Design & engineering
VOLKSWAGEN has taken its time to release a small SUV, but with the T-roc it’s done things thoroughly. The car is based on the modular MQB platform that’s already proven its flexibility. Here the T-roc boasts a similar Macpherson-strut front suspension layout to its rivals, but the rear axle uses a more sophisticated multi-link set-up; you can feel the benefits here, too, but more on this in a moment.
Like the Ford, it’s easy to see where money has been saved once you climb inside, because the dash and door plastics are unforgiving to say the least. Yet the rest of the layout feels more premium than the Ecosport’s and makes better use of the available space.
The infotainment system slotted in the middle of the dash is the crowning glory of an otherwise smart but business-like cabin that falls a little short on quality compared with what we’ve come to expect from VW. However, this is true of the brand’s recent new Polo supermini as well, so it’s clearly a conscious decision for the marque’s smaller, cheaper cars.
Although SE spec doesn’t include built-in sat-nav (it can be added for £780), you do get Apple Carplay and Android Auto as standard, and most owners are likely to use these phone interfaces for navigation.
Elsewhere, the T-roc matches or beats the Ecosport for kit, so you get parking sensors, adaptive cruise, autonomous braking, lane keep assist, climate control, Bluetooth and a DAB radio. There’s also the chance to add extras, such as keyless entry and go (£375), LED lights (£880) and a powered tailgate (£320).
THE CX-3 falls down for CO2 emissions, partly due to its non-turbo engine. It emits 137g/km, putting it in the 28 per cent Benefit-in-kind tax bracket. This compares with the 120g/km T-roc and 119g/km Ecosport, which are in the 25 and 24 per cent BIK brackets respectively.
Although the Mazda is the cheapest car to buy, it’ll be the priciest to run for company drivers; higher-rate earners will pay £2,334 a year. Company car tax stands at £2,199 and £2,009 for the VW and Ford respectively.