Volkswagen T-Roc

Volkswagen arrives late at the crossover hatchback party. But can the T-Roc still turn heads in a congested segment?

The Volkswagen T-Roc has taken the UK market by storm over the last couple of years and has grown to become one of the UK’s most popular models. Based on the proportions of a Volkswagen Golf but with the high-riding driving position of an SUV, the T-Roc built on what the Nissan Qashqai had started, further bolstering the commercially appealing crossover-hatchback segment. The T-Roc is one of the more athletic-looking and dynamic, driver-focused takes on the crossover hatchback to have emerged of late, enlivening what was previously a rather snooze-inducing segment.It’s a striking thing to behold, too, being more athletic, elegant, purposeful and interesting in its slightly decorated appearance than the crossover norm, although you’d never call it shouty or over the top.It first arrived in 2017 as a rival to the technically similar (and excellent, by the way) Seat Ateca, the more striking Toyota C-HR and the upmarket Audi Q2. There’s no lack of competition, even in-house, sitting below the larger Volkswagen Tiguan and Volkswagen Touareg in the brand’s own model line-up. The T-Roc range at a glanceThe T-Roc’s engine is diverse and versatile, with a handful of trim levels, powertrains, and the option of front- and all-wheel drive.Engines for the T-Roc start with a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol producing 108bhp. A more powerful 1.5-litre petrol unit produces 148bhp, and there are two 2.0-litre options with all-wheel drive, with 187bhp and 296bhp, which is found in the range-topping, performance T-Roc R. VW also offers the T-Roc with two 2.0-litre diesel engines, with an output of 113bhp or 148bhp. VERSIONPOWER1.0 TSI108bhp1.5 TSI147bhp2.0 TSI 4MOTION187bhp2.0 TDI113bhp2.0 TDI 4MOTION147bhpR 2.0 TSI 4MOTION296bhpThere are four specification levels for the Volkswagen T-Roc: Life, Style, R-Line and the range-topping, performance Volkswagen T-Roc R. All are decently equipped with a digital touchscreen display, wireless smartphone connectivity and So, what does the T-Roc bring to the table? Find out below in our in-depth review.