The T-Roc we want (but can’t get)

WHILE THE global market is becoming flooded with compact crossovers, performance variants of the more affordable variety are still a relatively rare breed, and so Volkswagen is hoping to carve up a little niche for itself with the T-Roc R, which was revealed last week ahead of its in-the-flesh debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

Local VeeDub fans will have to stick to its Golf R cousin, however, as none of the T-Roc models are due for release in South Africa, VWSA has confirmed.

So what are we missing out on?

You can think of this T-Roc as a Golf R on stilts, with a more muscular body style. It’s almost as powerful as the hatch, with 221kW on command versus the Golf’s

MERCEDES-AMG’s most potent car has gone topless, but you’d better hurry on that order as only 750 of them are going to be produced. Mechanically the GT R Roadster is identical to the Coupe version, with power coming from a 4-litre twin-turbo V8 that produces 430kW at 6250rpm and 700Nm from 2100 revs, and despite gaining an extra 80kg in kerb weight, it actually matches its sibling’s 0-100km/h acceleration time of 3.6 seconds. The top speed is listed at 315km/h which is 3km/h slower than the tin-top, for the record.

Power goes to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and the GT R is also fitted with dynamic engine and transmission mounts, AMG coil-over suspension with adaptive adjustable damping and active rear-wheel steering.

Drivers can choose from six driving modes, these being: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport plus, RACE and Individual.

The GT R Roadster rolls on 19-inch front wheels and 20-inch rear wheels, and it gets the same active aerodynamics systems as the Coupe, including a carbon fibre element up front that can extend by 40mm to reduce front axle lift by around 40kg at 250km/h.

“With our GT R Roadster we have without doubt once again developed a brand-defining sports car,” says Mercedes-AMG board chairman Tobias Moers.

“It too embodies Mercedes-AMG in form, function and vehicle dynamics and enriches our GT family with a highly exclusive variant limited to 750 units.” 228kW tally, but it has the same maximum torque output of 400Nm, and against the clock it’s just 0.3 seconds slower from 0-100km/h, according to official claims, with the T-Roc doing the straight line dance in 4.9 seconds. The top speed, as you would expect is electronically limited to 250km/h.

The 2-litre turbopetrol engine is mated to a seven-speed DSG automated gearbox and 4Motion all-wheel drive, and the R also gets lowered suspension and 18inch alloys, while buyers can opt for a set of 19-inch alloy wheels that South Africans can be proud of, even though they can’t even buy a T-Roc R - yes, they’re called ‘Pretoria Dark Graphite’ alloy wheels.

Drivers will be able to choose from various driving modes, including a special ‘Race’ mode that’s unique to this version of the T-Roc, and launch control is also part of the deal here.

The T-Roc R’s body kit is not exactly loud and proud, but the variant does gain unique grille and bumper designs and double exhaust pipes, while the cabin gets stainless steel sill panels and pedals, R embroidered seats and black headlining.