovative digitalisation, perfect connectivity, leading-edge driver assistance systems, dynamic engines, and above all modern, expressive, design. It adds that it is a car that is just as much at home in the city as it is on rough terrain.
The European SUV market is booming, especially in the compact segment. Experts estimate that the segment will almost double in size over the next decade. It is for this reason that Volkswagen is bringing in another attractive model in the compact SUV space, below the Tiguan: the T-Roc.
With its proposed package of features, Volkswagen claims that it sets new benchmarks and is equally appealing to customers of every age, from young singles to empty nesters. With its sporty modern design, it stands for a new emotive Volkswagen style and thus sets a new course within the model range.
VW says the optional front-wheel or all-wheel drive all-rounder combines the aplomb of an SUV with the agility of a sporty compact model. And it does indeed rock the segment – in varying ways depending on specification and above all colour combination. For the T- Roc is the first Volkswagen SUV that will be available to order in two-tone paintwork with visually contrasting roof section (including the A-pillars and exterior mirror housings ).
VW says that numerous design elements define the new five-seater’s style: at the front it is the wide radiator grille unit with integrated dual headlights and the repositioned light signature, which make the T-Roc unmistakable even at night. The off-road look is enhanced by all-round, dark plastic, trim, which protects the bodywork around the wheel arches and side sills, as well as the vehicle’s front and rear.
It adds that the interior has been adapted to the exterior design. It has a robust SUV feel and modern treatment of surfaces. The interplay between the ‘Active Info Display’ and the specific infotainment system creates a new, digital and interactive cockpit. Via smartphone and ‘Volkswagen Car Net’ it is possible to use a wide spectrum of online services and apps and to integrate the telephone and/or media library.
If all five seats are occupied, luggage space when loaded up to the top edge of the rear seat backrests totals 445 litres. The backrests can also be folded down in a 60/40 split, yielding luggage capacity of up to 1,290 litres.
The ‘T-Roc’ entry-level version comes with high-tech systems such as Front Assist area monitoring with City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring, the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and the lane keeping system lane assist. Also part of the base specification are details such as air-conditioning, the composition colour infotainment system, LED tail light cluster, visual underbody guard (black ) and LED daytime running lights in the bumper.
Volkswagen in Ireland will offer the T-Roc in the familiar Trendline, Comfortline and Highline grades. More details on these will follow closer to the market launch later this year.
Like the larger Tiguan, the new T-Roc too is being offered with efficient turbocharged engines: three petrol engines (TSI ) and three diesels (TDI ). They are being offered partly with front-wheel drive and manual gearbox, partly with front-wheel drive, 4Motion all-wheel drive (including 4Motion active control as standard ) and the dual clutch gearbox (7-speed DSG ).
Pricing for Ireland has yet to be finalised and the car is expected to go on sale in December here, with cars available to view in showrooms during the roadshow in November.
