Updated T-Roc now better than ever
Volkswagen has been introducing an array of stylish crossovers recently. While the Tiguan remains somewhat of a compact SUV, the popular T-Cross and recently introduced Taigo have set new standards within the segment. That being said, the T-Roc remains a favourite of ours. Volksagen has recently updated this model. Here are the details.
What is a T-Roc you might be asking? The T-Roc is positioned between the recently launched Taigo and the Tiguan in Volkswagen’s T SUV model range. Since market introduction in 2020, the Volkswagen T-Roc has sold 4 490 units in South Africa.
The Volkswagen T-Roc has a bold and distinctive exterior design, with sharp lines and a modern look. The car is available in a range of vibrant colors, allowing drivers to customize the look of their vehicle. The major exterior changes include new IQ LED headlights, an illuminated LED light bar that runs across the front grille, updated front fog lamps and LED taillights with a new motif.
The interior is spacious and comfortable, with supportive seats and plenty of legroom. The new T-Roc also has a wide range of tech features, such as the addition of the digitised instrument cluster as standard and the latest MIB3 infotainment system that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality with wireless charging as an optional extra. Volkswagen has also improved fit and finish befitting a car within this price range.
Customers also get more for their hard earned money, standard features include a new multifunction steering wheel which houses functionality for the media and the adaptive cruise control, dual-zone climate control, USB C media and charging ports, cloth-covered seats, keyless entry, the aforementioned Composition Media Radio, autonomous emergency braking, park assist and rear PDC.
From a practical perspective, rear occupant space is not ideal, particularly for taller passengers, while on the plus side the boot boasts a very usable 445-litres of space. While the T-Roc was not designed with off-road driving in mind, there is a reasonable 161mm of ground clearance and the braked towing capacity is rated at 1500kg, making it quite usable as a lifestyle vehicle.
The entry-level engine offered in the new Volkswagen T-Roc range is the four-cylinder 1.4 TSI with maximum output of 110kW and 250Nm of torque. It is coupled with an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission, with the top speed being 205km/h. Fuel consumption is 6.3 l/100km and it takes 8.4 seconds to reach 100 km/h.
The T-Roc range is rounded off with the 2.0 TSI engine with 140 kW of power and 320Nm of torque. The 2.0 TSI engine, which is combined with 4MOTION as standard, is coupled with a 7-speed DSG transmission. The top speed is 216 km/h. Fuel consumption is
7.3 l/100km and it takes just 7.2 seconds to reach 100 km/h.
The T-Roc is a vehicle that we would love to see on our driveway, we do recommend that you test drive the competitors to get a better understanding of what is on offer.
Also worth a look: the Volkswagen Golf and the Volkswagen Touareg.
FAQ
Q: What does the Volkswagen T-Roc cost in South Africa?
The updated Volkswagen T-Roc starts from around R589,900 for the base model, with higher trim levels reaching up to R679,900, making it competitively priced within the premium compact crossover segment.
Q: Is the Volkswagen T-Roc worth buying?
The T-Roc is definitely worth considering if you want a stylish German crossover with excellent build quality, modern tech features, and distinctive looks, though rear passenger space could be better for taller adults.
Q: How does the T-Roc compare to the T-Cross and Tiguan?
The T-Roc sits perfectly between the smaller, more affordable T-Cross and the larger, more expensive Tiguan, offering a sweet spot of style, features, and practicality for buyers who want something more premium than the T-Cross but more compact than the Tiguan.
Q: What are the main improvements in the updated T-Roc?
The refreshed T-Roc gets new IQ LED headlights with an illuminated light bar across the grille, updated LED taillights, a digital instrument cluster as standard, the latest MIB3 infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus improved interior fit and finish.
Q: What engine options are available in the T-Roc?
The T-Roc range typically includes turbocharged petrol engines ranging from a 1.0-litre three-cylinder producing around 85kW to a more powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder option, with both manual and automatic transmission choices available depending on the variant.
Should You Buy It?
The best premium compact crossover under R700,000 in South Africa is undoubtedly the updated Volkswagen T-Roc. At R589,900 for the entry model, you're getting genuine German engineering, distinctive styling that turns heads, and a comprehensive list of standard features including LED lighting, digital instruments, and advanced safety tech. Yes, the rear seats are a bit tight for tall passengers, but if you prioritise style, build quality, and that premium European feel over maximum practicality, the T-Roc delivers in spades. It's the crossover for buyers who want something more special than the usual Japanese offerings, and at this price point, it represents excellent value in the premium segment.
