New Volkswagen T-Roc SUV: first UK prices and specs revealed
Order books open in the UK for the new Volkswagen T-Roc, but not for all trim levels and with no diesels on sale just yet
The first UK prices and specs for the new Volkswagen T-Roc – the firm’s latest small SUV – have been revealed, with order books for select models open from today.
A total of five trim levels will eventually be available, but for now, buyers will be limited to three. Entry-level T-Roc S models and range topping R-Line cars will go on sale at a later date, but orders for the T-Roc SE, Design and SEL can now be placed.
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The T-Roc SE starts from £20,425, making use of Volkswagen’s latest 1.0-litre TSI three-cylinder engine producing 113bhp. Volkswagen claims it’s capable of 55.4mpg, with CO2 emissions of 117g/km. The same car is available with a 1.5-litre TSI EVO unit, pushing power up to 148bhp and priced from £22,200.
Design trim level cars are offered with the same two engine choices, priced from £21,125 and £22,900 respectively. For now, SEL models are priced from £24,520 for the car with a 1.5-litre TSI EVO unit, while a 2.0-litre TSI producing 187bhp and mated to a seven-speed DSG gearbox driving a 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system will also be among the options for early T-Roc adopters, priced from £31,485. Diesel cars will go on sale at a later date, with 114bhp 1.6-litre TDI and a 148bhp 2.0-litre TDI options lined up.
Specific details regarding the equipment offered on each trim level are mostly under wraps for now, but dual-zone climate control, an eight-inch infotainment system, Bluetooth, DAB radio, USB connectivity, 16-inch alloy wheels and a suite of driver assists and safety equipment will be standard across the range. The Active Info Display will be standard fit on SEL cars upwards.
The new VW Golf hatchback based crossover made its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show last month. With prices anticipated to start from around £19,000 for the basic S model, it will be in direct competition with rivals such as the Mazda CX-3, MINI Countryman and the Audi Q2, which shares tech with the T-Roc.
Like the Q2 and Golf, the T-Roc uses the VW Group’s MQB platform, and engines are from the Golf, too. There are six on offer, three petrol and three diesel. VW's latest 113bhp 1.0 TSI turbo petrol and 148bhp 1.5 TSI Evo with cylinder deactivation will be available, while a 197bhp version of the ubiquitous 2.0 TSI is expected to complete the petrol line-up.
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The 1.6 TDI diesel has 113bhp, while the 2.0 TDI comes in 148bhp or 197bhp guises, with the latter offered exclusively with the DSG gearbox and 4WD. Front-wheel drive will be standard across the range, while 4MOTION 4WD is offered on top-spec cars. Six-speed manual gearboxes are standard, while the DSG twin-clutch transmissions will be available.
The T-Roc has a look that's more adventurous than the larger Tiguan, with a coupe-style roofline and smaller dimensions (it’s 252mm shorter and 81mm lower), and at the back there's a more rakish tailgate and the number plate is set into the back bumper. Up front is familiar VW fare, with a large grille dominated by a vast VW badge. The slender headlamps are a nod to the Tiguan, although the separate LED daytime running lights are a new feature. At the Frankfurt Motor Show, a sporty looking T-Roc R-Line has been introduced too, sporting agressive looking front and rear bumpers, large alloy wheels, plus chunkier looking black plastic cladding.
Inside, the cabin draws inspiration from the Golf and looks largely the same, although there is greater scope for personalisation. Volkswagen’s latest Active Info Display, with the customisable digital dials is available, while the infotainment system features a glass-finished touchscreen with full smartphone connectivity. Beats Audio speaker upgrades are available, as is inductive phone charging.
Depending on what kit you choose, you can spec the dashboard with trim colour coded to the bodywork. For example, the car in these pictures is in vivid yellow has a similar colour across the dashboard and door trims.
Space and practicality hasn’t been sacrificed for outright style, as there's a handy recess in the roofline that creates more headroom. There’s a decent boot of 445 litres, which expands to 1,290 litres with the rear seats folded flat. For comparison, an Audi Q2 boasts 405 litres with the seats up, and 1,050 litres with the seats down.
VW says all T-Rocs will come with Front Assist with automatic emergency braking, as well as post-collision braking and Lane Assist. Air conditioning, LED tail-lights and 16-inch wheels are also included.
Click on the gallery above to see more of the new Volkswagen T-Roc...
