Volkswagen T-Roc
Facelift brings styling tweaks and a boost for interior quality in an effort to continue its sales chart success
MODEL TESTED: Volkswagen T-Roc 1.5 TSI DSG R-Line
PRICE: £33,095 ENGINE: 1.5-litre 4cyl turbo, 148bhp
THE newly refreshed T-Roc is tested here in R-Line trim and with a 1.5 TSI engine paired with a DSG auto gearbox. Prices start at £33,095, but the options fitted to this test car, which include a panoramic sunroof (£1,150) adaptive dampers (£1,065) and matrix LED headlights (£1,650) among others, add £4,985 to that figure.
Design & engineering
FOR 2022, Volkswagen has introduced a range of updates to the
T-Roc package. With buyers still flocking to this crossover in their droves, the exterior styling changes are understandably subtle; there’s an illuminated LED light bar in the grille that joins tweaked headlight units – now with LED tech throughout the range. The bumpers have been given a slight nip and tuck, while the tail-lights get scrolling indicators, too.
Compared with the previous model, cabin quality has taken a step in the right direction, although details such as the un-carpeted door bins show there’s the same lack of attention to detail found in other VW models. Unfortunately, the ergonomics have taken a step back. The touch-sensitive sliders for the temperature controls are mounted low down and are fiddly to use; the old layout was better.
SUVs have a reputation for taking up too much space on the road and for being heavy, hurting efficiency. Not so the T-Roc. Against the tape measure it’s 48mm shorter than a Golf and only 30mm wider. At 1,358kg, it’s barely a few kilos heavier with the same engine and gearbox, too.
In this case, that engine is a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol unit. It produces 148bhp and a solid 250Nm of torque that arrives from 1,500rpm and is sustained to 3,500rpm. Unlike the latest versions fitted to the Golf, there’s no mild-hybrid set-up here, though – an odd omission given that it boosts fuel economy and makes the power delivery smoother.
Driving
HOW the T-Roc performs and drives is just fine from behind the steering wheel. It’s easy to familiarise yourself with the controls, which are all fairly light, fairly precise, and fairly well positioned. It’s simple to drive around town; visibility is great and the raised driving position gives a decent view ahead.
It’s comfortable, too. Bumps are isolated well from the cabin, as are noises coming from the suspension; the adaptive dampers play a part here, doing a better job than the standard set-up.
Whether the dampers are in Comfort or Sport mode, the T-Roc stays stable and composed in corners and offers up plenty of grip. The brakes are powerful and easy enough to modulate at lower speeds. It’s not fun as such, but it gets the job done.
The T-Roc impresses more in other areas. Motorway stability is first rate which, combined with the general comfort and refinement, means you’ll be feeling fresh even after a long drive.
The engine is a highlight, too. The 1.5-litre turbocharged motor moves the car along keenly; the 0-62mph dash is dispatched in 8.4 seconds, and that performance is delivered with a constant,