VOLKSWAGEN T-ROC
EXTERIOR STYLING AND TRIM
The T-Roc is the first Volkswagen SUV that will be available to order in two-tone paintwork with visually contrasting roof section (including the A-pillars and exterior mirror housings). On the Design derivatives, customers have a choice of pure white, red and black on the roof and exterior mirror housings. These roof and exterior mirror housings can be paired with various exterior colours, thus giving T-Roc customers 26 different colour options.
The R-Line derivative, meanwhile, will have 21 different colour options. The Design derivatives come standard with the 17” Mayfield alloy wheel and have two further options of an 18” Montego alloy wheel as well as an 18” Grange Hill alloy wheel. The R-Line derivative comes standard with the 19” Suzuka alloy wheel.
PLATFORM & DIMENSIONS
The T-Roc is based on the MQB (modular transverse matrix) offering Golf-like space and comfort levels. It is dimensionally 80 mm longer than the T-Cross and 162 mm shorter than the Tiguan. With all five seats occupied, luggage space is a decent 445 litres. The backrests can also be folded down in a 60/40 split, yielding further luggage capacity of up to 1,290 litres, which should make accommodating cumbersome items a much easier affair.
CABIN APPOINTMENTS
The interior has been adapted to match the exterior design. It has a robust SUV feel and modern treatment of surfaces. The interplay between the Active Info Display and the specific infotainment system creates a new, digital and interactive cockpit. To further enhance the individual offering, the Design derivative, in addition to the standard limestone grey dashboard colour, has been imbued with a further three interior colours to choose from, whilst on the R-Line derivative, the interior dashboard colour is Caribou Grey. Ambient lighting, which is white for the Design derivative and red for the R-Line derivative, completes the interior style design.
TECH AND INNOVATION
T-Roc will come standard with a Composition Media radio replete with App-Connect applications. The Composition radio has an
Volkswagen’s T SUV range is said to be complete with the launch of the mid-sized T-Roc model that fits above the T-Cross, below Tiguan and the headlining Touareg. Based on the company’s MQB platform, the T-Roc shares a great deal with its Golf and Tiguan stablemates, including engine offerings. It will, unequivocally, appeal to a more style-conscious buyer looking for something relatively compact yet sporty.
8” colour touch screen with two USB ports located in the centre console. App-Connect makes it possible to connect your smartphone to the radio system which enables the user to operate selected mobile phone apps from the touchscreen.
In the T-Roc, App-Connect is said to have been upgraded to Wireless App-Connect, meaning you no longer need to connect your smartphone to the USB port in order to get this functionality (this is only available with Discover Media system). In addition to being able to charge your phone via the USB ports, the Composition Media radio also has the option for compatible phones to be charged inductively. This mobile inductive charging function is standard on the R-Line derivative. If integrated navigation is required, Discover Media infotainment is available as an optional feature.
We Connect Go is also standard in the range and allows T-Roc customers to pair their vehicle to their smartphone. The We Connect Go app functionality includes vehicle data, access to the nearest or preferred Volkswagen dealer, records for the tax logbook and gamification.
POWERPLANTS
At launch, the T-Roc is offered with two engine flavours; a 1.4-litre TSI with 110 kW and 250 Nm, allied to an 8-speed, conventional automatic gearbox and the 2.0-litre TSI with 140 kW and 320 Nm that is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The latter utilises the company’s 4Motion all-wheel drive, while the former bites with its front teeth.
Yes, in case you were also wondering, the highperformance R model is under consideration for our market, but no definite word from the local arm just yet. However, in our opinion, and considering the local market’s penchant for highperformance models, we reckon it will arrive in small batches to satiate those looking for even more exclusivity.
LAST WORD
The T-Roc will complement the current T SUV range that offers a little something for most tastes and its unique styling should give those looking to stand out a decidedly resolved vehicle to do this in, at least as far as aesthetics are concerned.