2018 Volkswagen T-Roc unveiled

After months of teasing, Volkswagen has finally taken the covers off its all-new T-Roc compact SUV.

Built on the MBQ platform that also underpins the Golf, Tiguan and Audi Q2, the compact crossover combines SUV practicality with dynamic hatchback styling, says its maker.

Previous sketches and teased images framed it as a funky high-riding hatch, but the official images released today show more conservative lines more akin to a fastback Tiguan.

It’s smaller though, with a 4234mm length and 2603mm wheelbase, which equates to 252mm and 78mm smaller than the Tiguan’s respective measurements. It’s also 20mm shorter (1819mm) and 75mm narrower (1819mm).

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Much of the length reduction was achieved with short overhangs that give it a wide athletic stance without compromising interior space, meaning it’s still a roomy five seater with a 445-litre boot.

The Volkswagen T-Roc will come in three equipment lines with a base model and two upper-spec ‘Style’ and ‘Sport’ variants that will be similarly equipped but presented accordingly.

The entry-level T-Roc will offer a host of standard features including City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring, the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and the lane keep assist. Also expect an 8.0-inch infotainment system screen, LED tail light cluster, LED daytime running lights (DRLs) in the bumper and 16-inch wheels 'Yorkville' alloy wheels.

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LED headlights with ring-shaped DRLs and fog lamps will be available as options.

The T-Roc Style and Sport build on the base version with significantly different configurations, with the Style gaining:

• Ambient lighting (white)
• Connectivity package
• Roof in contrasting colour (four colour variants) including A-pillars and exterior mirror housings
• Trim strips on instrument panel and door trim panels available in a choice of four colours
• Chrome exhaust trim
• Comfort seats
• 17-inch 'Mayfield' alloy wheels
• Driver Alert System
• Silver front and rear stone guards

The Sport gets:

• Smoked rear lights
• Tinted rear windows
• Aluminium pedals
• Ambient lighting (red)
• Red brake calipers
• Chrome exhaust system trim panels
• Sport comfort seats
• 17-inch 'Kulmbach' alloy wheels
• Fog lights
• Silver front and rear stone guards
• Black roof lining

T-Roc Style and Sport will also have the option to add an R-Line package with numerous body enhancements such as special bumpers and side sills.

There will be a range of interior trims across the range providing an opportunity to add personal touches. The base version will come with a standard black dashboard fascia, but the T-Roc Sport will be available with a 'Caribou Grey' dash with matching door accents and centre console trim, with four options in the Style including 'Black Oak Brown', 'Ravenna Blue', 'Energetic Orange Metallic' and 'Curcuma Yellow Metallic'.

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Infotainment systems range from the 8.0-inch layout to the optional Active Info Display, which includes an 11.7-inch touchscreen and fully digital instrument panel as found optionally in the Golf and Tiguan.

As expected the T-Roc will be on offer with a selection of three TSI turbo petrol and three TDI turbo diesel engines in Europe ranging from 86kW to 142kW. Front-wheel drive and a manual gearbox is standard with the smaller engines but a seven-speed dual clutch auto is optional. The range-topping 190TSI/TDI engines will be offered with 4Motion all-wheel drive with Street, Snow, Offroad and Offroad Individual driving modes.

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VW says the T-Roc will be priced around €20,000 ($A30,000) when it goes on sale in Europe in November, which makes sense if it’s to be priced between Golf and Tiguan and against the likes of the Mazda CX-3 and Toyota C-HR when it goes on sale here next year.

Before then it will be shown to the public for the first time at next month’s 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.

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