REVIEW | Makeover makes VW T-Roc more appealing

When we tested the newly-launched Volkswagen T-Roc in 2021 we criticised the hard plastic covering the dashboard and door panels, which cheapened the interior look.

The cost cutting was out of kilter with the car’s premium price, we felt, and it didn’t take VW too long to come to the same conclusion. Just two years after its introduction as a new crossover SUV positioned between the Taigo and the Tiguan in Volkswagen’s model range, a facelifted T-Roc has hit the market with a classier-looking soft-touch dashboard. It makes for a more premium look to better match the leather seats and ambient lighting.

To go with its interior revamp, Volkswagen’s coupé-style crossover has been given a redesigned grille, LED headlamps and front bumper. The rear also gets a restyle which includes darkened tail lights. Newly designed 17 and 19-inch alloy wheels provide customers with more options to customise their car.

A highlight among the optional equipment is the hi-tech IQ.Light LED matrix headlights, which have individual LED segments that can illuminate sections of road depending on the driving situation, and ensure that oncoming traffic is not dazzled even when the main beam headlights are active.

The T-Roc comes in two specifications and two petrol-turbo engine choices. The Design equipment line is available in the 1.4 TSI and 2.0 TSI and offered with two-tone paintwork, chrome elements, background interior lighting and convenience seats.

The T-Roc R-Line is available with the 2.0 engine only, and features a sportier bumper design and multifunction sports steering wheel with touch control, sport suspension, progressive steering, driver assistance system with lane-keeping system and lane change assist, as well as 19-inch Misano alloy wheels.

It also has keyless central locking, though this worked intermittently in the test car. Sometimes we could unlock the car by touching the door handles; at other times we needed to press the key remote.

The cabin is digitised with a large eight-inch infotainment screen complemented by a digital instrument cluster. Some functions, including the climate control, are controlled by haptic touch buttons, and we found these less troublesome to use than in some cars.

Nappa leather seats are part of the R-Line package too, though the leather was wrinkled in the test car, which seemed premature on a vehicle with low mileage. We encountered the same issue on the Golf R we tested recently.

In 2.0 TSI guise the T-Roc produces 140kW and 320Nm and combines with 4Motion all-wheel drive, with power transferred via a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission.

While not quite in the hot-hatch league, it’s a perky performer with its ability to scoot from 0-100km/h in 7.2 seconds and reach a 216km/h top speed. Apart from a touch of turbo lag in a standing start, the 2.0l T-Roc accelerates briskly and overtakes effortlessly. It’s a smooth engine and stays soft-voiced even when the revs are raised.

For its performance the test car was relatively frugal at 8.9l/100km, but never got close to the factory-claimed 7.3l/100km.

The ride is a little firm on the sports suspension, and the low-profile tyres tend to thump uncomfortably through potholes. There are sports modes which change the throttle and steering responses, and also an off-road mode for owners who wish to subject those low-profile tyres to gravel roads.

Instead of a constant steering ratio, the progressive steering uses an electric motor to reduce the effort required for low-speed manoeuvring and parking, but on twisty roads the steering becomes more direct for a more dynamic response.

Though it has all-wheel drive, the T-Roc 4Motion doesn’t have any off-road ability due to its fairly modest 158mm ground clearance. This sporty chassis makes for a car that corners like a hot hatch instead of a crossover SUV, and it feels like more of an enthusiasts’ machine than a car for the school run.

That said, it’s not an impractical vehicle for soccer mom duty. Based on the new Golf 8’s modular transverse matrix (MQB) platform, the T-Roc is about the same length as the T-Cross but offers a larger cabin by virtue of a longer wheelbase. It’s roomy enough for four adults, not just sprogs, with better-than-expected headroom under the fastback-style rear roof. The boot swallows a reasonable amount of shopping too, and the 392l offers 18l more than a Golf hatchback.

While it has decent space, the T-Roc has a distinctly sportier flavour than Volkswagen’s more sober SUV offerings, the T-Cross and Tiguan. With its makeover it has become more appealing, particularly on the inside.

Tech Specs

Engine
Type: Four-cylinder petrol turbo
Capacity: 2.0l
Power: 140kW
Torque: 320Nm

Transmission
Type: Seven-speed auto

Drive Train
Type: All-wheel drive

Performance (claimed)
Top speed: 216km/h
0-100km/h: 7.2 seconds
Fuel Consumption: 7.3l/100km (claimed); 8.9l /100km (as tested)
Emissions: 167g/km

Standard Features
Six airbags, ABS brakes, stability control, driving modes, rain sensor wipers, electric tailgate, sports suspension, parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, hill descent control, climate control, touch screen infotainment system, keyless central locking, LED daytime running lights, automatic headlights with high beam assist, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, leather upholstery

Warranty: Three years/120,000km
Maintenance plan: Five years/90,000km
Price: R670,300
Lease*: R14,336 per month
* at 10% interest over 60 months no deposit

Competition
Kia Seltos 1.4T-GDI GT Line 103kW/242Nm — R523,995
Mazda CX-30 2.0 Individual, 121kW/213Nm — R573,100
Audi Q2 35TFSI S Line Sports, 110kW/250Nm — R626,700
Citroen C5 Aircross1.6T Shine, 121kW/240Nm — R633,900
Opel Grandland X 1.6 Turbo Elegance, 121kW/240Nm — R701,900
Mini Cooper S Countryman, 141kW/280Nm — R764,581

Volkswagen T-Roc 2.0 TSi 4Motion R-Line

We like:
Styling, improved interior, perky performance

We dislike:
Firm ride, wrinkled leather seats

Verdict:
A better effort for the price

Motor News star rating

***** Design
**** Performance
**** Economy
** Ride
**** Handling
**** Safety
**** Value For Money
**** Overall