Our recent experience with the Volkswagen T-Roc left us debating whether or not it had what it takes to succeed in this sector in the face of more capable competitors in the mid-size crossover market.
Volkswagen has upgraded its T-Roc small crossover for the local market, bringing its array of these vehicles—which also includes the T-Cross, Taigo, and T-Roc—up to date and covering the important R350 000–R700 000 price range. We recently acquired the 1.4 TSI Design specification model, which is the entry-level model.
Exterior
The T-Roc’s styling has always been one of its strong suits, and the updates made to the refurbished model only serve to reinforce this opinion. The T-Roc successfully combines the best design cues from the Volkswagen SUV and hatchback lines into a unified and alluring crossover shape. New IQ LED headlights, an illuminated LED light strip that spans the front grille, modernized front fog lamps, and LED taillights with a new design are among the significant aesthetic improvements. With the option of a contrasting black, white, or grey roof, there are more color choices as well.
Interior
We believe that the pre-facelift T-Roc lacked superior quality and polish inside, especially at this price. Volkswagen has since fixed the issue with improved fit and finish, the addition of a digital instrument cluster as standard equipment, and the most recent MIB3 infotainment system, which offers wireless charging as an add-on and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Composition Media Radio, a new multifunction steering wheel with media controls and adaptive cruise control, dual-zone climate control, USB C media and charging connections, cloth-covered seats, keyless entry, park assist, and rear PDC are all included as standard features. The press unit comes with extras including a removable tow hitch, 18-inch alloy wheels, a rearview camera, Nappa leather seats, wireless smartphone charging, and a panoramic sunroof.
Practically speaking, the back passenger area is not the best, especially for taller passengers, but the boot has a very usable 445 liters of room, which is a positive.
Performance
The 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that powers the test unit is relatively old, producing 110kW and 250NM of torque. In low-speed driving situations, the eight-speed automatic gearbox outperforms the earlier seven-speed dual-clutch unit since it seems less reluctant and offers reasonably swift changes. With a time of 8.4 seconds to reach 100 km/h, performance can best be regarded as adequate. Those looking for a little more thrust to match the show will do better with the 2.0-liter TSI model with 4Motion. With one notable exception caused by cabin intrusion in the form of road noise, we generally found the T-Roc to be extremely comfortable in terms of ride quality and refinement.
The T-Roc was not built with off-road driving in mind, but with a respectable 161mm of ground clearance and a 1 500kg braked towing capacity, it works well as a lifestyle vehicle.
Safety
The 2017 Euro NCAP car safety program conducted crash tests on the T-Roc line of vehicles. With scores of 96% for adult occupant safety, 87% for child occupant safety, 79% for pedestrian safety, and 71% for its safety assistance systems, it received a 5-Star rating.
Fuel Consumption
Volkswagen estimates that the T-1.4 Roc’s TSI version will use 6.3 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers, but during our week with the car, we recorded a figure of 7.4 liters per 100 kilometers, which is quite reasonable for a mid-size crossover.
Pricing
The T-Roc retails for R563 800 in its 1.4 TSI Design configuration, but our press vehicle was equipped with a number of upgrades that raised the price to R600,000. A 3-year/120 000 km guarantee and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan are included with the vehicle.
Verdict
After spending days in the revised T-Roc, Volkswagen has produced a reliable, if somewhat middle-of-the-road, crossover that successfully bridges the gap between the premium and mass market markets. But with competitors like the Audi Q2, Mazda CX-30, and the brand-new Nissan Qashqai, among others, we advise that you arrange to drive the many capable competitors in this market before making the final decision.
