Developed by Volkswagen R, this punchy performer boasts typically impressive figures. Its widely-used 2.0TSI engine develops a familiar 297bhp, with torque set at 295lbs ft. It drives all four wheels through a 7-speed DSG automated-manual gearbox and blitzes from 0-60mph in 4.6s, with an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.
Lowered and beefed-up suspension is allied to progressive power steering that plays a major part in ensuring agile driving manners, while the 17.0-inch brake system that comes standard with the Golf R hauls up the T-Roc confidently. Because it’s an ‘R’, it apparently needs the race mode setting in its configurable armoury, although how many owners will indulge their race, or rally, start procedures with the launch control function remains in doubt.
The exterior of the T-Roc R lords some detail differences over its more conservative counterparts. The specially redesigned radiator grille has a shiny band of anodised aluminium on its underside that runs the entire width of the vehicle. The R logo can be seen clearly on the radiator grille and it is mirrored by a specific styling strip that runs over the side panels and doors. The bumper possesses a sporty design and is painted in body colour. Vertically arranged daytime running lights are integrated into the front bumper.
T-Roc R is equipped with 18.0-inch diameter Spielberg alloy wheels, with 19.0-inch Pretoria dark graphite matt alloys, clad in 235/40 R19 tyres, available as an option; matt chrome mirror caps, a roof spoiler and extra door trims, the skid plate painted in an accent colour, black embossed and widened wheel arches, are highlighted with black brake callipers and an R logo. Paint finishes are colourful and the roof panel can be painted black.
The sporty characteristics are carried into the cabin. Upon opening the driver’s door, the eye is drawn to the stainless-steel sill trims and the R logo stitched into the seats. The foot-pedals are in stainless-steel. Typical high-grade VW quality is much in evidence, with perfect stitching and soft-touch tactility all around the interior. Dipping into VW’s extensive (and expensive) options catalogue goes without saying and the car can be configured in hundreds of different ways. Some of them include an elegant leather package, carbon trim inserts and even a marginally more raucous Akrapovic titanium exhaust system.
Volkswagen expanded its SUV range to incorporate the T-Roc back in 2017, featuring crisp dimensions outside, with customer-pleasing functionality inside. T-Roc is just as ‘at home’ in a city environment, as it is blatting along motorways, or tackling your favourite back-doubles. Prices will be announced nearer to the car’s on-sale date, sometime in late-spring and you can expect a hefty premium for the R version, over the already premium-priced regular T-Roc.
