New 2020 Volkswagen T-Roc makes its debut in SA!

Last month, we preempted the virtual "launch" by doing a bit of research on the T-Roc models in overseas markets and estimating a few educated guesses as to what our local T-Roc will look like in terms of design features, engines, and specification level. Well, I am happy to report that we were mostly right: 

Read Volkswagen's T-Cross to launch in SA soon! to get to know the T-Roc a little better and to view some stunning shots of this trendsetting set of wheels.

So, let's get down to business...

It's everybody's cup of "T"...

 

 

Striking exterior looks

The T-Roc is larger than the T-Cross, smaller than the Tiguan, and is meant to be a more stylish alternative than both. Thanks to the effective use of lines and curves, the T-Roc looks wider and lower to the ground than its figures on paper suggest. With its wide radiator grille, integrated jewel headlamps and fog lights in the outer corners, the T-Roc looks purposefully stealthy and sporty at the same time. I predict that in no time at all, the new T-Roc will be one of the most fashionable car on our roads - almost like the Audi Q8 for the upper-middle classes. Mind you, there are quite a few similarities between the two - it is the same group, after all.

The chrome strip that runs from the A- to the C-pillar underscores the T-Roc's decidedly coupé-like roofline, and at the rear, the hunkered-down appearance is enhanced by elongated LED taillights. The T-Roc is also the first SUV to wear the redesigned Volkswagen badge and to offer a two-tone paint job (choose between white, red, and black roof colours) that includes the exterior mirror housings and A-pillars. Design models can pair their roof colour of choice with 26 exterior colours, while R-Line models have 21 body colours to choose from.

A choice of 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheel designs are available, depending on your choice of model. Entry-level models are shod with 17-inch Mayfield alloy wheels while R-Design T-Rocs leave the factory with 19-inch Suzuka alloys.

 

 

Elegantly high-tech inside

The T-Roc is built on VW's versatile MQB platform which means the amount of interior space is on par with the VW Golf. The T-Roc offers a cavernous 445-litre boot when all five seats have backsides on them. Fold the seats flat and 1290 litres can be utilised for sports equipment or holiday luggage.

There's plenty on offer in terms of personalisation and there's a total of three interior colours to choose from in the Design derivative, if you don't fancy the Limestone Grey standard trim. Caribou Grey is the standard dashboard colour in R-Line models, while red ambient lighting adds a bit of visual interest.

The highly digitised cockpit features an 8-inch Composition Media infotainment system with AppConnect and We Connect Go. R-Line models will feature the Active Info Display instead of the traditional instrument cluster. Optional extras include the larger and more advanced Discover Media infotainment system, but the top-of-the-range Beats Sound Package can be specified as well. 

 

 

What's available in terms of engines and specs?

In South Africa, the T-Roc will be available with two engines and two trim levels:

• T-Roc 1.4 TSI 110kW Design
• T-Roc 2.0 TSI 140kW 4MOTION® DSG® Design 
• T-Roc 2.0 TSI 140kW 4MOTION® DSG® R-Line

 

 

Volkswagen says that the more affordable Design line is aimed at buyers “looking for more styling elements” and the top-class R-Line is meant to attract people who desire more “sporty levels of specification”.

• The 1.4 TSI 8-speed Tiptronic engine has 110kW and 250Nm. The obligatory 0 - 100km / h sprint takes place in 8.4 seconds, and fuel consumption of 6.9 l / 100km is about average, according to VW. This T-Roc's top speed is 205km.
• The more powerful 2.0 TSI engine (also seen in the Golf GTI) is paired to a 7-speed DSG® gearbox and has 4MOTION® all-wheel drive. It has 140kW and 320Nm of torque and reaches 100 km/h in just 7.2 seconds, with a top speed of 216 km/h. Fuel consumption is rated by VW at 8.3l / 100km.

 

 

Grade walk

Design models

 

Standard specification on the 1.4 TSI Design and 2.0 TSI Design derivatives include: 

• Climatronic air-conditioning
• the above-mentioned Composition Media infotainment system
• connectivity via the We Connect Go app (The We Connect Go app allows the driver access to vehicle data, the nearest or preferred Volkswagen dealer, records for the tax log book and gamification)
• Voice Control
• LED tail light cluster
• A black underbody guard
• Park Distance Control (front and rear).

 

R-Line trim

 

The top-of-the-range T-Roc R-Line is equipped with: 

• Front Assist area monitoring with City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring
• Automatic Post-Collision Braking System
• Lane Assist
• Light Assist package, LED daytime running lights in the bumper and dynamic cornering lights
• 19-inch Suzuka alloy wheels
• Active Info Display
• Keyless entry
• Mobile phone inductive charging, 
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Front Assist 
• Vienna leather seats.

 

Optional features on all derivatives include: 

• A panoramic sunroof 
• Electronic trailer hitch
• Smoker's package 
• Discover Pro navigation system with a 9.2-inch screen, the Beats sound system and the Park Package.

 

 

Pricing

We don't quite know how much the new T-Roc will cost, but Martina Biene, head of VWSA, reckons the starting price will be from around R500 000. Use our car finance calculator here to figure out how much your monthly instalment will be.

The Volkswagen T-Roc comes standard with a 3-year/120 000km warranty, a 5-year/ 90 000km Volkswagen Service Plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service every 15 000km.

 

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