The Golf is now an SUV
VW is following the compact-SUV fashion trend with a new model called T-Roc, writes David Linklater.
Time for T: compact SUVs with a posh aura are hot property, which is why Volkswagen New Zealand has rushed to get the new T-Roc to market. It comes in just one model to start with: an R-Line with a grunty 140kW engine, AWD and a $52k pricetag.
Are we really calling this an SUV?
For the sake of simplicity, let’s say yes. A T-name does designate an SUV in VW’s badging system. And the drive-mode selector does have an off-road setting (perhaps somebody should tell that to the ground clearance).
There’s a huge buyer appetite for all things SUV and T-Roc is essentially VW’s attempt to turn the ubiquitous Golf hatchback into something a bit taller and a lot more trendy.
It’s about the same length as its hatchback sibling, but 120mm taller. And a whole lot cooler looking, don’t you think?
T-Roc is kind of an SUV-cumcoupe. That doesn’t stop it being fairly practical for a small car, with a boot capacity of 392 litres (12l more than the Golf).
It picks up some styling cues from the larger new-gen Touareg, but has some distinctive detail of its own – like the irregular-hexagonal running lights that are also the indicators, or the slivers of chrome on the roofline.
These kinds of cars are all about colour... and coloured roofs.
You can still have your T-Roc in boring single-hue white, grey or black, but it’s also available in Turmeric Yellow (as featured here) and Energetic Orange – both with a black roof option for $750.
You can also have the Pure White with the black roof if you like pandas.
We know how VW works. Which bits come from where?
See what you’re getting at there. Yes, VW is a master at platform sharing and it has an enormous box of bits to play with.
The T-Roc is based on the MQB platform that’s used for every smallmedium VW Group product.
Powertrain-wise the R-Line picks up the grunty 140kW 2.0-litre engine and all-wheel drive system that’s also offered in the Seat Ateca FR and Audi Q2. The VW’s AWD system is called 4Motion, the Seat’s 4Drive and Audi’s is known as quattro. It’s all the same though.
So is it sporty or posh?
Bit of both. It might be all about the look, but in R-Line trim with the 140kW engine and AWD, it’s a sprightly little crossover. The powertrain impresses as much here as in other VW product: it’s flexible and smooth, yet still loves a workout.
The DSG can feel a bit staccato at low speed – especially on hills or during parking manoeuvres – but it’s a quick shifter under load.
The T-Roc still rewards smooth driving more than a chuckable cornering style: the rear end starts to feel pretty light in fast changes of direction and tellingly, the stability control lights up with very little provocation. But despite the sport suspension and big wheels, the R-Line feels smooth on Kiwi roads. Primary ride is impressive, with only some secondary fussiness over little ripples undermining the car’s comfort.
There’s plenty of showroom appeal to T-Roc. It has a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel (albeit not as configurable as the one you get in higher-end Audis and VWs) and an eight-inch glass-covered media screen. There are some nice detail touches like grey trim inserts and very supportive sports front seats with ‘‘Carbon Flag’’ design cloth that give the cabin an upmarket look and feel.
However, it’s not all-out luxury: the dashboard plastic is rock-hard and there are a few strange omissions. No heated front seats or power adjustment for the chairs, for example. First-world problems perhaps.
But overall it’s pretty well kittedout. The T-Roc R-Line has full LED lighting, adaptive cruise control, selfparking, keyless entry and a power tailgate.
Why just the one expensive model?
Hey, they’re just getting started. VW NZ’s initial shipment of T-Roc models numbers just 100 and they’re all British-specification. You have to take what you can get.
A more comprehensive model range is being considered for next year once supply becomes available; there are plenty to choose from, with variety of petrol and diesel engines in front or all-wheel drive configurations.
Any other cars I should consider?
The obvious one is the Audi Q2 quattro, which is very close to the T-Roc R-Line in concept and size; same 140kW engine and AWD system as well. But it starts at $64,900. Advantage VW?
There’s also the Ateca FR (same powertrain again), which is a little larger and more conservativelooking – but also more practical and a touch more sporty to drive.
The T-Roc’s fashion-forward look, high equipment levels and impressive powertrain also make it a worthy alternative to the likes of higher-priced models like the BMW X2, Jaguar E-Pace and Volvo XC40.