Volkswagen has unveiled the second generation of its compact-sized T-Roc crossover. It’s now based on the MQB Evo platform and starts from €30,845.
The two entry-level variants come equipped with an eTSI mild-hybrid powertrain driving the front axle. It features a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and a tiny electric motor adding 19 PS (19 hp / 14 kW of its own). You can choose between 116 and 150 PS (114 and 148 hp; 85 and 110 kW) boost options. The torque maxes out at 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) for the former and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) for the latter.
This is all that’s available for now, but later on, the T-Roc will get two full-fledged PHEV powertrain options rated at 136 and 170 PS (134 and 168 hp; 100 and 125 kW, accordingly). The peak torque amounts to 306 Nm (226 lb-ft) for both. Even later, Volkswagen will be adding a 2.0T AWD variant, but it is still unknown when.
Moving to a new platform made the T-Roc 122 mm (4.8 inches) longer with 28 mm (1.1 inches) of added wheelbase. It’s still a fairly compact CUV with a body length of 4,373 mm (170.8 inches) and a wheelbase of 2,631 mm (102.8 inches), but Volkswagen claims the legroom has been improved. Not only that, but the trunk now fits 475 liters (16.77 cubic feet) – that’s 20 liters more than in the first generation.
More crucially, the revised exterior styling made the crossover produce 10% less drag (0.29 Cx). 20-inch wheels were added to the option list, and those who would like a sportier and more aggressive exterior may opt for a revised R-Line package featuring new blackout trim bits.
Inside, the digital dash cluster is 10 inches large, while the central display measures either 10.4 or 12.9 inches of diagonal size depending on the trim. A rotary knob on the transmission tunnel now controls certain in-car functions, and a heads-up display is available at a premium. Same goes for nice ergonomic seats with 14-way adjustments and a Harman Kardon audio system.
Rounding off the list are several assist features never before found in a T-Roc, like automatic lane change and remote parking assistance.
