VW’S COMPACT CROSSOVER FULFILS THE NEED FOR SPEED

off-putting, even with a leatherwrapped steering wheel.

Our car also has optional leather at £2,155 and some tasteless blue trim inserts at £115. Don’t bother with either.

The gadgetry is up to scratch though – VW’S user friendly 8-inch touchscreen is fitted. Best of all, the heating is controlled by knobs. The whole lot’s finished off with a 12.5-inch digital instrument pack.

Despite being very quick, the car is surefooted and comfy to drive. Ours had the £695 Dynamic Chassis Control system, a worthwhile option.

In Comfort mode the T-roc R is impressively smooth over town bumps. Race gets rid of almost all body roll, but Normal is the best setting, even on twisty country roads.

The engine has bags of shove and the DSG gearbox is excellent. The fourwheel drive system often sends most of the torque to the front wheels and the result is extremely stable handling. It’s not as fun to drive as a Golf R because it’s heavier and taller, but it’s not far off. Big brakes come from the Golf R’s optional performance package and are well up to the job.

The T-roc R is a relative latecomer to the hot compact SUV club but it’s one of the most fun to drive. More cars of this type will follow with Ford no doubt readying a hot ST version of its new Puma.

If you’re a crossover fan, need a practical family car but want a lot of performance, this is a good choice. Whether it beats the Audi SQ2 or Cupra Ateca for you will depend upon your styling preferences.