This week we have been able to put on behind the wheel of the new Volkswagen T-Roc. A compact SUV with a groundbreaking design within the brand, which is located just below the Tiguan. It measures 4,23 meters long, 1,82 wide and 1,57 high, so it has similar dimensions to the Golf, except that the driver is about 8 cm taller.
However, due to peculiarities of its architecture, the Volkswagen T-Roc is designed for people with different needs mainly for three reasons: firstly, the aforementioned height, whose justification is superfluous seeing how much the sales of SUV type cars. In second place is the interior space, in which the rear seats have a somewhat more contained space in exchange for a generous trunk of 445 liters of capacity (65 liters more than the Golf). And third and last, its design and materials, which are far from what Volkswagen has accustomed us to, with amuch less conservative look, But with hard plastics on all interior surfaces.
The typical Volkswagen design is over
As you can see in the photos, the design of the T-Roc breaks with Volkswagen tradition. Already on the front we can see some details that will probably mark the path that other models of the brand will follow in the future, such as the T-Cross. Lights Polygonal LEDs outside the headlamp socket and larger grill They give it a more modern and aggressive touch. If we look at its side we find some more marked angles and for the first time in the brand, the possibility of choosing the roof color different from the rest of the bodywork. This can be white or black and is highlighted by the chrome door line that extends beyond them to the end of the rear window.

Driving impressions of the Volkswagen T-Roc
All these aesthetic modifications give it a touch more modern and sporty, which do not clash with the behavior of the car. At touchdown we were able to drive it for three hours and were very satisfied with its performance. dynamic behavior. It may be an SUV, but it's primarily intended for use on asphalt. Its ground clearance is 16 cm, just 1,5 cm more than a Golf, so although this allows us to get into some other way, it does not improve much in this section.
Furthermore, its suspension is comfortable as long as we do not enter areas with too many irregularities, because they have a somewhat firm setting for contain body roll. Thanks to this, it behaves agilely between corners and does not sink the nose too much under heavy braking.
The 2.0 hp 190 TSI engine and the DSG gearbox
The Volkswagen T-Roc have five engines available. Two TDI diesels with 115 and 150 hp, and three TSI petrol with 115, 150 and 190 hp. During the contact we were able to test the 2.0 hp 190 TSI with dual-clutch automatic gearbox DSG with 7 speed. We liked his behavior a lot because, push from very low on the rev counter (from 1.450 rpm), so it's still very responsive, even though the gearbox is programmed for fuel economy and tends to go very low. Of course, its operation changes completely when the "S" or Sport mode is activated, which inserts shorter gears to always be ready to accelerate.

In any case, if what you want is save fuel the 190 hp gasoline is not the best option. Later we will do a more exhaustive study, but in this touchdown, the engine consumed a average of 8,1 liters circulating on the road, motorway and to a much lesser extent in urban environments. An unsurprising expense taking into account the engine power and the performance of which it is capable.
Spacious but only in front and in the trunk
As for the its rolling quality and its insulation are quite good, although to our surprise, we have found it somewhat worse than those of the Volkswagen Golf. The T-Roc is built on the same MQB platform, so this may have to do with using the lower quality materials we mentioned earlier. Still it is, comfortable for long road or highway trips, something to which their comfortable seats and the space of the front seats. As we mentioned before, the second row of seats is smaller, but it is suitable for two adults up to 1,79. The central square is too narrow, although the car is approved for five people. Something normal for cars in this category.
Where the Volkswagen T-Roc does stand out in terms of space is in the trunk. Of course, as long as four-wheel drive is not chosen, because these go from having 445 liters to only 392. A capacity practically equal to that offered by the Golf with its five-door compact body.
Summary
The Volkswagen T-Roc is a good option for those looking for a compact car but with the comforts of its greater height: easy access to the seats and greater visibility when driving. These SUV features added to the capacity of your trunk, make it especially suitable for those who usually carry a lot of cargo, such as the purchase of the month for the whole family or several suitcases. However, it is necessary to take into account the limitations of its rear seats not suitable for adults above average height or to carry three people.
Equipment of the Volkswagen T-Roc
Advance
- 17-inch light-alloy wheels "Kulmbach"
- 6 speakers
- Automatic activation of lights, with LED daytime running light, function leaving-home and manual function Coming-home
- App Connect, Android Auto, Apple Car Play
- Lane Departure Warning Assist and Lane Assist "Lane Assist"
- Storage drawer under the right front seat
- Dual zone climate control and allergen filter
- ACC adaptive cruise control with city emergency braking
- forward proximity radar
- Fatigue detector
- Fog lights with turning function
- Brake pad wear indicator
- LED rear lights
- On-board computer
- Anti-thermal windshield
- Boot floor with height adjustment and removable (not available for 4 Motion versions)
- ACC automatic distance control with speed limiter
- Rain Sensor
- Parking distance control sensors "Park Pilot"
- Emergency call service, contract duration: 10 years
- Proactive occupant protection system "Pre-Crash"
Advance Style
- 17-inch light-alloy wheels "Mayfield"
- Bumper with skid plate in silver, honeycomb air intake
- Ambient light
- Two-color body
- Interior decorative inserts in color
Sports
- 17-inch light-alloy wheels "Kulmbach"
- Sports seats in front
- Longitudinal roof rails silver anodized
- Rear view camera «Rear View»
- LED headlights with dynamic headlamp range regulation
- LED headlights for low beam and high beam
- White ambient lighting
- "Caribou Grey" inlays for dashboard, center console and front door trim
- Light and Visibility Package
- Selection of driving modes
- Seat upholstery in fabric, “Gem” design
- Volkswagen Digital Cockpit
Volkswagen T-Roc Prices
| Motor | Change | Traction | Finished | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor | Change | Traction | Finished | Price |
| 1.0 TSI 115 HP | manual 6v | Front | Advance | 23.870€ |
| 1.0 TSI 115 HP | manual 6v | Front | Advance Style | 24.470€ |
| 1.5 TSI EVO 150 hp | manual 6v | Front | Advance | 25.250€ |
| 1.5 TSI EVO 150 hp | manual 6v | Front | Advance Style | 25.870€ |
| 1.5 TSI EVO 150 hp | manual 6v | Front | Sports | 27.170€ |
| 1.5 TSI EVO 150 hp | Automatic DSG 7v | Front | Advance | 26.500€ |
| 1.5 TSI EVO 150 hp | Automatic DSG 7v | Front | Advance Style | 27.120€ |
| 2.0 TSI 190 HP | Automatic DSG 7v | 4Motion | Sports | 33.990€ |
| 2.0 TDI 190 HP | Automatic DSG 7v | 4Motion | Sports | 34.610€ |