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

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
New Volkswagen T-Roc will arrive in August with fuel-sipping hybrid tech
New Volkswagen T-Roc leaked - front 3/4

New Volkswagen T-Roc will arrive in August with fuel-sipping hybrid tech

The first images of the next-generation T-Roc were leaked online earlier this year, and reveal a much more aggressive look for the compact SUV
News
14 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

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal
BMW M5 Touring - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal

The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It’s our Deal of the Day for 29 June
News
29 Jun 2025
Electric car appeal is at its lowest since 2019
Opinion - Kia EV9 GT

Electric car appeal is at its lowest since 2019

From poor electric car sales to crashes in F1, Mike Rutherford thinks its been a crazy few weeks in the automotive world
Opinion
29 Jun 2025
New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught
Skoda Epiq vRS exclusive image

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught

Every future Skoda will get the go-faster treatment, with the brand also working on making cars sharper and more engaging
News
27 Jun 2025