2nd Volkswagen T-roc

It’s a strong choice with 4WD and lots of kit for less, but VW loses out on practicality and fun

THE T-roc is based on Volkswagen’s MQB platform, which also underpins the Golf hatchback and will soon be joined by a smaller SUV model, the T-cross.

The 2.0 TSI T-roc in R-line trim is meant to add a level of sportiness to the practicality, and that comes courtesy of the 187bhp engine. There’s also 320Nm of torque, which is 40Nm more than the BMW delivers, explaining why the VW was faster in our performance tests.

Another reason is the 4MOTION fourwheel-drive system. This car only comes in all-wheel-drive form and with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic box, but that meant off the line the VW stormed from 0-60mph in 6.2 seconds, thanks to the strong traction and swift shifts. This is impressive for an SUV.

There’s not much in it in terms of weight, so the extra torque ensured the VW was quicker in most of our in-gear tests.

Straight-line performance isn’t exactly an issue, then, but it’s once you reach a corner that the T-roc R-line starts to lose ground here.

The steering is lighter and not quite as engaging. It doesn’t weight up like the BMW’S and the VW doesn’t inspire as much confidence as a result. Still, it is more comfortable.

The Volkswagen’s set-up is softer, so everywhere from around town to on the motorway the T-roc feels more compliant and less jarring in the way it deals with bumps and cracks in the road surface.

Adaptive dampers aren’t available because R-line trim only comes with lowered sports suspension, while on 19-inch wheels it does still feel taut. However, within this spectrum it’s nowhere near as harsh as the X2.

The T-roc has a better ride and handling balance, then, but in other areas it doesn’t match up to the BMW. While it’s £1,190 cheaper than the X2 – a useful saving – it feels it. Interior quality trails here.

The dash plastics are solid, and while you get a bright eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, the materials feel harsh, unforgiving and not exactly befitting of the T-roc’s price tag.

Still, the level of kit justifies the outlay. Sat-nav, Apple Carplay, Android Auto, LED headlights, heated sports seats, climate control, autonomous braking with pedestrian detection, lane assist, all-round parking sensors and adaptive cruise are all included. You have to pay extra for some of this equipment on the BMW.