2018 Volkswagen T-Roc officially unveiled

Volkswagen has officially unveiled the T-Roc, its new SUV model designed to sit below the mid-size Tiguan.

The T-Roc is the fourth SUV from VW, joining the existing Tiguan and Touareg models, as well as the US-only Atlas/Teramont.

The all-new T-Roc will be built atop the modular MQB architecture, which also underpins the Tiguan, and gargantuan Atlas.

Like the Tiguan, the T-Roc will have a selection of three petrol and three diesel turbo engine options. VW states both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive drivetrains will be on offer, along with manual transmissions or a seven-speed DSG automatic. It’s likely the T-Roc’s drivetrain options will mirror those offered by the Tiguan and Golf hatchback.

Styling for the T-Roc is highlighted by black plastic wheelarch cladding, which gives the car a more ‘off-roader’ look. The new small-SUV will be the first of VW’s high-riders to be available with a two-tone paint job.

VW touts the cars infotainment abilities, with a new digital interactive cockpit, and a system called Volkswagen Car Net, which opens the possibility to “use a wide spectrum of online services and apps”.

Volkswagen to introduce five all-new SUVs by 2018

Luggage capacity in the T-Roc is a stout 445 litres, but fold down the 60/40 split rear seats, and this expands to 1290 litres.

Active safety features such as city brake, pedestrian monitoring, lane keep, and lane assist will all be standard on the base model T-Roc. It is likely VW will offer additional safety enhancements as part of an options package.

Along with the standard T-Roc styling, VW will offer ‘Sport’ and ‘Style’ lines, akin to the R-line and Highline currently offered with the Mk7.5 Golf.

Pricing for Australia is yet to be confirmed, although the global release states “the T-Roc will take its place in the €20,000-class segment (German market)”. The T-Roc will launch in Europe in November this year.

"The T-Roc sets a new benchmark in the booming SUV segment. With its functionality, dynamic handling and technology, the T-Roc embodies all good Volkswagen qualities. It marks a milestone in our SUV offensive,” Dr Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management, said.

9