Volkswagen T-roc R
A GTI encounter highlights some T-roc pros and cons
THERE IS A RATTLE. OR PERHAPS A buzz. Probably something, now I think about it, somewhere between the slower rate of a rattle and the almost constant tone of a buzz. Let’s say that there is some sort of medium-paced vibration in the passenger side of the dashboard. It’s not a constant thing but it has happened at some point on most journeys recently. It’s not as annoying as the sticky surface of my Clio’s steering wheel or the lack of engine in my Escort, but it’s mildly irritating when it happens. Just thought I should mention it. Balance out the oversteer and ‘sonorous red line’ stuff.
Talking of which, I had a chance to pit the T-R R against the latest Golf GTI Clubsport recently, and although the Clubsport has the more interesting handling, the small SUV’S engine actually felt the perkier. Not by much, but the way it ripped through the last couple of thousand revs was more zingy.
Other aspects proved interesting to compare too. Overall, the T-roc’s interior is solid, but probably its weakest point. It’s not bad, but it somehow feels a little bit cheaper than a Golf’s cabin (old or new). A few too many surfaces covered in scratchy plastic, perhaps. The Lapiz Blue inserts, which are a £115 option, have divided opinion, but I think the place would look rather bland without them.
Having said that, I am delighted that the infotainment and switchgear is based on the old Mk7.5 Golf’s and not the new Mk8’s. The T-roc has a nice blend of touchscreen and physicalbutton practicality. Driving modes, for example, are easily accessed via the button in the middle of the rotary terrain mode selector, but you also have the option to stab the screen.
I think the key with touchscreens is to keep it simple. Apple Carplay, for example, works well because it is straightforward, with large, easily identifiable icons to aim at. Like a preschool game. Much of the latest Pivi Pro in Jaguars and Land Rovers seems well executed too; likewise the screen in the Polestar 2. Where things go wrong is when it gets too complicated, necessitating an abundance of menus or a galaxy of tiny icons. A glance and a prod in the general vicinity ought to be enough to get the desired result. That last sentence is not a motto I’d recommend for life in general, though.
Haptic buttons also seem to be on the increase and also seem to be, mostly, a retrograde step for getting the job done. Too sensitive and too hard to distinguish from one another. Although I do quite like the feel of haptic feedback. A little buzz. Definitely not a rattle.
Date acquired December 2020 Total mileage 5954 Mileage this month 938 Costs this month £0 mpg this month 34.2