VW has been busy in recent years in adding to their new SUV focused line, having added the big, spacious new Atlas to their lineup last year. And now they are complementing that with a smaller, compact SUV, the T-Roc. VW used the name “T-Roc” in the past, on a concept crossover, but they’ve now put it to good use in this sporty, 4-door compact SUV that fits right into an ever-growing market.
It’s based on the modular transverse matrix architecture, which the the Touareg and Tiguan are based on, but it smaller and sleeker; it’s lower and longer, but the front is wide.It’s got a wide radiator grille unit with integrated dual headlights and the repositioned light signature Overall, it looks something like a slightly-more compact Range Rover, and like a far more expensive and luxurious model than some of VW’s other models (like the Tiguan, which suddenly looks like a much more expensive car as well). Which is interesting, seeing as how the Troc is meant to be the most basic model on VW’s list. The roof element they’ve given it is chrome, and reminiscent of a coupe in it’s form. A solid black trim runs all the way around the car, and the large wheel-arches seem to say that this baby might be itching for some off-road use.
The interior looks modern and sleek, black with a nice blue trim. There’s an Active Info Display, and 6.5” infotainment system (right of the Golf) creates a new, digital and interactive cockpit. You can also hook your phone up using Volkswagen Car Net. The higher the trim you choose, the more fancy features your car will have – and there’s a whole host of choices, from cordless charging to Beats sound systems.
The T-Roc will be available in both gas and diesel engines – three of each – and you’ve got your choice between FWD, AWD and both manual and 7-speed DSG gearboxes. The smallest engine is a 1.0l that reaches 115 hp, and it’s diesel counterpart is a 1.6l diesel also with 115 hp. There are also 1.5l an 2.0l models, which reach 150 and 190 horsepower respectively. Couple that with the choices of FWD and AWD and transmissions and you have your choice of cars.
And when it comes to driver assistance software, the T-Roc has all the bases covered – from Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, Lane Assist and Front Assist area monitoring system with Pedestrian Monitoring and City Emergency Braking. As you move up the line, you can choose models with adaptive cruise control, lane change system with Rear Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Assist, Park Assist including maneuvering brake function, Traffic Jam Assist and Emergency Assist.
So who’s it for? Just about anybody who wants a solid, good-looking crossover SUV. While it’s definitely capable of a little off-road driving and you should be able to have some fun with it, the T-Roc is perfectly outfitted for everyday urban driving.
The T-Roc should go on sale this fall, but there’s only one problem: it won’t be available in the US until 2019. When it does, we’ll be waiting to test it out.
