A NEW CHROMANCE
The T-Roc is an uncharacteristically curvaceous and chrome-covered departure for Volkswagen, but all that bling comes at a price
The Volkswagen T-Roc is the marque’s first compact and uncharacteristically shiny SUV crossover
‘This is Volkswagen’s first compact SUV crossover,’ said a VW spokesman at the recent launch of the new T-Roc, ‘ but where it sits exactly in the range, we’re not sure yet.’ Glad to know it’s not just me, then.
Volkswagen knock out 4x4 SUVs the way a school canteen dishes up carrots – by the tens of thousands. The Touran, the Tiguan and the Touareg have more in common than their baffling names: each is among the most popular SUVs in their class in the world. And each will remain on sale while the new T-Roc adds its even more mystifying name to the company’s catalogue.
It is only notionally true to say that Volkswagen hasn’t previously produced a compact SUV crossover. The marvellously engaging Yeti began production almost ten years ago, but it appeared under the name of Skoda (a VW subsidiary), so presumably that doesn’t count.
Priced from £18,950, the T-Roc is quite close to the Yeti in character and style. Like that breakthrough model, the T-Roc is based on the same platform as the Golf and has a sharper, more distinctive presence than other models in the overwhelmingly conservative VW range. The T-Roc’s styling, however, is more self-consciously youthful than the Yeti’s, enlivened with contrasting body colours and glittery LED bars.
Barely a surface of the body has been left undisturbed by bold bends and sharp creases. The hexagonal shape of the front grille covers almost the entire nose and is outlined with chrome, as is much of the rest of the body. ‘This may not be considered outlandish but, by Volkswagen standards, it’s going it some,’ said a VW spokesman, making himself understood despite the tongue in his cheek.
The riot of exuberance continues inside. Contrasted colours for the upholstery stitching and for the surrounds of the fascia and dashboard may be considered old hat by some, but for Volkswagen they are as daring as leaving an overcoat button unfastened. Audio equipment and electronic safety systems are at a level you would expect in a higher class of car.
Despite a high sill, the load space under the hatch rear door is generous, as is the accommodation for passengers. A family of five could comfortably go away for the weekend in the T-Roc.
Volkswagen expect that the two-wheel drive, one-litre, three-cylinder TSI version (£20,310 all-in on our test car) will be the most popular T-Roc; but, despite VW’s boast that the ride and handling had been influenced by Porsche, we found this version to be nervy in its ride and underpowered under acceleration. Many competitors producing compact SUVs don’t offer a 4x4 at all now, knowing that most of their customers will never leave metalled roads. However, the 4x4 version of the T-Roc was the one we most enjoyed at the recent launch.
The two-litre TSI 4 Motion delivers 190 bhp to all four wheels through a seven-speed automatic gearbox and can shift from 0-60 mph in little over seven seconds. Meanwhile its extra ballast allows it to ride more serenely over bumps and to hang on more securely through corners.
The all-in price for those benefits is £30,930. While uncertainties may remain about the T-Roc’s place in the VW line-up, it’s certainly not to be found in the
bargain basement.
‘The T-Roc’s styling is more selfconsciously youthful’