ON THE ROAD – IAN LYNAS PREVIEWS THE NEW VW T-ROC

Four years have passe,d since Volkswagen launched the T-Roc and to date more than one million of the compact SUV have been sold. Since the end of 2019 the range has included the sporty T-Roc R and in the spring of 2020, the Cabriolet version arrived on the scene which united the strengths of an SUV with the option of driving with the top down.

With a new version set to arrive this Spring, the lines of the new model have been sharpened, making its unmistakeable crossover design all the more striking. LED headlights and darkened rear lights are included as standard, IQ LIGHT with LED matrix headlights and an illuminated radiator grille strip as well as tail light clusters with a new graphic structure and dynamic turn signal are available. Five new exterior colours to widen choice and a new design of seventeen and nineteen inch alloy wheels will provide even more opportunities for buyers to customise their vehicles.

Part of the package is a sophisticated interior with foam backed surface and distinctive seams, the new dash panel brings modern and top quality design highlights to the interior. The infotainment display is now designed like a tablet and positioned on the dash panel in a line of sight with the instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. Depending on the equipment, the Infotainment display measures either 20cm (8 in) or 23cm (9.2 in) and this compact SUV comes as standard with a digital instrument cluster which is optionally available at a size up to 26cm (10.25 in) as the Digital Cockpit Pro. The multifunction steering wheel is also part of the standard package and it features a new design that contributes to the all round driving experience. The new model comes with the advanced assist systems Front Assist and Lane Assist as standard and the new IQ DRIVE Travel Assist and Predictive Cruise Control enable assisted steering, braking and acceleration up to 210kph (130mph). By integrating the signals from the front camera, as well as GPS and map data, the vehicle control system can incorporate local speed limit information, town boundary signs, junctions and even roundabouts. The third generation of the Modular Infotainment Toolkit, this enables the use of a variety of online based functions and services. WeConnect Plus services can be used free of charge in Europe for a year as part of the standard package and means natural voce control and streaming services are available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions can also be integrated wirelessly into the control system via App-Connect wireless if so desired.

Power choice is good; there are three TSI and two TDI engines to select from. Depending on the selected drive, a six speed manual gearbox or a seven speed DSG gearbox. The one litre TSI three cylinder has a maximum output of 110PS and the four cylinder generates 150PS as a 1.5 litre TSU and 190PS as a two litre TSI. The range is rounded off with the pair of two litre TDI four cylinder engines offering outputs of 115 and 150PS. There is an alternative to front wheel drive, 4MOTION all wheel drive in conjunction with the 150PS diesel engine which ensures superior power transmission and the two litre TSI with 190PS is combined with 4MOTION as standard. The new Cabriolet version features an electrically operated three layer fabric soft top that can be opened in under nine seconds. The open top four seater comes in the Style and R-Line lines and buyers can choose from a one litre TSI engine with 110PS and a 1,5 litre TSI with 150PS. Of course trim levels etc are likely to vary from market to market and no doubt the Cabriolet will appeal to the younger customer, however I could be proved wrong.

Ian Lynas