2017 was a successful year for Volkswagen in Ireland as it not only claimed honours as the top-selling new car brand, but it also grew its overall market share too. 2018 is looking similarly promising, as it has launched a trio of new models in the new Volkswagen T-Roc, Polo and Tiguan Allspace. We drove all three models at an official launch day in Kildare and here are the details on each.
Volkswagen T-Roc:
The T-Roc is the compact SUV of the moment, and it recently went on sale at Volkswagen dealers nationwide with a starting price tag of €24,750. It’s based on the same MQB platform as the latest Volkswagen Golf but with more space inside, a more commanding view of the road and a respectable 445 litres of space in the boot. It’s available with various engines including a 1.0-litre TSI 115bhp petrol, a 1.5-litre TSI 150bhp petrol and a range-topping 2.0-litre 150bhp diesel with all-wheel drive and DSG. A 1.6-litre TDI 115bhp diesel will also join the line up later this year. High specification sport models are well equipped with Volkswagen’s Active Info Display and a slick glass-faced touch screen infotainment screen, while the T-Roc also has lots of safety kit as standard including front assist with emergency braking and lane assist. We found the T-Roc to be composed and comfortably on the tight and twisty backroads during our test drive, and we look forward to bringing you a full in-depth review soon.
Volkswagen Polo:
The new Volkswagen Polo has grown up, so much so that is bigger than a Mark III Volkswagen Golf! Now only available with five doors, it is longer than before and feels more spacious inside, while boot space has grown to a respectable 351 litres. Prices in Ireland start at €16,795 in base Trendline trim. Optional technology includes Volkswagen’s Active Info display and the Polo is very much more connected with optional slick touch screen displays. The engine range consists of a 1.0-litre petrol with 65bhp or 75bhp, a turbocharged 1.0-litre 95bhp TSI petrol (our favourite) and a 1.6-litre TDI diesel engine in two states of tune, either 80bhp or 95bhp. A performance orientated GTI Polo is also available with a 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine that produces 200bhp. We were impressed with how much the Polo has improved when you sit inside, with enough space for four adults. Features such as the new touch screen displays really enhance the cabin, while a suite of new safety systems are also offered. We will be testing the new Polo comprehensively very soon with a full review to follow.
Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace:
The Tiguan has been a highly successful model for Volkswagen in Ireland since the latest model was launched in 2016, and now it is finally available in seven seat guise with the new Tiguan Allspace model. Bridging the gap between the Tiguan and the Touraeg in terms of size, the Allspace is longer with additional rear leg room an space in the boot too (up to 760 litres). It is available with five seats, though Volkswagen expects the majority of buyers to opt for the seven seats (€770 optional upgrade). There are some slight styling differences to the regular Tiguan too, with a new front grille design, roof rails as standard and a revised roof design amongst others. The entry level petrol engine in the Tiguan Allspace is the 1.4-litre TSI, while the entry level diesel is the 2.0-litre TDI diesel with 150bhp and this is the one we drove at the launch. Prices for the new Tiguan Allspace start from €34,050 and it is now on sale at all Volkswagen dealers nationwide.
