New VW T-Roc: First Drive of the Modernized SUV

Volkswagen’s T-Roc, once the German automaker’s smallest SUV, has become a key sales driver in Europe, demonstrating the growing consumer preference for compact utility vehicles. While initially positioned as an entry-level option, the T-Roc has risen to become Volkswagen’s best-selling model on the continent in both 2022 and 2023, ranking as the third most popular passenger car overall.

The company is now preparing to launch the second generation of the T-Roc, which features a larger design, updated technology, and exclusively electrified powertrains. The current generation has maintained strong sales figures, setting the stage for the new model’s arrival.

For initial testing, Volkswagen equipped the T-Roc with the R-Line trim and a 1.5-liter mild-hybrid engine producing 110 kW, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

The five-door body style of the new T-Roc is a standout design element, offering a fresh aesthetic within Volkswagen’s corporate styling. The vehicle maintains a sporty silhouette reminiscent of its predecessor, featuring prominent wheel arches, a high beltline, narrow windows, and a distinctive rear pillar with a decorative trim running along the roofline. A textured roof and redesigned front end further differentiate the new model.

The T-Roc’s dynamic appearance is enhanced by its narrow headlights and a grille with subtle detailing, giving it a more aggressive look than the larger Tiguan. The R-Line package adds to this with a substantial air intake covering the lower portion of the front bumper.

The overall design is complemented by a striking yellow paint finish with black accents, available at no extra cost. Optional features include a black roof (€10,900), a Black Style package with black trim on the roof and mirrors (€14,400), and 20-inch wheels (€13,400). While these options add to the cost, they contribute to the vehicle’s premium look. Illuminated strips between the front and rear lights, displaying the VW logo, add a unique touch, with customizable welcome animations available on the 3D LED rear lights. These features are standard on the higher trim levels, with optional IQ.Light LED Matrix headlights with dynamic cornering lights available for an additional €11,600 – a worthwhile investment given their effectiveness.

A Focus on Originality

The interior of the new T-Roc also reflects Volkswagen’s effort to inject a bit of personality and freshness into the design. While familiar elements like the dual screens, a multi-function steering wheel with an OLED display, and integrated controls for the transmission and driving modes are present, the cabin also features original design solutions. The dashboard has a fresh and airy feel, with an upper section covered in fabric framed by a silver trim and ribbed detailing housing the air vents. Traditional door handles have been replaced with a more streamlined design integrated into the front of the armrests, which takes some getting used to, but also eliminates the need for conventional handles.

The quality of materials and attention to detail are high, creating a pleasant in-cabin experience. Ambient lighting further enhances the atmosphere at night.

A Proven Strategy

The infotainment system, Ready 2 Discover, with its central touchscreen, is a central feature of the vehicle. With this engine, the screen size is consistently 12.9 inches. This same system is found in other Volkswagen models, where the software has been refined for usability. The system is intuitive and easy to navigate. The main screen is divided into three segments. The top bar provides quick access to the most important systems or those you select. Turning off the start-stop system or intrusive driver-assistance features requires only two clicks. However, these adjustments weren’t necessary, as the start-stop system operates smoothly, the speed limit warnings are subtle (and accurate), and the lane-keeping assist is unobtrusive, intervening only when needed.

The middle section is organized into traditional tiles for detailed settings, while the bottom bar is dedicated to climate control, including all necessary functions like seat heating and windshield defrosting, with temperature adjusted via a slider at the bottom. We also appreciate the physical buttons on the steering wheel, which are easy to reach and minimize distractions while driving.

Volkswagen T-Roc 1.5 eTSI DSG7 R-Line | Zdroj: Svět motorů/Jakub Šuplata

SPACE AND COMFORT

The previous generation of the T-Roc didn’t experience significant growth. With a length of 4,234 mm, it straddled the line between small and compact SUVs. The wheelbase of 2,590 mm was also relatively short, impacting interior space. Despite the efforts of Volkswagen engineers to maximize space within the compact footprint, the cabin remained limited.

The second generation benefits from improved dimensions. With an overall length of 4,373 mm, it now falls squarely between the T-Cross (4,135 mm) and Tiguan (4,539 mm). More importantly, the wheelbase has increased by 39 mm to 2,629 mm, the width has grown by 9 mm, and the height by 20 mm. This is noticeable inside, although perhaps not as dramatically as expected. The front offers roughly the same amount of space as before, which is still ample. The airy environment and the sportier R-Line seats, which provide a good balance of support and comfort, contribute to a pleasant driving experience.

Známe ceny nového Volkswagenu T-Roc. Konkurence má dost

Noticeable Improvement

The previous T-Roc didn’t see substantial growth in size. At 4,234 mm in length, it sat on the border between the small and compact SUV segments. The 2,590 mm wheelbase was also relatively short, impacting interior space. Despite Volkswagen engineers’ best efforts to maximize space within the compact footprint, the cabin remained limited.

The second generation benefits from much-improved dimensions. With a total length of 4,373 mm, it now fits squarely between the T-Cross (4,135 mm) and Tiguan (4,539 mm), but more importantly, the wheelbase has increased by 39 mm to 2,629 mm, the width has grown by 9 mm, and the height by 20 mm. This is noticeable inside, although we thought the difference would be more pronounced. The front offers roughly the same amount of space as before, which is still good. We appreciate the airy environment and the sportier R-Line seats, which offer a good balance of support and comfort.

Volkswagen T-Roc 1.5 eTSI DSG7 R-Line | Zdroj: Svět motorů/Jakub Šuplata

PRICING AND FEATURES

Volkswagen is launching the new T-Roc into a competitive compact SUV segment with a starting price of CZK 714,900. However, this base Trend trim doesn’t include alloy wheels and is only available with the less powerful 85 kW 1.5 eTSI mild-hybrid engine. The tested, more powerful version is available from the second Life level for CZK 844,900, which is less competitive. At least its equipment is quite rich, including heated seats, alloy wheels, a parking camera, and a large central display, which we would definitely want. It’s only CZK 13,000 more expensive than the Golf with the same engine and equipment. The most affordable competitor is the Opel Frontera with a 107 kW mild-hybrid engine, priced at CZK 539,990. However, the base Edition trim lacks a radio, only offering a mobile phone docking cradle. The KGM Korando 1.5 Turbo/120 kW has emerged as a price benchmark, starting at CZK 543,800 with an automatic transmission and the base Club trim. While it includes built-in navigation, its overall equipment level is lower, so we improved the T-Roc’s rating by half a point to 3.0 in the final assessment.