Opening with a query as to whether or not the audience was, “Ready to Roc” or not, Volkswagen showcased the production version of the T-Roc today in Italy. However, the model that arrived on stage didn’t quite resemble the compact crossover concept vehicle we’ve grown accustomed to.
While shorter in appearance than a traditional baby SUV, the T-Roc isn’t the coupe-adjacent vehicle we were led to believe it might be. True to form, VW played it safe.
There are some notable exceptions, however. The bi-color design allows the roofline to be mismatched with the bodywork and the interior has some fun color options — both in its lighting and trim. But it lacks the swept-back roofline and lowered stance of the prototype. The upside to this is superior interior volume and more traditional SUV characteristics that the public will be less likely to shy away from. Volkswagen wants volume, after all. 
“People appreciate the special SUV package, the high seating position, and the modern and sporty appearance,” said Dr. Herbert Diess, chairman of Volkswagen’s board of management. He continued by stating the goal of the T-Roc, and VW as a whole, is to integrate cutting edge technology and superior quality at a reasonable price.
While we didn’t receive a specific figure, Diess stated the small crossover would be aimed at the 20,000 euro segment, which translates to about $23,600 USD. He said VW anticipates all SUV segments to double in size by 2027, and that the automaker will have 19 models to meet that demand — reminding the audience that Volkswagen is “a big market brand.”
“The T-Roc sets a new benchmark in the booming SUV segment,” Diess stated in a separate press release. “With its functionality, dynamic handling and technology the T-Roc embodies all good Volkswagen qualities and will give our SUV offensive added momentum.”
Claiming that SUVs embody the promise of freedom, the chairman explained that the T-Roc will be highly customizable. “People want to stand out from the crowd,” he said. “For example, [by owning] an SUV.” In addition to the previously mentioned color options, the crossover’s settings can personalized, with the vehicle remembering the driver’s presets via a phone app.
Based on the Golf’s MQB platform, the T-Roc comes in front-wheel drive or 4Motion AWD and will offer 6 engine options globally — with the strongest being a turbocharged unit with 190 horsepower. However, automaker wasn’t ready to discuss displacements.
Instead, the automaker is touting connectivity features and high-tech safety. The crossover boasts a fairly impressive list of crash avoidance systems, including front assist and lane assist as standard, with optional traffic jam crawling. It also boasts an entirely digital dashboard and a 8-inch media display. The automaker says it has crammed the center console with all the connectivity features it could muster while providing online services and apps via smartphone and Volkswagen Car-Net.
At 166.7 inches long, the crossover is about 10 inches shorter than the first-generation Tiguan. It has a 102.5-inch wheelbase, width is 71.6-inch (without mirrors), and its height is 70 inches. Oddly, VW prattled on about the vehicle’s “low roof structure,” even though it’s fairly tall when compared to a Honda Honda CR-V, and would absolutely tower above Mazda’s CX-3.
VW said the five-seater provides 16 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats and almost 46 cubes with the seat folded. We wager you can get plenty more than that if you’re willing to make use of that higher roofline and obstruct your rearward visibility.
The T-Roc’s trims are undecided but Volkswagen hinted at a base model, followed by two others — denoted as “Style” and “Sport.” Deliveries begin in Europe this November with North America likely to follow if VW can get its ducks in a row.
[Images: Volkswagen]
“People want to stand out from the crowd,” he said. “For example, [by owning] an SUV.”
Huh? Is today opposite day or something?
I read that and thought much the same. How does one stand out in the crowd by buying the same type of vehicle that more and more people are buying? Now, if he had said they want to stand out in a crowd of SUVs by buying something different within the class, then ok.
Oh…and did I see a manual transmission in there? How (unlikely) is that to make it here?
Wow, I really dig this. I hope that this does well for VW.
Likewise. It’s styling is much cleaner than anything from its Japanese competitors. I think it looks smart, purposeful and practical, rather than silly, over-styled and compromised. Higher roof? That’s a good thing in a utility vehicle.
Clean styling is VW’s forte. This is the original CRV, updated for 2018.
The interior looks good, too. The back seat looks a little hard, but if 3 people can fit there comfortably, it’s all good.
I think this is actually gorgeous for a CUV. My wife and I have gotten to the point where we have to carry crap more often than not, so this may be on our radar when the time comes for us to shop in this price range. If, in typical VW fashion, the engines are easy to tune and the aftermarket is strong, this could be a fun platform on which to build as well.
Agree, this is nice looking inside and out, and VW’s are generally predictable when it comes to the driving experience. It would be at the top of the list if I ever bought a crossover (which I will not unless they stop selling compact and subcompact hatchbacks). At least in these pictures it avoids looking as slab-sided as the CX-3. The name is still terrible, though.
At least people can pronounce it, unlike Touareg.
I’m digging that 2 tone paint job, especially the white over blue.
Clean, crisp styling; much better than the froglike Juke or the ghastly, busy C-HR.
I’ll log in by guessing that VW will have a winner with this one.They’ve sort of captured the LR Evoque feel without the $$ and questionable reliability issue.Me like.
Ummm, yeahhhhhh….because has never produced vehicles of questionable reliability.
looks like a slightly squished Edge, at least from the front.
I like what I see! For reference, I just looked up the dimensions of a Golf, and this is about 1 inch shorter with about 1 inch less wheelbase as well. So, hopefully it will have similar interior space to the Golf.
Looks like a rehashed Audi Q3. Nice, but small inside.
I actually like this a lot. Vw might have a winner with this one. I hope its not neutered with an underpowered engine so not to canabalise Tiguan sales. Would like to see a sportier version of this that can carve a corner.
Interior looks like a decent place to be as well
Same size as the Macan and a little bigger then the Evoque! I rather buy an used luxury then the T-Roc!
I’m probably in the minority, but I feel that the production version looks better than the concept. Beautiful little truck.
The North American market could have had this at least a year ago. Just paint the Audi Q3 bile yellow and voila!
Reminds me of the new Hyundai Elantra GT. Not in a good way.
Best laugh of the day, “superior quality at an affordable price”. Not an attribute an average American would apply to a VW. I was burned by my Jetta one too many times – a/c had to be replaced three times within five years.
Bonus points for the first company to match VW font for renaming this “T-Rex”.
Multiple reports state VW will NOT bring the T-Roc to the US market.
Well, they should. They would sell a gazillion of them.
Not bad, not bad.
Via Jalopnik: “A Volkswagen spokesperson confirmed that the company has no plans whatsoever to bring the T-Roc to America.”
Well THAT’S weird.