| Volkswagen T-Roc | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen |
| Production | 2017–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Subcompact crossover SUV[1][2][3] |
TheVolkswagen T-Roc is asubcompact crossover SUV manufactured by German automakerVolkswagen. It was unveiled at the 2017Frankfurt Motor Show, and launched in November 2017. It is based on theVolkswagen Group MQB A1 platform, and generally has been considered as the SUV equivalent of theC-segmentGolf.[4][5] It is positioned between theTiguan and the slightly smallerT-Cross,[6] while being approximately the same size as the less expensiveTaigo.
| First generation | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Model code | |
| Production | November 2017–November 2025 |
| Assembly |
|
| Designer | Marco Giumentaro, Ákos Száz[10] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 5-doorSUV 2-doorconvertible SUV |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive Front-engine, all-wheel-drive (4Motion) |
| Platform | Volkswagen Group MQB A1 |
| Related | Volkswagen Golf Mk7 Volkswagen Taos/Tharu SEAT Ateca SEAT León Mk3 Jetta VS5 Škoda Karoq Škoda Octavia Mk3 Audi Q2 Audi A3 Mk3 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | 5-speedmanual 6-speed manual 7-speedDSG |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,590 mm (102.0 in) 2,630 mm (103.5 in) (cabriolet) 2,680 mm (105.5 in) (China) |
| Length | 4,234 mm (166.7 in) 4,268 mm (168.0 in) (cabriolet) 4,318–4,326 mm (170.0–170.3 in) (China) |
| Width | 1,819 mm (71.6 in) |
| Height | 1,573 mm (61.9 in) 1,522 mm (59.9 in) (cabriolet) 1,582 mm (62.3 in) (China) |
| Curb weight | 1,270–1,555 kg (2,800–3,428 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | For convertible: Volkswagen Eos Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet (Mk6) Volkswagen Beetle convertible |
The T-Roc was previewed as aconcept car with the same name at the2014 Geneva Motor Show.[11] It features anall-wheel drive drivetrain.[12][13]
The production version of the T-Roc for the European market was launched in Italy on 23 August 2017 as Volkswagen's fourth SUV in the European market.[14] The T-Roc is based on theMQB A1 platform and is closely related with theVolkswagen Golf Mk7,SEAT León Mk3,Audi A3 Mk3, and theŠkoda Octavia Mk3.[15] It is equipped with aMacPherson strut front suspension and, depending on the engine and drive system, either atorsion beam ormulti-link rear suspension in combination with optional adaptive dampers.[16]
European market units are assembled atVolkswagen Autoeuropa plant inPalmela, Setúbal, Portugal. Chinese market cars are assembled byFAW-Volkswagen joint-venture plant inFoshan, Guangdong.[17]
The T-Roc was showcased in India at the2020 Auto Expo, and was launched in the country as a limited imported model in March 2020.[18]
Previewed earlier as the Volkswagen T-Rocstar concept,[19] the T-Roc was unveiled to the Chinese market on 23 March 2018 and went on sale on 30 July 2018.[20] The Chinese version of the T-Roc is larger than the European one, having the wheelbase longer by 90 mm, length by 84 mm, and its height taller by 9 mm.[21] It is equipped with two 1.4-litre TSI engine options with either 130 PS (128 hp; 96 kW) or 150 PS (148 hp; 110 kW), and an entry-level 1.2-litre TSI engine producing 115 PS (113 hp; 85 kW). The powertrains are mated with the 5-speed manual transmission, theDQ200 7-speed drydual clutch transmission for two wheel-drive versions and theDQ381 7-speed wet dual clutch transmission for all-wheel-drive versions.[22]
The T-Roc facelift was unveiled in November 2021.[23]
The T-Roc for the Chinese market received another facelift in April 2023. The 2023 model year is equipped with the EA211 1.4 litre TSI engine producing 150 PS (148 hp; 110 kW) and 250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) mated to a DQ200 7speed dual clutch transmission. A 1.5-litre turbo EA211 Evo2 engine is also available producing 160 PS (158 hp; 118 kW) and 250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft).[24]
A high performance version of the T-Roc was launched as theT-Roc R in February 2019. It shared the sameEA888 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with the Golf R, making 300 PS (221 kW; 296 hp) and 400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft).[25] It is offered with4Motion all-wheel-drive carried over from the Golf R as standard. With a new suspension setup, it is also 20 mm (0.8 in) lower than the standard car.[26] It also comes with extra kit, includingAkrapovič quad-exhausts and interior upgrades.
The T-Roc Cabriolet was launched in Germany in April 2020 as VW's first convertible model in two years.[27] Despite being based on the standard SUV model, the model does not share many body panels with the standard T-Roc, since every sheet metal behind the front wheel arches is new, and it features a longer wheelbase. It loses two rear side doors and theB-pillar in order to make the folding fabric hood possible. To deal with the loss of rigidity caused by the absent roof and B-pillar, the chassis has been strengthened with new crossbeams, and the A-pillar has been reinforced.[28]
The roof mechanism is hidden behind the bodywork next to the rear seats, which meant the rear seat can only accommodate two passengers. Instead of a wide-opening tailgate, the boot is accessed by a smaller gap. The boot is smaller with only 284 litres available, a reduction of 161 litres over the standard version. The fabric roof can be opened or closed at speeds of up to 30 km/h (19 mph), taking only nine seconds to retract at the press of a button and 11 seconds to raise it. The mechanism for the roof is shared with the discontinuedGolf Cabriolet, and the soft top canvas is only available in black.[29]
VW narrowed down the engine range of the wider T-Roc crossover line-up to just two petrol engine options for the cabriolet, 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit, developing 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) and a 1.5-litre four-cylinder unit producing 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp).[28] It is only offered in just two trim levels, which are Design and R-Line.[30] This variant is assembled in Volkswagen plant inOsnabrück, Germany as the plant is a specialist in terms of designing and manufacturing convertible models.[31]
It was reported that Volkswagen brand CEOHerbert Diess was dismissive and derisive of the idea of a convertible SUV, believing any vehicle in the segment will not be successful just months before announcing the T-Roc Cabriolet.[32][33]
Unveiled in December 2022, the T-Roc Cabriolet 'Edition Grey' features a matte body color alongside the R-Line body kit and black accents on the exterior and interior.[34] The first deliveries started in February 2023 in Germany.[35]
In Europe, there are a variety of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines offered. Forpetrol engines, there are 1.0-litreTSI 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) turbo, 1.5-litre TSI Evo 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) with cylinder deactivation, the 2.0-litre TSI 190 PS (140 kW; 187 hp) petrol and the range-topping 2.0-litre TSI 300 PS (221 kW; 296 hp) for the T-Roc R. All petrol engines come with a 6-speed manual except the 2.0-litre TSI, which has a 7-speedDSG transmission, while it is available as an option with the 1.5-litre TSI Evo engine.4Motion four-wheel drive is also standard with the 2.0-litre TSI. Diesel engines available are the 1.6TDI 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) with a 6-speed manual or 2.0-litre TDI 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) with a 7-speed DSG transmission.[36]
| Petrol engines | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Displacement | Power | Torque | Transmission | Market |
| 1.0 TSI 115 | 999 ccI3 | 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) | 200 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft) | 6-speedmanual | Europe |
| 1.2 TSI '200 TSI'∗ | 1,197 ccI4 | 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) | 175 N⋅m (129 lb⋅ft) | 5-speed manual | China |
| 1.4 TSI '230 TSI'∗ | 1,395 cc I4 | 130 PS (96 kW; 128 hp) | 225 N⋅m (166 lb⋅ft) | 7-speedDSG | China |
| 1.4 TSI '280 TSI'∗ | 1,395 cc I4 | 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) | 250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) | 7-speedDSG | China |
| 1.5 TSI '300 TSI'∗ | 1,498 cc I4 | 160 PS(118kW; 158 hp) | 250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) | 7-speed DSG | China |
| 1.5 TSI 150 | 1,498 cc I4 | 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) | 250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) | 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG | Europe |
| 2.0 TSI 1904Motion | 1,984 cc I4 | 190 PS (140 kW; 187 hp) | 320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft) | 7-speed DSG | Europe |
| 2.0 TSI4Motion (T-Roc R) | 1,984 cc I4 | 300 PS (221 kW; 296 hp) | 400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) | 7-speed DSG | Europe |
| Diesel engines | |||||
| 1.6 TDI 115 | 1,598 cc I4 | 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) | 250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) | 6-speed manual | Europe |
| 2.0 TDI 150 SCR4Motion | 1,968 cc I4 | 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) | 320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft) | 7-speed DSG | Europe |
∗ Marketed and labeled as such in China
| Test | Points | % |
|---|---|---|
| Overall: | ||
| Adult occupant: | 36.5 | 96% |
| Child occupant: | 43 | 87% |
| Pedestrian: | 33.4 | 79% |
| Safety assist: | 8.6 | 71% |
| Test | Points | % |
|---|---|---|
| Overall: | ||
| Adult occupant: | 36.6 | 96% |
| Child occupant: | 43.0 | 87% |
| Pedestrian: | 33.5 | 79% |
| Safety assist: | 8.5 | 71% |
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
2026 Volkswagen T-Roc Life | |
| Overview | |
| Production | November 2025–present |
| Assembly | Portugal:Palmela (Autoeuropa) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | Volkswagen Group MQB Evo[39] |
| Related | Volkswagen Golf Mk8 |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,631 mm (103.6 in) |
| Length | 4,373 mm (172.2 in) |
| Width | 1,828 mm (72.0 in) |
| Height | 1,562 mm (61.5 in) |
| Kerb weight | 1,465–1,474 kg (3,230–3,250 lb) |
The second-generation T-Roc is built on the MQB Evo platform, which it shares with the Golf Mk8.5.[40] The production version was officially presented on 27 August 2025.[41]
| Test | Points | % |
|---|---|---|
| Overall: | ||
| Adult occupant: | 36.7 | 91% |
| Child occupant: | 43.0 | 87% |
| Pedestrian: | 55.3 | 87% |
| Safety assist: | 14.0 | 77% |
Volkswagen has announced that the T-Roc EV will be manufactured at the Wolfsburg plant alongside the next-generation Golf EV.[43] Both models will be based on the SSP architecture and are expected to debut towards the end of the decade. The electric T-Roc will differ from its ICE-powered counterpart, which is set to enter its second generation in 2025.
| Year | Global (production) | Europe[i][44] | Turkey | Australia | China[45] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 22,724 | 4,930 | |||
| 2018 | 236,977[46] | 139,755 | 49,342 | ||
| 2019 | 328,069 | 207,976 | 126,859 | ||
| 2020 | 285,299[47] | 158,638 | 8,796[48] | 1,261[49] | 109,605 |
| 2021 | 282,748 | 181,577 | 7,303[50] | 4,838[51] | 67,281 |
| 2022 | 322,211[52] | 181,153 | 10,116[53] | 3,627[54] | |
| 2023 | 289,426[55] | 15,587[56] | 8,943[57] | 59,798[58] | |
| 2024 | 57,721[59] | ||||
| 2025 | 50,436[60] |
Though it lagged in time, it immediately arrived as a frontrunner in the B-segment SUV market
The T-Roc is positioned in the segment beneath the Tiguan, and above the T-Cross