Order books for the second-generation Volkswagen T-Roc are about to open in the UK, with prices starting from £31,620.
The new version of the hugely popular model brings a bold new look and a completely overhauled interior. Later this year, it will also gain a hybrid drivetrain that will be rolled out across the Volkswagen line-up.
The latest version of the Golf-based crossover – of which more than two million examples have been sold since its 2017 launch – is set to be the final new combustion-powered car that Volkswagen launches. All subsequent models are due to be exclusively battery-powered if the market conditions are right.
The Mk2 T-Roc is 120mm longer than its predecessor, at 4373mm, making it a close match for rivals including the Toyota C-HR, Mazda CX-30 and Kia Niro.
The intention is that it has a more distinct character than the previous generation to differentiate it more obviously from the Golf, explained designer Stefan Wallburg.
“The T-Roc has a special identity of being more ‘lifestyle’ – a bit more cool and, I would say, more rugged and powerful, a bit more emotional. The Golf is more of a calm guy,” he told Autocar.
Proportionally, it stays true to the coupé-esque silhouette of the Mk1 T-Roc, but it has been brought into line with Volkswagen's new-era design language by way of wraparound light bars at each end and a new face that matches the Passat and Tiguan. It also gets a suite of bold new colour schemes and wheel designs – now up to 20in in diameter.
Currently, the T-Roc is available with a familiar powertrain offering: 1.5-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder mild hybrids producing 114bhp and 148bhp.
A meatier 2.0-litre mild-hybrid petrol will be added later this year in the range-topping four-wheel-drive variant.
All versions come with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
More notable will be the introduction of a new full hybrid (HEV) powertrain – a first for Volkswagen. This is understood to be similar to Toyota’s ‘self-charging’ system, with a petrol engine working in tandem with a small electric motor for reduced emissions and optimised fuel economy.
Precise details of this new system remain secret, but it will be offered initially with either 134bhp or 168bhp and up to 226lb ft of torque.
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And people think BEVs are pricey, the starting price is barely lower than a Kia EV3.
Positive step from VW to focus on interior quality and build, it was a big part of their identity in the the 90's and 00's which brought much success. The outside is less so great, but again I see positive signs from new ground up cars which are around the corner. Let's not forget the Golf MK 7 and 7.5 was not that long ago and is good as a VW ever built.