It’s time to sound the ‘new SUV’ klaxon once again. This time, it’s Volkswagen, who are teasing a completely new crossover SUV to sit below the Tiguan.
The T-ROC, which will rival the SEAT Ateca and Audi Q2, won’t be unveiled until August 23rd, but what do we know about the soft-roader right now?
It is one of the seven new SUVs to be launched globally by Volkswagen before the end of 2018, signalling the German brand’s largest ever model offensive.
VW has been toying with the idea of a mid-sized SUV since 2014 after the T-ROC concept appeared at the Geneva Motor Show.
Comparing the concept to these new teaser sketches, it is highly likely that the car that appears in showrooms will retain the LED headlights integrated into the full-length front grille.
So what’s different from the Tiguan?
You may be thinking “VW already has a mid-size SUV with the Tiguan”. That’s true, so the T-ROC will set itself apart visually with a boxier stance, squared-off wheel arches, beefy C-pillars and a prominent shoulder line.
Like the Q2, the T-ROC will be geared to appeal to buyers who want practicality and an elevated ride height, but not the bulk of a full-fat SUV.
In fact, the T-ROC will have a lot in common with the Q2 under the skin, sharing drivetrains and architecture. As a result, it should boast very similar dimensions – around 4.2 metres long and 1.8 metres wide – but the retractable roof is likely to get the chop *sad face*.
Under the bonnet, the T-ROC will likely be rocking 1.6 and 2.0-litre TDI diesel engines with power ranging between 115bhp and 148bhp. Base models will be powered by a single-litre three-pot turbo petrol with around 115bhp and petrol drivers should be able to opt for the 148bhp 1.5-litre TSI EVO that recently debuted in the facelifted Golf too.
When can you have one? Rumour has it the T-ROC may be in VW dealerships by the end of the year, freeing up Volkswagen to focus on the all-new Touareg.
What do you make of the T-ROC so far? Do you still want that Q2 or Juke? Let us know in the comments section.
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I think a Proton would come pretty close