Volkswagen T-Roc: All New Jeep Compass Rival Ready For India Launch

• Will be based on the MQB platform that is shared between various other VAG cars.
• Expected to come with a price range of Rs 17 lakh to Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom)
• Likely to launch by the second half of 2019.

Volkswagen unveiled the T-Roc at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2017. Based on the ubiquitous MQB platform, T-Roc is Volkswagen’s baby SUV which received praise worthy responses from global markets. Now, it seems like Volkswagen is readying the SUV for the Indian market with a launch that is likely to happen later this year. According to reports, the T-Roc will be offered as a CBU (completely built unit) in India. Volkswagen will import the SUV in accordance with the central government's program that allows a manufacturer to ship 2,500 units into the country every year  without the need for homologation.

As the T-Roc will be imported to India, expect the car to come fully loaded with features prevalent in the European versions. Size is definitely not the T-Roc’s forte as you can clearly see from the chart below:

The T-Roc can’t hold a candle against the Harrier with respect to size and is also behind the Jeep Compass (except for width).

Volkswagen is pitching the T-Roc as a compact SUV with the dynamics of a hatchback. The SUV is offered with six TDI and TSI engine options in various global markets. These engines have outputs ranging from 85PS TO 190PS.

The Indian-spec T-Roc is likely to be offered with a choice of a 1.5-litre TSI EVO petrol and 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine. It could get the option of a 6-speed manual along with the tried-and-tested 7-speed DSG gearbox as well.

There is no confirmation about the variant that will reach our shores, but the T-Roc is available in five variants in global markets. Some of the unique features include an 8.0-inch colour touchscreen screen with navigation, a 10.3-inch high resolution TFT instrument cluster, LED dipped main beam with range adjustment, heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, city emergency braking, ambient lighting, Beats sound system, voice assist, lane assist, electric tailgate, etc.

Volkswagen has to get their cards right with the T-Roc, as the segment it is trying to enter is a highly competitive one with SUVs like Hyundai Creta, Jeep Compass, and the Tata Harrier. The upcoming Kia SP2i will also be competing for a slice of the pie. Expect the SUV to be priced in the range of Rs 17 lakh to Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom) when it hits our shores by the second half of 2019. Even though the SUV will initially come as a CBU, the German carmaker will likely begin production in India based on market response.