Nestled between the T-Cross and Tiguan in VW’s SUV armada, the Golf-based T-Roc is small but fits a family of four and delivers punchy engines, solid cornering ability, decent safety and ample technology.
But the upgraded T-Roc tests people’s hip pockets. The entry-level Style is $37,250 and sportier R-Line $45,250 before on-roads.
All new car prices are surging but even for the booming small SUV segment these are big dollars. Rival top sellers’ entry prices are lower: the Mazda CX-30, for example, starts from $29,590, while Hyundai’s Kona begins at $26,900.
Volkswagen argues, with some justification, that the T-Roc should be compared to prestige SUVs such as the $47,900 BMW X1 or $45,200 Audi Q2.
It is a multi-talented small SUV, with an attractive, coupe-like body that has been sharpened with revised headlights and grille, plus the option of a colour contrasting roof.
There are LED lights front and rear, a roof spoiler, 18-inch alloy wheels, tinted rear windows and chrome roof rails. The R-Line model – replacing the old Sport – adds aggressive R-Line-specific bumpers, side sills and a sports diffuser, with black rims for a dash of sportiness.
In the pricier R-Line, the interior’s something of a masterclass of layout and tech.
It’s an excellent, lofty driving position in well-bolstered and comfy suede-like seats and you stare past a chunky flat-bottomed steering wheel at a crisp and nicely-customisable 10.25-inch digital driver display.
An 8-inch infotainment screen is less spectacular but fast and user-friendly with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
A touch-sensitive panel for the aircon is less frustrating than the fiddly one in the Golf but even so, proper buttons and knobs would make life easier.
Navigation, wireless phone charging and four USB-C ports are wins, as is a new soft-touch dashboard replacing the old cheap hard plastic one. Sadly, scratchier plastic remains on the door tops, bottoms and grab handles and where is the carpet VW used to put in its door pockets?
Despite the price there are no electric seats or electric tailgate (a $600 option), while the Style has a smaller, lower quality digital display and no smartphone mirroring or navigation.
Rear seats in both grades are quite firm and upright, but leg room’s good and headroom excellent, while a two-tiered boot is quite big for its class.
Cabin goodies aside, the T-Roc grade’s $8100 price difference is explained by very different engines and transmissions. The Style uses a 110kW/250Nm 1.4-litre turbo petrol and the R-Line a beefier 140kW/320Nm 2.0-litre version. The latter hits 100km/h in an almost hot-hatch 7.2-seconds, while the Style takes another 1.5 seconds.
VW’s mated the smaller engine to its conventional 8-speed auto gearbox and the R-Line’s to a more performance-orientated seven-speed dual-clutch unit. The pricier car also has all-wheel-drive and sports suspension.
Little wonder it’s the pick for enthusiastic driving on the ACT’s sweeping mountain test roads. Small SUVs with such mighty torque are rare treats; the gearbox rapidly shifts cogs at the tap of a paddle shift and the balance, road holding and steering feel bring fun and reward. At times you think this thing needs a GTI badge.
The fact the 110kW Style doesn’t disgrace itself in any of the above areas is the R-Line’s main problem. It’s slower, sure, especially on steep climbs, but feels agile and sporty enough to steer. In town, too, its smooth gearbox and cushier ride outdo the sportier R-Line.
Safety on all T-Rocs includes adaptive cruise control, lane centring and self-parking. A blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on cars in stock but due to microchip shortages, they have been dropped for MY23 cars. VW has cut prices by $650 and $550 to compensate.
Considering the price difference, the Style would suit the majority of small SUV buyers.
Another advantage is that it uses 6.3L/100km of regular unleaded compared with the 7.2L/100km of premium required by the R-Line.
The R-Line’s a cracking drive for the enthusiast, but for most the cheaper Style version is the pick, perhaps with the $2000 Sound & Vision package that includes a better digital dash, satnav, wireless app-connect and a pumping Beats sound system.
VERDICT
Classy but pricey all-rounder in the quality-packed small SUV segment.
VOLKSWAGEN T-ROC
PRICE $37,250-$45,250 plus on-roads
ENGINE 1.4-litre 4-cyl turbo, 110kW and 250Nm
WARRANTY/SERVICE 5-year/unlimited km, $2250 five-year prepaid
SAFETY Six airbags, auto emergency braking, radar cruise, lane-keep assist
THIRST 6.3L/100km
SPARE Space saver
LUGGAGE 445 litres
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7r7HWrGWcp51jrrZ7056aoaafobyoxY6mpq2nop67qHvMqKuoqpmjtG66xLCqaKCfrHq1tMRmraikm6jEorPEp2Stqp%2BYera80p6rrGWknbJuv9Oaq66rXabCsHvNnq6sZaOpvLPFjmudaW6SZbNzscKfmJ1qYpZ%2BcoWUm2eeaGFqr3WDwJts