Skip advert
Advertisement

The Volkswagen T-Roc is more globally significant than the Polo

Editor-at-large John McIlroy thinks an all-electric version of the Volkswagen T-Roc is sure to follow the ID. Golf to market

Opinion - VW T-Roc

The next Volkswagen T-Roc could be the last significant Volkswagen to be launched with petrol power, but the story of the popular crossover is unlikely to end with the next-generation car.

Until comparatively recently, VW’s policy on the long-term future of some of its most famous badges was a little unclear. But under the guidance of boss Thomas Schäfer, the German giant has recommitted to at least one of its icons – the Golf. And in so doing, it has restricted at least some of its bespoke, ID. electric cars to a single production run.

It’s easy to see how the forthcoming baby EV, previewed by the ID. 2all concept, could keep the Polo name running into the next decade. But we shouldn’t take this for granted; at least one senior VW official pulled us aside at the ID. 2all’s reveal to suggest that the ‘T’ models – T-Roc and the smaller T-Cross – are actually more significant vehicles globally to the brand than the classic supermini

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Polo has increasingly struggled for sales, even when some of its age-old rivals (such as the Ford Fiesta) have been axed, whereas vehicles with a slightly jacked-up ride height remain more popular than ever. 

They’re also suited to electrification, so if an ID. Golf does turn up in the last few years of this decade, don’t be surprised if an ID. T-Roc follows it.

Would you like to see an all-electric version of the Volkswagen T-Roc? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Editor-at-large

John started journalism reporting on motorsport – specifically rallying, which he had followed avidly since he was a boy. After a stint as editor of weekly motorsport bible Autosport, he moved across to testing road cars. He’s now been reviewing cars and writing news stories about them for almost 20 years.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

All-new Volkswagen T-Roc gets hybrid power and a treasure trove of tech
2025 Volkswagen T-Roc studio - front

All-new Volkswagen T-Roc gets hybrid power and a treasure trove of tech

We’ve had a close look at the second generation of VW’s big-selling small SUV, which breaks new ground for the brand
News
27 Aug 2025
Volkswagen leasing deals 2025
Volkswagen Golf facelift 2024 UK - front tracking

Volkswagen leasing deals 2025

The best Volkswagen leasing deals available right now
Best cars & vans
27 Jun 2025
Volkswagen T-Roc SUV ups its game with Black Edition and Style Design special editions
Volkswagen T-Roc Style Design - front

Volkswagen T-Roc SUV ups its game with Black Edition and Style Design special editions

The new VW T-Roc Style Design and Black Edition models bring added flair and features, replacing the old Style, R-Line and Black Edition models
News
19 May 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Hot hatch thrills in an SUV shape? That’ll be the Volkswagen T-Roc R for £317 a month
Volkswagen T-Roc R - front static

Car Deal of the Day: Hot hatch thrills in an SUV shape? That’ll be the Volkswagen T-Roc R for £317 a month

Firecracker power in a sensible SUV body, the T-Roc R is a desirable machine. It’s our Deal of the Day for 30 April
News
30 Apr 2025

Most Popular

MG Cyber X will morph into a mini-Mercedes within two years
MG Cyber X design render - front

MG Cyber X will morph into a mini-Mercedes within two years

Boxy small SUV is gearing up for production, and our exclusive images show how the model might look
News
30 Aug 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Ford Puma Gen-E granted ultra-low £132 monthly lease
Ford Puma Gen-E - front action

Car Deal of the Day: Ford Puma Gen-E granted ultra-low £132 monthly lease

The EV grant has made the Ford Puma Gen-E a lot cheaper, and lease customers can cash-in with today’s Deal of the Day
News
29 Aug 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Racy and retro Renault 5 for only £188 a month
Renault 5 - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Racy and retro Renault 5 for only £188 a month

The Renault 5 is taking the market by storm – and at this price it’s easy to see why. It’s our Deal of the Day for August 30
News
30 Aug 2025