The Volkswagen T-Roc R, a hotted-up small SUV pitched as an edgy Golf R alternative, will cost $59,300 before on-road costs when it hits local showrooms in August.
That makes it the new entry point to Volkswagen’s growing ‘R’ range, slotting in beneath the Golf R ($65,990 for the hatch and $68,990 for the wagon) and bigger Tiguan R ($68,990).
Stylistically, the T-Roc R features an illuminated grille strip with ‘R’ logo and aluminium trim, matte chrome mirrors, a lowered ride height, an exhaust with quad tailpipes, roof spoiler, and gloss black rear diffuser.
The interior features a newly designed soft-touch dashboard that features on all upgraded T-Roc grades from this year, with a new fascia incorporating a changed dual-zone climate control panel and piano-black inlays.
“From under $60,000 the T-Roc R is both the perfect entry to the sought-after R family while driving like an ultra-hot hatchback cloaked as a crossover. Its Volkswagen R genes run deep and lead the segment,” claims Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles brand director Michal Szaniecki.
Pricing
As mentioned, the price is $59,300 before on-road costs. To further contextualise this, a less powerful Golf GTI costs $54,490. Other small hotted up SUVs include the:
- Hyundai Kona N Premium: $51,000
- Audi SQ2: $66,900
- Cupra Formentor VZx: $61,490
- BMW X2 M35i Pure: $68,900
- Mini Countryman JCW All4: $63,850
All prices exclude on-road costs.
Engine
The T-Roc R runs a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 221kW of power and 400Nm of torque, mated to a seven-speed DSG auto and 4Motion variable all-wheel drive.
It also benefits from Adaptive Chassis Control (adaptive dampers) and a progressive steering rack.
Volkswagen claims a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 4.9 seconds – 0.2 seconds faster than the bigger Tiguan R and one-tenth slower than the Golf R hatch.
Its outputs and sprint times mirror the pricier Audi SQ2.
By contrast, the Golf R and Tiguan R’s 2.0-litre makes 235kW and 400Nm (420Nm in the Golf R wagon).
Fuel Economy
To be revealed closer to launch. A Golf R uses 7.8L/100km for context.
Dimensions
The pre-update Volkswagen T-Roc measures 4246mm long long, 1572mm tall, and 1819mm wide and rides a 2595mm wheelbase. Expect MY22 models to be basically the same.
By contrast a Golf R is 4290mm long, 1458mm tall, and 1789mm wide.
Safety
The suite of listed active safety aids includes Travel Assist, which pairs the lane-centring aid and active cruise control for highway driving. Other safety and driver assist equipment includes:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Active park assist
- Reversing camera
Standard Equipment
- 19-inch Estoril alloys (space saver spare)
- Adaptive Chassis Control with Race mode
- Progressive steering
- R exterior and interior styling add-ons
- Matrix LED headlights with Dynamic Light Assist
- LED tail lights with dynamic indicators
- Exterior ambient lighting
- Premium metallic paint
- Keyless entry and start
- Power tailgate
- 9.2-inch ‘Discover Pro’ navigation system with voice and gesture control
- Digital Cockpit Pro (digital cluster)
- Wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless phone charging
- Nappa leather-appointed seat upholstery
- Heated front seats
- Electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory
Options
- Panoramic sunroof: $2000
- Black Style Package: $1200 (black roof paint finish, mirrors, roof rails and roofline decorative trim, C-pillar carbon-look trim and black surrounds for the interior air vents and audio)
- Beats audio system upgrade: $750 (300W and six-speaker plus subwoofer)
- Lapiz Blue matte interior inlays: $250
Colours
All colours are no-cost. The palette includes:
- Pure White
- Lapiz Blue Premium Metallic
- Kings Red Premium Metallic
- Pyrite Silver Metallic
- Indium Grey Metallic
- Deep Black Pearl Effect
