The Volkswagen T-Roc SUV has been unveiled during a presentation on the shores of Lake Como in Italy, setting off the brand’s new crossover offensive.
When it goes on sale in December the five-seater T-Roc will sit below the Tiguan as a more stylish, more compact sister model, and is expected to rival all the major players in the compact crossover segment – particularly the segment-leading Nissan Qashqai.
UK prices of the T-Roc have yet to be revealed but industry observers suggest that they will start from around £19,000. Three trim levels will be available, dubbed T-Roc, Sport and Style.
‘A car for all ages’
Volkswagen believes that its new model will appeal to all ages of buyers, expecting them to be down in by its personalisation options, digital technology, connectivity, driver assistance systems, engines and in particular what is dubbed a ‘modern, expressive design.’ “The T-Roc sets a new benchmark in the booming SUV segment,” says Volkswagen head Dr Herbert Diess.
The new SUV is built on the same Volkswagen Group MQB modular platform as the Tiguan and boasts a similar engine line-up. Three TSI petrol and three diesels will be on offer, and while most will use front-wheel-drive powertrains, unlike many rivals the T-Roc will offer an all-wheel-drive option using Volkswagen’s 4Motion transmission.
A host of driver-assistance systems will be fitted as standard on all models, including an automatic post-collision braking system, a lane keeping system and a front monitoring system including pedestrian monitoring and city emergency braking. A further 10 assistance features will be available as options, ranging from adaptive cruise control to rear parking cameras.
