Hot hatches aren't cool anymore. In rolls theperformance crossover and German car manufacturer, Volkswagen, has confirmed that it will be making the T-Roc R. Some details…

While the Volkswagen T-Roc is not available in South Africa currently, we're told that Volkswagen SA has not completely ruled out the midsized-SUV which slots under the Tiguan. What's really exciting is that Volkswagen has confirmed its first-ever performance SUV will be based on the T-Roc.

Seen here undergoing testing at the punishing Nurburgring is the all-new Volkswagen T-Roc R. While the vehicle remains camouflaged for now, we've had a good look at the video repeatedly and can see that the vehicle sits lower to the ground and boasts quad exhausts. There'll be bigger performance brakes naturally too. The big question is which engine will find its way into the T-Roc R. Given Volkswagen's business practice of sharing engines across its portfolio, we're expecting to see the 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder found in the Golf R.Mated to an all-wheel-drive platform and with a fast-shifting dual-clutch transmission, we estimate the Volkswagen T-Roc R should be able to reach 100 kph from standstill in around 5 seconds.

In terms of outputs, you'll beaware by now that Volkswagen SA has launched the full-fat 228 kW and 400 Nm Golf R. In light of the new strict WLTP regulations, this variant of the EA888 motor has been detuned to 221 kW and its this which we think the Volkswagen T-Roc R will use. It's interesting to note that this is not the Volkswagen Group's first attempt at a compact performance SUV as sister brand SEAT recently launched its Cupra standalone brand and one of the first models released is the Cupra Ateca, which has the same output.

Watch this space for official photos of the production version to be released. Estimates suggest the Volkswagen T-Roc R could be revealed as early as the 2019Geneva Auto Show.

Watch the new T-Roc R being pushed to its limits on the Nurburgring

Further Reading

VW Gives an Extra 15 kW to Golf R

Volkswagen T-Roc (2018) International Launch Review

Volkswagen Officially Unveils T-Roc Compact SUV

VW T-Roc Convertible SUV Coming in 2020