Next T-Roc SUV will be the last VW ICE car

The next-generation Volkswagen T-Roc spells the end for the German’s range of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid cars. VW is calling it a day for new combustion-engined models as it eyes an electric-only future. T-Roc will likely dot down sometime next year.

The next Volkwagen T-Roc borrows heavily from the new Tiguan’s engine and interior technology. Styling is evolutionary, maintaining the updated company aesthetic. The front end mimics others from the brand, and from the grille to the A pillars it is almost pure Tiguan. Then the roofline tails away more, giving T-Roc a coupé-like appearance.

The back is more distinctive than Tiguan’s, with a sloping tailgate, a narrower screen and roof-mounted spoiler. Its number plate affixes to the bumper. There are full-width light bars front and rear too. Expect illuminated logos, as seen on the new Mk8.5 Golf.

Mention of new Golf, this also rides on the upgraded MQB Evo platform and will have a longer wheelbase. Expect more interior and boot space, though not quite as much as the larger Tiguan. 

No interior shots are available but VW’s ‘smart dials’, its rotary multifunction controls, will find their way into the T-Roc. That means no touch slider for volume and climate controls as customers don’t seem to like these.

T-Roc will probably adopt Tiguan’s column-mounted gear shifter for improved cabin space. The new ​​MIB4 infotainment system will likely make its way into T-Roc as well. 

The base car runs a 110kW 1.5-litre turbopetrol with mild hybrid assistance. Expect a 200kW PHEV, similar to that in new Golf, with a 19.7kWh (usable) battery and a zero-emissions range of up to 120km. 

Almost all variants will be front-wheel drive, the exception being the 4Motion plug-in hybrid. A T-Roc R is at least 12-18 months away. 

Pricing is not clear yet but it should comfortably undercut the BMW X2 and Mercedes GLA. There is no electric T-Roc envisaged.