New Volkswagen T-Roc brings fresh look and hybrid power

The second-generation of the Golf-based crossover has disrobed and new T-Roc will possibly be final combustion Volkswagen. The idea is that all subsequent new models will be battery powered. That’s providing market conditions are conducive to an all-electric future.

Not only does the popular T-Roc have a bold new look but also a hybrid drivetrain that is set to power others in the brand’s extensive line-up.

Since launching in 2017, over two million T-Rocs have found new homes.  

The second-gen T-Roc is 120mm longer than before, at 4373mm. Like-sized rivals include C-HR, CX-30 and Niro.

Read our review of the Volkswagen ID.Buzz GTX.

Designer, Stefan Wallburg, said of his new baby: “The T-Roc has a special identity of being more ‘lifestyle’ – a bit more cool [than Golf] and, I would say, more rugged and powerful, a bit more emotional.”

It retains the sloping coupé-like roofline of the original. And it has the new family wraparound light bars at each end. Moreover, its fresh face resembles those of Passat and Tiguan. It also gets bright new colours and wheel designs, up to 20 inches in diameter.

Powering T-Roc is a 1.5-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder mild hybrid. It is available in 85 and 110kW outputs. All models come with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

A 2.0 mild-hybrid with AWD is due out next year. So too is a full hybrid (HEV) powertrain, Volkswagen’s first. It will be similar to Toyota’s ‘self-charging’ system. So a petrol engine will work alongside a small electric motor to reduce emissions and optimise fuel economy. Expect torque of up to 307Nm, and power of up to 125kW. This will be capable of short-distance, low-speed electric running. The size of its battery pack is unclear. 

The HEV could well power other models in VW’s line-up. And the Golf’s eHybrid PHEV powertrain may make it into T-Roc at some point. 

Inside, the T-Roc comes with a 10-inch digital instrument display, a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, a head-up display and plenty of physical controls. There’s a digital rotary dial in the centre console that can adjust the drive mode, audio volume or interior settings. Ease of operation was a key driver of interior design. 

On prices (which have not yet been released), the T-Roc is likely to slot in between the Golf and the Tiguan. Expect a hot R variant next year, likely with mild hybrid power and based on the 2.0 AWD T-Roc variant.