Volkswagen has officially revealed its T-Roc crossover which slots in under the Tiguan. It's a new market for the Germans as Volkswagen is offering extensive personalisation of the T-Roc and it's claimed to be a lifestyle crossover with SUV characteristics. Let's find out more about the newcomer.

First seen as a concept vehicle back in 2014 at the Geneva Auto Show, Volkswagen's T-Roc is now a production reality. Based on theMQB platform which underpins products like theGolf, Audi A3 and Q2, the Volkswagen T-Roc will be positioned below the Tiguan. When it comes to market, it'll be taking on the Toyota CH-R, Nissan Juke, Opel Mokka X and Renault Captur. The top-spec model is likely to rival the Mercedes-Benz GLA and sister product Audi's Q2.

Volkswagen is going on a full SUV offensive, as a smaller-than-T-Roc offering will be coming, as well additional Tiguan models and an all-new Touareg. With the T-Roc however, Volkswagen is clearly aiming at the youthful end of the market and the vehicle will be able to specced with two-tone colours, vibrant interiors and the choice of exterior colours is vast. Lime green anyone?

In terms of size, it's similar to that of a Volkswagen Golf, but the T-Roc has a bigger boot (445 litres as opposed to 385 litres in the Golf). Flip the back seats down and you gain up to 1 290 litres.

When it comes to market, it'll be taking on the Toyota CH-R, Nissan Juke, Opel Mokka X and Renault Captur

Volkswagen T-Roc Powertrain

The Volkswagen T-Roc comes with a multitude of turbocharged engines, with both petrol and diesel options. Choose from1.0-, 1.5- and 2.0-litre petrolunits, whereas the diesel choices are 1.6- and 2.0-litre.There will be two- and four-wheel drive derivatives, while in terms of the gearbox, a manual transmission and a dual-clutch automatic are available.

Features

Safety is a core focus in the Volkswagen T-Roc and as standard you get Front Assist with city emergency braking and lane assist. There's alsoadaptive cruise control, road sign display, blindspot monitor, park assist and a reversing camera. It's good to see the all-digital dashboard present, while it appears top-spec models get fancy LED headlamps. The central-mounted infotainment screen is available in varying sizes and Volkswagen has made sure that the car has all the functionality associated with the smartphone such as App Connect, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless charging pad is available as an option.

The new Volkswagen T-Roc gains all the latest safety and connectivity tech the Volkswagen arsenal

There’s the standard car with two higher trimscalled Style and Sport:

Volkswagen T-Roc Style

Ambient lighting (white)Connectivity packageRoof in contrasting colour (four colour variants) including A-pillars and exterior mirror housingsTrim strips on instrument panel and door trim panels available in one of four coloursChrome exhaust system trim panelsComfort seats17-inch 'Mayfield' alloy wheels (four colour variants)Reading lights, front and rear, and footwell lightingDriver Alert SystemVisual front underbody guard in silverVisual rear underbody guard in silverDoor skins in chrome

Volkswagen T-Roc Sport

Smoked rear lightsSmoked rear windowsAluminium pedalsAmbient lighting (red)Brake calipers, red, recessedChrome exhaust system trim panels17-inch 'Kulmbach' alloy wheels (two colour variants)Fog lightsVisual front underbody guard in silverVisual rear underbody guard in silverBlack roofliningSport comfort seatsDoor skins in chromeT-Roc body is true to its colours

Watch the Volkswagen T-Roc in action

Coming to South Africa?

It has been confirmed for local introduction in 2020.

Further Reading

Is Volkswagen building a Tiguan R? [with Video]

6 Small Crossovers for Under R200k

Renault Captur (2017) Launch Review

Suzuki Ignis 1.2 GLX (2017) Video Review

Juliet McGuire tests a trio of budget cars

Audi Q2 1.4T FSI Sport S tronic(2017) Review

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