VW group has started SUV offensive, and besides new Seat Ateca, Skoda Kodiaq, Bentley Bentayga, and VW Atlas, we are in anticipation for upcoming Formentor, Arona and especially Urus. Plus to that, we already wrote about VW intentions to offer smaller compact SUV below Tiguan and even smaller subcompact one. We had some concepts, T-Roc in 2014 and T-Cross Breeze last year to show us what we should be getting in the future. Future is already here, came a bit earlier than Wolfsburg planned, so let’s see what leaked about 2018 VW T-Roc.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Looks leaked and totally. Firstly, CGI image emerges showing a vague picture about future SUV and pretty soon we have spy photos of the completely unmasked car, crushing any mystery about exterior styling. For details about the interior, pricing, and rest we must wait for summer and official debut, but the main surprise is already broken.
2018 VW T-Roc WELL, THE LOOKS
Forget about alluring concepts as the whole thing was done in usual brand’s manner. Nothing is bad obviously, but also nothing is especially exciting. It looks as shrunk Tiguan at the front, though fascia is a bit more complex in design. Also, sloped roof expressed rear arches, and more pronounced rear end are definitely making it more visually alluring than its bigger sibling.
Tiguan is just cold and technical in appearance while T-Roc obviously has some curves, adding some emotional side to it. As said, it is still far from things that concept presented, but we could say it is a nice move from VW.
CABIN
When it comes to the cabin, we can only speculate for now. Tiguan is leaning on Golf’s one, while T-Roc might use one more similar with Polo. Probably we should see something between those two solutions. We would happily welcome the use of Golf’s infotainment system with a large 9.2-inch screen and optional gesture control, while analog dials could probably be switched with large digital display in higher trims.
Anyway, this could pose as a nice alternative to Audi Q2 if you don’t wish to pay that extra cash required by premium badges, as you can get pretty much the same technology just slightly scaled down.
POWERTRAIN
Some engines will be borrowed from Polo some from Golf lineup. It should start with the 1.0-liter I3 unit, followed by 1.5-liter I4, while diesel segment should be represented with 1.6 and 2.0-liter options. All engines will be most likely paired with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission, while AWD should exist as an option. If T-Roc sees GTI edition, it could be powered by 2.0-liter I4 petrol engine delivering 245 hp. As with Golf, we could expect plug-in hybrid, but also full electric version as brand stated commitment to that type of powertrain.
EXACT CLASSIFICATION
If we just take a look at the dimensions, 2018 VW T-Roc should pose as a subcompact CUV. On the other hand, we expected to see smaller compact CUV positioned below Tiguan to rival Hyundai Tuscon, Nissan Qashqai, Toyota CH-R and rest of the bunch. Rumors about starting price of around €22k ($23k) should be evidence of that positioning, but also rumors are circling about the price tag of €17k ($18k) which is more suitable for subcompact segment, so time will tell.
