The Volkswagen T-Roc has been a key entry into the ever-expanding market of crossover vehicles. Sitting above the smaller T-Cross but below the popular Tiguan, the T-Roc has been designed to offer the best of both worlds.
Arriving as a compact crossover with a big-car feel, the T-Roc has a variety of different powertrains and trim levels to ensure that there’s something for everyone. Let’s take a look at what else it has to offer.
What powertrains are available?
You’ve got a good number of powertrain options when it comes to the T-Roc. In terms of petrol, there are four to choose from. The entry point is a 1.0-litre turbocharged unit with 113bhp. It’s the only three-cylinder engine in the range, in fact, and brings a 0-60mph time of just under nine seconds and can only be specified with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Up next is a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 148bhp. As a more powerful variant, it can dispatch the 0-60mph sprint in 8.1 seconds yet return up to 45.8mpg. It’s also available with both a six-speed manual and a seven-speed DSG automatic.
Finally, there’s a 2.0-litre version available with either 188bhp or 296bhp - the latter version only being available in the high-performance T-Roc R.
There are also two diesel engines available - a 1.6-litre and a 2.0-litre - bringing respective outputs of 113bhp and 148bhp. Capable of delivering up to 53.4mpg, these are easily the most frugal options in the range. The former can only be fitted with a six-speed manual, while the latter can be selected either with a manual or a seven-speed automatic ‘box.
What trim levels are offered?
Much as is the case with engines, you’ve got a wide variety of trim levels to select with the T-Roc. Let’s take a look through them.
S
It’s with S that we kick things off. However, despite being the entry point to the T-Roc range you’re not left wanting for equipment. Highlights include 16-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights and body-coloured wing mirrors.
Inside, there’s an eight-inch colour touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity linked to a six-speaker sound system.
SE
You’ll find a significant increase in equipment by moving up to SE trim level, with 17-inch alloy wheels now fitted alongside black roof rails and front and rear parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control is included as standard, too.
The infotainment screen remains the same, but you now get both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, helping you to more easily integrate your phone into the car’s system.
Active
Active trim brings a range of new additions, the most notable being the inclusion of Volkswagen’s Discover Media Navigation infotainment system that brings online traffic information, preloaded European mapping and the option of either 2D or 3D displays for the mapping.
Black Edition
Black Edition is a great option for those who want to exaggerate the T-Roc’s looks, with 18-inch black diamond-turned wheels making quite the impact alongside a full black styling pack that includes a black-coloured grille, side window surrounds and door mirrors.
You also get full LED headlights and tinted glass from the b-pillar backwards.
Design
Design adds a whole range of premium features that only serve to elevate the look of the T-Roc. You get a chrome exhaust, for instance, while the body-coloured bumpers are remodelled to look a little sportier.
Inside, you get a full ambient lighting package as well as LED reading lights for both front and rear occupants.
SE L
Next, we have SE L. It brings a significant change through the addition of Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system - a must-have for anyone looking for better traction in poor conditions. As well as this, you get darkened rear light clusters for a more undercover look and silver anodised roof rails.
At this point, you’ll also find Volkswagen’s digital cockpit fitted, replacing the conventional dials in favour of a 10.3-inch display.
R-Line
Things take a sporty turn if you opt for R-LIne as here you’ll find dynamic features such as 19-inch alloy wheels fitted, as well as a body-coloured roof spoiler and a full design pack including redesigned front and rear bumpers and wheel arch extensions.
Inside, there’s a leather-trimmed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with aluminium inserts, while those cars fitted with a DSG gearbox receive paddle shifters too.
R
At the top of the range sits the T-Roc R. As well as additional performance courtesy of the powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged engine under the bonnet, you also get quad exhaust pipes, 19-inch alloy wheels and black brake callipers fitted with the ‘R’ logo.
Inside, you’ll find that ‘R’ badging applied to all manner of areas including the door sill protectors, the seat backrests and the sports steering wheel.
What about personalisation?
With such a variety of specifications available, you’ve got a good level of personalisation to choose from to begin with, but you can certainly add to it even further. You’ve got plenty of alloy wheels to select, while there’s a huge range of metallic, pearl effect and high-end ‘metallic signature’ paint colours to check out.
You’ve also got the option of a two-tone roof, which can be specified in white, black or standout red.