German car maker Volkswagen is starting the new year with an exciting new car that is available to order right now. It’s the second-generation T-Roc. The award-winning first-gen model is already one of the most popular models in the Volkswagen range with more than two million units having been sold so far globally since its debut in 2017, making this small sport utility vehicle (SUV) the premium brand’s most successful vehicle of this type after the larger Tiguan.
The second-generation T-Roc launches initially with ‘Life’, ‘Style’ and ‘R-Line’ trims. Expect a more powerful ‘R’ version in due course. The latest model builds on the success of its predecessor with a distinctive design, high-quality interior and even more space for luggage and passengers. Assist systems and technologies from higher vehicle classes are included and, in the future, the model will also feature a completely new full hybrid power-train.
Expressive Exterior
While the new T-Roc retains the model’s quintessential DNA, with its coupé-like rear and ‘hockey stick’ shaped C pillar, the newcomer’s shapely design is slightly longer, taller and wider than the previous version, giving extra passenger space. Alloy wheels up to 20 inches (a first for the T-Roc) and bold colours such as the new ‘Canary yellow’, ‘Flamed red’ and ‘Celestial blue’ complete the sporty and confident design.
Lighting is also updated, with light-projecting mirror housings and new LED headlights featured as standard. ‘IQ.LIGHT LED’ matrix headlights are optional and are connected to the white illuminated Volkswagen logo by a narrow light strip. The new T-Roc’s rear also features a continuous LED crossbar with a red illuminated Volkswagen logo.
Comfortable Interior
Pleasingly, there’s a greater focus on interior quality. A newly developed dashboard upholstery combines with background lighting to create a ‘lounge-like’ atmosphere in the new T-Roc’s interior, which impresses with its premium quality and soft-touch surfaces. It also includes innovative door handles, a large 12.9 inch infotainment screen as standard and an optional windscreen head-up display.
Thanks to the benefit of ‘trickle-down’ technology, the new Volkswagen T-Roc adopts numerous features from the larger Tiguan and Tayron models, such as the latest driving experience control which can, among other features, select driving profiles and control infotainment volume.
Other cabin highlights include wireless phone charging, the crystal-clear ten inch Digital Cockpit Pro (from Style trim-level upwards) and massage seats (Style trim only). More space is also available, both in the cabin for passengers and in the 475 litre boot for luggage – 30 litres more than the outgoing T-Roc.
New Power
Two 1.5 eTSI mild hybrid turbocharged petrol engines are available at launch, with outputs of 114BHP (116PS) and 148BHP (150PS), and they will be followed by two all-new full-hybrid drive systems. The more powerful engine is perhaps the best option thanks to its additional mid-range punch which makes overtaking or keeping up with road traffic speed easier. The less powerful engine would make a good economical urban choice. All variants are front-wheel drive and have an automatic seven-speed direct-shift gearbox.
The Drive
The original version was noted for being one of the best small SUV rides around and the good news is that it remains the case. It's a supple ride, soaking up most bumps exceptionally well, and feeling nicely settled along undulating, lumpy country roads. The smallest available 16in wheels that are standard on entry-level ‘Life’ trim may help to make the ride even more pliant. The top-spec R-Line offers the option of an adaptive suspension system called ‘Dynamic Chassis Control’ which it seems allows the driver to adjust the softness or otherwise of the ride.
The Volkswagen T-Roc has light low-speed steering which makes it a pleasure to scoot around town. On the open road however and cornering quicker, the steering gains a bit more reassuring weight to aid driver inputs. There’s also plenty of grip and, for a taller vehicle, not much in the way body lean and wind noise. A good drive overall.
New Tech
The new T-Roc is the third SUV to be built on Volkswagen’s successful ‘MQB evo’ platform, after the Tiguan and Tayron, and so it too benefits from hardware and software already seen in these higher-class models. They include optional features such as ‘Travel Assist’, which supports automatic lane changes and reacts to variations in speed limit, and ‘Park Assist Pro’, another first for the T-Roc.
It uses the memory function for automatic parking over distances of up to fifty metres and allows a smartphone to be used to drive the vehicle into and out of parking spaces. The exit warning system is also available as an option, to warn occupants before the doors are opened that cars or bicycles are approaching from behind. Additional new option packages tailored to customer preferences are also available for new vehicle orders. These are designed to make configuration as simple as possible, and result in a streamlined range of standard and optional equipment at attractive prices.
MHH International & Volkswagen.
MHH International offer a wide range of Volkswagen cars, from environment-friendly electric options, through the aforementioned Tiguan, right up to mighty Touareg. You can see our current stock on these pages.
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