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The Volkswagen T-Roc is the second-smallest VW SUV, slotting between the Polo-sized T-Cross and larger Tiguan. It arrived in 2017 to offer a more affordable alternative to the Tiguan, and is similar in size to the Golf with which it shares a platform, engines and in-car tech. The T-Roc was facelifted in 2022, with improvements to the spec levels inside.
The T-Roc also shares its running gear with the SEAT Ateca and Skoda Karoq, although these two are slightly larger than the T-Roc. Other rivals that are closer to the T-Roc in size include the Toyota C-HR and Honda HR-V, while VW has tried to pitch the T-Roc as an alternative to premium models such as the Audi Q2 and Q3, Mercedes GLA, BMW X1 and X2 or even the Range Rover Evoque.
What's it like?
While some markets were offered the two-door T-Roc Cabriolet, Ireland just has the standard five-door SUV. A range of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines are available, most of which are front-wheel drive with either manual or DSG automatic gearboxes. Four-wheel drive (badged ‘4Motion’) is very rare, unless you choose the 300hp T-Roc R.
Petrol engines power around two-thirds of the T-Rocs for sale in Ireland, and the majority of those are the 115hp 1.0 TSI three-cylinder, which comes with a manual gearbox (there's no auto) and is surprisingly punchy for its size. The 1.5 TSI is a four-cylinder unit that makes a healthy 150hp, and there's roughly an even split between manual and automatic gearboxes with this engine.
Diesels are either 1.6 or 2.0 litres in size, with power of 115hp and 150hp, respectively. Again, the lower-powered models only came with a manual gearbox, though an auto was offered with the 2.0 TDI.
Trim levels range through Style, Sport, Design and R-Line, topped by the high-performance T-Roc R.
Which model to go for?
A mid-range Design model offers a good level of standard equipment, although all cars come with alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, auto lights and wipers, heated door mirrors and a touchscreen display that's at least eight inches in size. The R-Line model carries a premium over other versions, but really all you're getting is a sporty-looking body kit.
The 1.0 TSI petrol engine is actually a good choice in a car of this size, but the 1.5 TSI is a better option if you do more motorway miles or you fill the car up with people and luggage regularly. Both are reasonably efficient to the point of making the diesels seem irrelevant.
The T-Roc R is fast car, effectively a tall hot hatch, but the high centre of gravity means it's not as much fun as the similarly powered Golf R.
Does anything go wrong?
There are reports of electric parking brakes not releasing properly in the T-Roc, while five recalls have been issued relating to the headrests, brake pedal, engine covers, right-rear seatbelt and the rear spoiler, where fitted.