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Interest in SUVs has only grown over time and there are no signs of consumers losing interest anytime soon. Crossovers have, in fact, overtaken coupés as the preferred automotive design. This is thanks to numerous advantages crossovers have over their coupé rivals, including more doors and space, making them a more comfortable – and logical – choice for families. But not all families need the same amount of space.
Volkswagen South Africa has recognised that there is a market need for varying styles and sizes of SUV. This is why, as of November 2020, the current crossover lineup that consists of the T-Cross, Tiguan, Tiguan Allspace and Touareg, will come to include a fifth member: the VW T-Roc. In terms of size, the T-Roc fits in right between the smaller VW T-Cross and the larger VW Tiguan. It’s 80 mm longer than the T-Cross and 162 mm shorter than the Tiguan.
Volkswagen Golf fans that are looking for a bigger car will be especially happy to hear that the T-Roc is based on the popular MQB platform, which also supports the aforementioned hatchback. This means that Volkswagen’s T-Roc offers a level of ride comfort similar to that of the Golf.
The level of exterior and interior personalisation plus the amount of advanced tech offered by the T-Roc makes it equal parts fun and functional for small families, a view shared by review upon review. With the Volkswagen T-Roc, you’ll be the centre of attention wherever you go thanks to its unrivalled style and performance.
Upon launch, there are three models for you to choose from:
Please note that this review is a general overview of Volkswagen’s T-Roc range as a whole, with no particular focus on any one variant. For detailed information on one of the models, we invite you to contact your nearest CFAO Volkswagen dealer. Our clued-up sales teams will be happy to assist you with any questions, comments or queries you may have. You can also speak to our teams about booking a future Volkswagen T-Roc test drive.
As briefly mentioned, the T-Roc 1.4 TSI 110 kW 2WD Design 8-speed Tiptronic is the entry-level model of the range. Although not a full review of the model, we’ll be taking a brief look at it, to give you a better idea of what you can come to expect.
It has a starting price of R489 400,00. Read our VW T-Roc price article for more information on the costs related to the rest of the range.
Standard features of a Volkswagen T-Roc 1.4 TSI 110 kW 2WD Design 8-speed Tiptronic includes, but isn’t limited to:
For a more informative review of the Volkswagen T-Roc specs and features available across the range, read our VW T-Roc specs article.
The Volkswagen T-Roc is set to be the automaker’s first SUV available to order with a two-toned paint job and complementary/contrasting roof section. By choosing one of the Design derivatives, you have the option to personalise your T-Roc with said complementary/contrasting roof section, as well as the exterior mirror housings and A-pillar, in either Deep Black, Flash Red or Pure White. With the T-Roc, it’s all about you – inside and out.
This one of a kind SUV is undeniably sporty everywhere you look. Its contemporary design will draw the attention of onlookers everywhere you go and you’ll be receiving compliments from anyone lucky enough to tag along for the ride. Interior colour combination options are also available for Design derivatives, so make your personality shine throughout the T-Roc.
Autocar is quoted as saying the following of the T-Roc’s appearance in their review and we agree: “It’s plainly a striking thing to behold, too, being more athletic, elegant, purposeful and interesting in its slightly decorated appearance than the crossover norm, although you’d never call it shouty or over the top.” It manages to be individualistic without being ‘in your face’ about it.
The Volkswagen T-Roc exterior announces that the automaker is ushering in a bold yet practical new era of design. Take in its elegant yet daring silhouette, for instance, with the beautifully eye-catching chrome strip, spanning the length of the roofline’s side.
Some of its exterior design elements are clearly borrowed from other Volkswagen vehicles: the T-Roc’s low, wide grille is reminiscent of that found on the latest Polo or Tiguan and facelifted Golf. On the face of the Volkswagen T-Roc, however, it looks entirely fresh and new. Its compact size and distinct style make the VW T-Roc appear sportier and stand out from many of its nearest competitors.
Other distinguishing features include sloping C-pillars, a curving roofline, as well as a comparatively low-slung, wide stance which is telling of the Volkswagen T-Roc’s daring attitude – still a rarity within the segment. ‘Why fit in when you can stand out’ is the T-Roc’s motto for sure.
The Volkswagen T-Roc is a good-sized SUV for smaller families, hoping to fit more comfortably than in a hatchback and gain some extra luggage space. With all five of the vehicle’s seats occupied, you’ll have access to up to 445 litres of luggage space, depending on the model you choose. You can win plenty of additional space by folding down the rear seats’ backrest in a 60/40 split, freeing up to 1 290 litres. The Volkswagen T-Roc is a crossover that offers plenty of space for daily use and can accommodate your things for a quick weekend getaway.
In terms of style, the T-Roc doesn’t disappoint when it comes to the interior either. Its exterior funkiness is felt just as strongly in the interior. The dashboard design is sharp and may even be one of the most stylish Volkswagen offerings to date. Body-coloured trim inserts, available in select models, really add to the Volkswagen T-Roc’s striking presence.
From the style to the standard tech features found in the T-Roc cabin, it’s abundantly clear that this crossover fully embraces the future. Some standard tech features across the range include App-Connect and Composition Media radio. Composition Media radio includes an 8-inch touchscreen, as well as two USB ports, conveniently situated in the centre console. When investing in a T-Roc, you can also feel confident that you’re getting Volkswagen’s famous build quality, so your car will be looking good for much longer. For more information on the cabin, read our VW T-Roc interior article.
Driving a Volkswagen T-Roc can’t be described as anything other than fun, thanks to the right amount of power, combined with a reliable TSI petrol engine, (optional) 4MOTION, plus a next-level Tiptronic or dual-clutch DSG gearbox.
Drive it for yourself and you’ll notice it doesn’t feel top-heavy at all and you only experience moderate lean. A T-Roc clings to road surfaces faithfully as it rounds bends. Driving over large bumps and through potholes won’t be much of a problem for the T-Roc’s suspension.
The 1.4 TSI model can do 0-100 km/h in 8.4 seconds, while the two 2.0 TSI models in the range can do it in 7.2 seconds. A 1.4 TSI variant has a power output of 110 kW and a torque output of 250 Nm, while the 2.0 TSI variants have 140 kW and 320 Nm outputs respectively.
At cruising speeds, you can expect a quiet cabin as there are minimal road and wind noises to interfere with your conversations and rock-out sessions. Another perk, highlighted in a What Car? review of the T-Roc is that you get to sit higher up than in many rivals, allowing for better road visibility ahead (narrow windscreen pillars help too). Rear visibility may be a bit more restricted but standard park distance control in both the front and rear will amend the situation, no problem at all.
If front-wheel drive isn’t for you, then opt for either of the two variants in the range with 4MOTION 4-wheel drive. It’ll make wheel spinning and locking a problem of the past. You’ll experience incredible traction, no matter what terrain you're driving across. With a Volkswagen T-Roc, you’re ready to take on and conquer the world. Discover the advantages of 4MOTION Active Control with Volkswagen South Africa now.
Hit the road with the confidence that you and the other seat occupants are well taken care of while driving in the safe and secure Volkswagen T-Roc.
Volkswagen’s T-Roc received a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating during its evaluation and offers individual safety scores of:
For peace of mind, all Volkswagen T-Roc models in the range come with standard safety and security features such as:
Is the information you found in our Volkswagen T-Roc review responsible for igniting your interest in this striking and stylish crossover? CFAO Volkswagen invites you to reach out to your nearest dealer, to discuss your options or answer any questions or queries you may have. Remember to book a future T-Roc test drive to experience all it has to offer for yourself – you won’t ever regret it.