Updated Volkswagen T-Roc debuts in Europe

VOLKSWAGEN has presented generation two of its popular five-seat T-Roc small SUV revealing what it calls a “from-scratch” design built on the company’s MQB evo architecture that enables a raft of new technology and other features integral with the platform.

At the world premiere in Europe, Volkswagen focused on the new model’s “high quality and innovation” promoting what is essentially an SUV version of the Golf hatchback as a “forward-looking” successor to its hit model which has sold more than two million units globally.

The new T-Roc arrives in European dealerships from November with a restructured line-up and debuts a wide range of assist systems and technologies from higher vehicle classes in the VW range such as Tiguan and Tayron.

European spec’ T-Roc will be available exclusively with hybrid turbocharged petrol engines which at launch comprise two 48-volt mild hybrid drives (1.5 eTSI) rated at 85kW and 110kW apiece.

The kick-off price in Europe is €30,845 for the 1.5 eTSI with 85kW equating to $A55,180 with the current T-Roc starting point Down Under at $38,990 excluding on-road costs for the 1.4 City Life FWD variant.

The new line-up comprises the basic Trend version (focus on budget and functionality), the first expansion package Life (focus on functionality and comfort) and two top-of-the-line versions Style (focus on design and technology) and R-Line (focus on sportiness).

VW says the first pair or powertrains will be followed by two additional front wheel drive full hybrid drive systems that have also been newly developed and as with the previous model, the new T-Roc will be available later on with 4Motion all-wheel drive in combination with the 2.0-litre TSI and will be offered as a mild hybrid (MHEV) also.

A high performance T-Roc R will be available down the track filling the role as the T-Roc’s most powerful variant. All 1.5 and 2.0 mild hybrids feature a seven-speed dual-clutch transmisison.

In terms of appearance, the giant German manufacturer says new T-Roc has an “expressive design” that retains the characteristic T-Roc DNA with the coupé-like rear end and makes the most of the advantages of 120mm more overall length compared with the previous model.

VW says the larger proportions offer more space inside the passenger compartment and luggage area facilitating a high-quality interior featuring a newly designed cockpit, an infotainment screen measuring up to 13-inches and background lighting that creates a lounge-like atmosphere.

New assist systems and technologies have been lifted from elsewhere in the Volkswagen Group including Travel Assist and driving experience control.

New LED headlights are standard with IQ.Light LED Matrix headlights are available as an option but standard for R-Line and Style in Germany.

They are connected to the white illuminated Volkswagen logo by a narrow light strip while the rear end of T-Roc also features a continuous LED crossbar with a red illuminated Volkswagen logo (depending on equipment).

Spruiked as having “best-in-class features” the interior has been significantly improved and is defined by its “premium” quality, soft surfaces and innovative technologies.

This is exemplified in the dash panel upholstered in a newly developed fabric which creates a lounge-style atmosphere together with the background lighting.

As already mentioned, the new T-Roc adopts numerous features from the larger Tiguan and Tayron models such as the latest evolutionary stage of the driving experience control, which can be used to select driving profiles and control the volume, among other things.

Windscreen head-up display has been added as an option and six paint finishes are available for the new model including Pure White solid, Wolf Grey metallic as well as the new paint colours Canary Yellow solid, Flamed Red metallic, Celestial Blue metallic and Grenadilla Black metallic.

The Volkswagen T-Roc is produced at the VW plant in Palmela near Lisbon in Portugal.