We Will T-Roc You, Says Volkswagen

Volkswagen has stated that its future lineup will consist almost exclusively of electric cars and SUVs. In a major step in that direction, the company has revealed its smallest SUV/crossover yet, the T-Roc. 

The Volkswagen T-Roc will be first launched in its home market, Germany, in November and will be priced in the €20,000 (~Rs 15.11 lakh) SUV/crossover segment. Volkswagen is expected to launch the T-Roc in India sometime in 2018.

With the T-Roc, Volkswagen is trying to be more emotive and appeal to those who like their cars with a bit of flair. At the front, the T-Roc looks like a stylish version of the Tiguan SUV which is currently on sale in India. The dual-barrel headlamps flank a large hexagonal grille, the LED DRLs are very concept-car-like and surround a faux air-intake placed above the low-set fog lamps. The hood is heavily sculpted (for a Volkswagen) and features two prominent power bulges. 

The bulging wheel arches, large (size unknown) dual-spoke wheels with low profile tyres, short overhangs, sculpted body etc. give the T-Roc a muscular and smart look. The highlights here are the dual-tone paint (a first for a Volkswagen SUV) with the contrast coloured roof, A-pillar, spoiler and ORVMs and a very Jeep Compass-like chrome lining around the top-edge of the side windows. 

The rear design is inspired from the Tiguan too, but the T-Roc gets its own distinct design elements which make it look cooler. The faux dual-exhaust surrounds on the bumper, tall black cladding and silver insert on the bottom are the highlights here.

In terms of interior design, the T-Roc follows in the footsteps of the Polo hatchback in terms. It features an interior theme that is as vibrant as the exterior; the highlights here being the extensive use of the trim that matches the exterior paint, high-set infotainment screen, all-digital instrument cluster and contrast-stitching on the fabric seats. 

Just like in the Polo, the T-Roc's instrument cluster and infotainment screen are interconnected. Users can swipe certain details (directions, playlists) from the infotainment system onto the driver display for better visibility on the go.

For a compact-SUV, the T-Roc has a good amount of luggage space too. With all the 5-seats up, the T-Roc has a capacity of 445 litres, which can be increased to 1290-litres if the 60:40 split-folding second-rows seats are folded flat.

Based on the company's MQB modular platform, the Volkswagen T-Roc will be powered by turbocharged engines only. The range of engines on offer in Europe will include a total of six engines, three petrol and three diesel. While most variants of the T-Roc will be front-wheel-driven and paired to a manual transmission, some variants will be offered with VW's 4Motion AWD system and 7-speed DSG too.

Safety is a priority for Volkswagen and the T-Roc will be offered with features like a frontal monitoring system with pedestrian detection and automatic city emergency braking, automatic post-collision braking and lane-keeping assist. How many of these features will make it to the Indian market remains to be seen.

Volkswagen India may announce its plans about the T-Roc closer to the 2018 Indian Auto Expo, though it will not participate in the event.