Skoda Kodiaq Scout
FIRST DRIVE Petrol SUV has impressed. But is diesel a better buy?
Award-winning large SUV is given a rugged makeover
WITH the new Volkswagen T-roc looking set to become one of the firm’s prize breadwinners, a spread of powertrains will be offered when the new Golf-sized crossover goes fully on sale early next year.
The two diesel T-rocs are set to play a supporting role when it comes to sales. Volkswagen predicts that as many as eight out of 10 T-rocs sold will be petrol-powered, with the 1.0-litre TSI model the headline act.
Still, this 148bhp 2.0-litre TDI has the most torque of any T-roc we’ll get in the UK, at 340Nm – at least until the anticipated arrival of the hot T-roc R – and it feels gutsy when in action. The performance figures quoted by Volkswagen seem realistic.
In the UK, the range-topping diesel option will be offered with a six-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive as standard, but the optional DSG automatic gearbox will be paired exclusively with a 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system.
The DSG box changes gears as smoothly as you’d expect, and the engine itself still boasts respectable refinement, with the diesel drone only seeping noticeably into the cabin with a deep push on the pedal.
With claimed fuel economy of 55.4mpg, the 2.0-litre TDI isn’t actually any more efficient on paper than the 1.0-litre TSI petrol unit Volkswagen believes will be its biggest seller, and with 133g/km CO2 emissions, it’s dirtier as well. As a result, buyers who are unlikely to venture beyond the urban jungle should follow the crowd to the base petrol model that will suit their needs when it comes to efficiency.
Of course, the diesel achieves that figure with more power and torque, plus the option of all-wheel drive, so it should find a market with customers demanding a bit more shove from their new T-roc.
All-wheel drive is a no-go for buyers seeking to maximise practicality, though. The 445-litre boot capacity quoted for frontwheel-drive versions is eaten away by the addition of the 4MOTION system, resulting in a shallower boot with 392 litres of space.
Despite the odd quality concern on the doors and dash, the T-roc package is just as you’d expect – another steady Volkswagen entry into a new market segment. While there’s nothing seriously amiss with the diesel, however, it’s likely to be unnecessary for most buyers.