Volkswagen T-Roc [2020-2021]

Summary

 Volkswagen’s four-SUV offensive for India has begun with the launch of the T-Roc. Imported as a completely built unit (CBU), the T-Roc is offered in a feature-loaded single variant. With an introductory price of Rs 19.99 lakh, ex-showroom pan-India, the T-Roc competes directly against the Jeep Compass, undercuts the Hyundai Tucson and is priced at a premium as compared to the Mahindra XUV500 and the MG Hector. There are six colours to choose from and a whole lot of accessories too.

Exterior

 The T-Roc has the familiar look to it, thanks to a family fascia design which is similar to the Tiguan and the AllSpace. Designers have added a lot of ‘youthful’ design cues to the T-Roc to set it apart though, including the unique hexagonal LED DRLs on the front bumpers, bright colour palette, C-pillar design mimicking the sail of a boat and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Interior

 The youthful design continues on to the interior. The dashboard features two large screens; an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen in the centre and a 11.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. The ‘Vienna’ leather (beige) upholstery and the large panoramic sunroof let the cabin feel airy. A dual-zone climate control system, automatic headlamps and wipers, split folding rear seats, rear centre armrest, heated front seats and paddle shifters are some of the features offered.

Engine

 The Volkswagen T-Roc is offered with a single powertrain option. A new BS6-compliant 1.5-litre TSI ‘Evo’, turbo-petrol, four-cylinder engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with power sent to the front wheels. The engine develops 148bhp of maximum power and 250Nm of peak torque. Volkswagen claims an engine-deactivation system, which can shut off two cylinders during coasting, makes the T-Roc very efficient - though an ARAI-certified efficiency figure has not been announced.