VOLKSWAGEN T-ROC 2,0 TSI 140 KW 4MOTION R-LINE

New T-roc stylishly treads the line between premium hatch and crossover in CAR’S long-term fleet

+ attention-grabbing looks; punchy powerplant some subpar cabin trim

Proving there’s no rest for wicked or good alike in our long-term test fleet, our newly arrived T-roc was immediately pressed into longdistance duty with a weekend away to the picturesque Karoo town of Montagu.

The 2,0-litre TSI’S 140 kw and 320 N.m outputs make it one of the more powerful in this bracket and proved invaluable when it came to keeping pace with fastmoving traffic on the N2. Although equipped with an updated version of VW’S 4Motion AWD

(it now incorporates a series of configurable presets), the T-roc’s 161 mm ground clearance and low-profile rubber mean off-road meanderings are limited to rutted gravel tracks. The system does, however, contribute to levels of grip and dynamic poise akin to those of a performance-oriented hot hatchback.

Overall refinement also impressed, with little road and wind noise permeating the cabin at motorway speeds, and the audio system with wireless Android Auto interface allowed us to enjoy our music on the move without the cabin becoming a tangle of charging cables.

Downsides? Well, so far there’s precious little criticism to be levelled at the T-roc.

Admittedly, the 200-litre boot is on the modest side but it’s thus far managed to pass the weekly shop and weekend away-related loads that have been thrown its way. Perhaps my only real gripe is the lack of slush-moulded elements on the cabin’s facia. I know this is a complaint that’s often wheeled out and isn’t worldending in its role in the grand scheme of all things motoring, but it goes a long way in reinforcing a car’s premium placement, especially when it’s one of the more expensive offerings in its particular segment.

With a hefty chunk of mileage already under its belt, the T-roc will likely spend a bit more time in town over the coming months, enabling us to see if the fuel consumption of 7,61 L/100 km is a defendable average while getting to know such features as the We Connect Go app that logs your Volkswagen’s activities.