New VW solid as a T-Roc
SUV RANGE: SLOTS IN BETWEEN T-CROSS AND TIGUAN
Expressive styling sets new offering apart from the rest of family tree.
The Volkswagen T-Roc has finally made its highly-anticipated local appearance with the first batch of this trendy SUV already making its way to dealerships.
Sharing a platform with the Golf 7, the T-Roc joins VW’s SUV line-up between the smaller T-Cross and the bigger Tiguan. This means that along with the two biggest two offerings, the Tiguan Allspace and Touareg, Volkswagen’s SUV family has now grown to five.
What sets the T-Roc apart from its siblings, is its flashy styling, which VW refers to as the “most expressive SUV’’ in its range. W here the T-Cross’ character is described as accessible and aspirational and the Tiguan’s as intelligent innovation for family and lifestyle, the T-Roc is all about being stylish and contemporary.
And to complement the expressive statement, the T-Roc’s styling is backed up by decent power, as VW is convinced that the actual drive must back up the look.
The unique roof line structure gives the T-Roc prominent sports coupe styling, something which has up until now only featured in more premium carmakers’ SUV line-ups. In addition, it features an innovative light signature frame featuring unique daytime running lights and a two-tone colour concept. There are 26 combinations to choose from.
The standard wheels feature 17-inch alloy rims, with three optional 18-inch styles on offer. The R-Line features striking two-tone 19-inch Suzuka rims.
A highlight of the interior is the option to individualise the colour of the inserts in the dashboard, around the instrument cluster, inside the doors, around the centre console, on the seats and in the stitching in the choice of striking colours including Ravenna Blue and Curcuma Yellow.
The T-Roc features an eightinch colour touchscreen which comes standard with Composition Media radio and App-Connect. The optional Discover Media features Wireless App-Connect and navigation, while there is also the option to upgrade to a beats sound system. The instrument cluster can be fully digitalised with the optional Active Info Display digital cluster featuring a superb 11.7-inch screen.
IQ.Drive technology on offer include adaptive cruise control, front and lane assist, blind spot detection, park assist, rear traffic alert and daytime running LED lights.
There are two engine derivatives on offer, a 1.4-litre TSI and 2.0-litre TSI.
The 1.4-litre powerplant produces 110kW of power and 250Nm of torque which is sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox. It is claimed to reach 100km/h from standstill in 8.4sec with a top speed of 205km/h, while its fuel consumption is rated at 6.9l/100km.
In 2.0-litre guise, 140kW of power and 320Nm are sent to all four wheels via seven-speed DSG. It is said to go from 0 to 100km/h in 7.2sec with a top speed of 216km and fuel consumption of 8.3l/100km. The ride is as solid as you’d expect from a pedigree VW.
While the 2.0-litre’s credentials look impeccable on paper, it was the 1.4-litre that stole the show during our launch drive around the Western Cape last week. It might be somewhat slower off the mark than its more powerful sibling, but it’s no slouch. It gets to the national speed limit with no fuss and has plenty of puff when you accelerate.
The 2.0-litre R-Line that we got to drive was more surefooted due to the 4Motion system, but the additional 154kg does come into play.
Likes
Trendy design Punch 1.4-litre engine
Dislikes
Use of hard plastics on upper dashboard
Verdict
The alluring combination of ambitious styling and generous power, along with a badge South Africans simply adore, should make the T-Roc a huge role player
1.4 TSI Design .............................................R489 400 2.0 TSI Design .............................................R548 300 2.0 TSI R-Line .............................................R593 600 All models come standard with a three-year/120 000km warranty, five-year/90 000km service plan and a 12-year anti- corrosion warranty.