FOUR-TRACTION: 2023 VOLKSWAGEN T-ROC 2.0TSI R-LINE 4MOTION

Volkswagen’s mid-range T-SUV, T-Roc, was introduced in 2020, updated the following year and is expected to be facelifted and re-equipped as a mild hybrid in 2026.

R-line 4Motion is the top model so, apart from the extensive range of features fitted to Design models, it adds or upgrades as follows: Digital Cockpit Pro with three instrument views, fuel computer and an oil temperature readout; Park Assist; Nappa leather sports seats with height adjustment, warming and lumbar support; powered driver’s chair with three memories; stainless steel pedals and R-Line bumpers. It also gets the Sports Comfort package that adds sport suspension and progressive steering.

The main extra added to our test vehicle was the R12 100, IQ *

Drive package featuring Travel Assist that takes over the steering, braking and acceleration of the vehicle at speeds of up to 210 km/h by calling upon Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Assist; Traffic Jam Assist that eases one through stop-and-go traffic by using the same systems; and Emergency Assist that monitors driver functions to check whether you’re still reacting normally, then judders the brakes to wake you. If that doesn’t work the system utilises adaptive cruise and lane keeping to maintain control - while the car brakes itself to a standstill.

Other options included a panoramic sunroof at R16 000, phone charging pad at R4 300, rearview camera for R4 900, LED matrix headlights and LED tail lamps for R17 500, a trailer hitch at R9 900 and the Black Style exterior pack at R15 400. This changes the 19-inch, black and silver, Misano wheels to all-black versions and puts carbon-look adhesive film on the C-Pillars. It also adds privacy glass for the rear windows to go with black body trims, roof rails, headliner, mirror caps and dashboard inserts.

T-Roc’s version of 4Motion distributes drive thrust by means of an electronically controlled, multiplate clutch. Primary drive is to the front wheels but, whenever the system detects traction loss, the rear wheels are activated as well. This happens quickly and smoothly so you tend not to notice how all-wheel drive is improving your motoring experience.

A selector dial controls seven driving modes: Highway that’s sub-divided into Normal, Eco, Sport and Individual; Snow; Offroad Auto and Off-road Expert. Within the limits of its 158-mm ground clearance, the vehicle can be surprisingly bush-friendly.

What it also does well is turn tooth-rattling gravel roads, with lots of corrugations and built-in small stones, into (almost) magic carpet rides. That’s despite its sport suspension and low-profile tyres. A pair of expensive pickups, evaluated the week before, didn’t come close.

Cargo loads at 73 cm onto a flat deck that’s a metre wide by 74 cm long and extending, when the 40:60-split seatbacks are folded down, to just over 1.4 metres. The wider part of the seatback has a ski-slot to accommodate long, narrow loads. Like fishing rods or skis. Fixtures include a light and four lashing rings, and there’s some stash space around the Spacesaver spare under the baseboard.

There’s plenty of head- and foot space in the back but knee room is tight if seated behind a tall driver or front-seat passenger. The middle seat is best reserved for little people because the prop-shaft tunnel is high. Extension vents, an armrest with cup holders, central courtesy lighting to augment what’s in front, adequate storage space and a pair of powered USB type-C sockets complete the picture.

Front seat riders have plenty of lebensraum, minor controls are easy to get at and use, there’s a resting pad for the driver’s left foot, more power points and adequate storage space. It turns easily, stops safely and vision outward is good. For an outwardly sedate family car, it goes pretty well too.

At just over R700 000, it’s appropriately priced for what one gets.

Test unit from VWSA press fleet The numbers Base price, 2.0 R-line: R708 900 Engine: 1984 cc DOHC, 16-valve,

four-cylinder turbopetrol Power: 140 kW between 4500 and

6200 rpm Torque: 320 Nm between 1500

and 4400 rpm 0-100km/h: 7.2 seconds Top speed: 216km/h Transmission: Seven-speed DSG Real life fuel consumption: About

8.6 l/100 km Tank: 55 litres Luggage: 392 – 1237 litres Ground clearance: 158mm Turning circle: 11.1 metres Towing capacity, unbraked/braked:

740/1700kg Warranty: Three years, 120 000km Service plan: Five years, 90 000km

at 15 000km intervals