UK Drive: The Volkswagen T-Roc is a solid, practical and likeable small crossover

What is it?

The small crossover market seems to be expanding by the week, and the Volkswagen T-Roc is one of the class leaders.

Ever since the original car launched in 2017, it has become Volkswagen’s second best-selling SUV, following behind its larger brother, the Tiguan.

Underneath its skin, the T-Roc uses the same chassis and drivetrain as the Golf, though it sits slightly higher.

So, aiming to continue its success, the German firm has gone and launched a new second-generation model, featuring more tech and sharper styling. We’ve been driving it to find out if it’s any good.

What’s new?

This new model has an updated exterior design and the whole car has grown by 12cm in length over its predecessor.

That means there is more boot space and passenger room inside, while the car gains a revised interior with a standard 12.9-inch infotainment display. You’ll find new materials dotted about the cabin, too.

Meanwhile, there is a choice of electrified powertrains, which are more frugal and efficient than the engines that went before to make this family-friendly crossover even more appealing.

What’s under the bonnet?

From launch, the T-Roc will be available with mild-hybrid petrol engines in two power outputs.

Our test car is fitted with the more powerful 1.5-litre turbocharged unit that develops 148bhp and 250Nm of torque. This setup can take the car to 60mph in 8.7 seconds and will reach a top speed of 132mph.

There is also a lower-powered variant of this engine, developing 114bhp and 220Nm of torque, while 60mph comes around in 10.4 seconds.

Later this year, you’ll be able to get the T-Roc with a new hybrid powertrain, which is a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to an electric motor with a choice of 134bhp and 168bhp guises.

Plus, next year, there will be another mild-hybrid engine available, featuring a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with the firm’s ‘4Motion’ all-wheel drive system that will develop 201bhp.

What’s it like to drive?

If you like the way a Golf drives, you won’t be disappointed that the T-Roc delivers a similar experience.

Behind the wheel, this small crossover isn’t the most exciting, but it does everything just right. From the nicely weighted steering to the well-composed body control, the T-Roc is a very easy car to drive.

Our test car is fitted with the larger 18-inch wheels, which do impact the ride quality, though it’s not bad enough that it’s uncomfortable.

Rear visibility isn’t the best, as the thick C-pillars do obscure your view when reversing, while there is a little bit of wind noise from around the door frame area when driving on the motorway.

How does it look?

The second-generation T-Roc has a completely new look with its front nostril carried over from the firm’s Tayron SUV and ID.7 electric fastback.

To make it look distinctively like a T-Roc, this new car retains the famous ‘hockey stick’ roof frame strip and D-pillar, giving it a more coupe-esque silhouette.

At the back, there is a new 3D lightbar, while there are illuminated front and rear Volkswagen logos and the tailgate extends further outward to give a more prominent stance from behind.

Our R-Line test car has beefier wheels and sits lower than the standard model to give it even more street cred, while the optional ‘Canary Yellow’ paint is much more interesting than generic silver, grey and white colour schemes.

What’s it like inside?

The T-Roc’s cabin isn’t the most stylish; in fact, from some angles, it’s a little bland.

Thankfully, Volkswagen has continued to incorporate physical steering wheel buttons, though the touch-sensitive slider controls for the climate control have made an appearance for the first time.

Quality is good, with soft-touch materials found on the dashboard and door cards, although lower down, there are lots of hard, scratchy plastics which don’t reflect in the car’s asking price.

Storage is more than acceptable with a large glovebox, wide doorbins, adjustable cupholders and a wireless phone charger.

The increase in the car’s length has meant that rear-seat passengers gain an additional 3cm of legroom, while headroom isn’t an issue. Plus, occupants receive rear-seatback pockets and a central armrest that hides two further cupholders.

The larger dimensions also mean that boot space has increased by 30 litres over the outgoing car, taking the total capacity to 475 litres. That room swells to 1,350 litres when you fold down the standard 60:40 split rear bench, which also folds completely flat.

In comparison, a Hyundai Kona provides 466 litres of luggage space, while with its seats pushed down, that room extends to 1,300 litres.

What’s the spec like?

The new T-Roc range consists of just three trim levels: Life, Style and R-Line.

All models come with an impressive level of standard equipment, although with prices starting at £31,635, the T-Roc is £1,000 more than the cheapest Nissan Qashqai and £4,400 more expensive than a Hyundai Kona.

The entry-level Life comes with all the kit you could need, including 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a 12.9-inch infotainment system, adaptive cruise control and power-folding door mirrors.

The mid-level Style adds features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, climate-controlled air conditioning, heated front seats with a massage function and keyless entry.

Our top-of-the-line R-Line comes in at a pricey £38,935, making it one of the most expensive cars in its class. It boasts sports suspension, sports seats, stainless steel pedals, a heated sports steering wheel and a powered tailgate.

Verdict

Without doubt, the new Volkswagen T-Roc is just as capable and likeable as the model that went before.

It’s good to drive, offers plenty of practicality and will be a very easy car to live with. Its high prices and bland interior design may put a dent in its appeal, but overall, the T-Roc is still an impressive all-rounder that will continue to be a success for the marque.