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• Volkswagen SA has finally launched its new T-Roc SUV.
• The new model sits between the T-Cross and the Tiguan.
• Prices start at R489 400 for the basic 1.4-liter TSI Design model.
• For more racing stories, go to Wheels24.
VW has fought a tough battle to bring the T-Roc to South Africa; Now the highly anticipated compact SUV is finally here. If you’re wondering if the T-Roc has a chance to take up market space when the T-Cross is already so popular, its 400+ pre-order sales should say a lot, as customers expect the first deliveries to take place. . since the end of November.
Volkswagen has long discovered a winning formula with every new vehicle he launches himself, and his strong, loyal fans of the brand are another trump card up his alley.
The T-Roc is the fifth member of Volkswagen’s SUV range and falls between the T-Cross and the Tiguan if you’re comparing size and price, but in essence, you’re looking for dimensions similar to the Golf. It now joins VW’s SUV range, consisting of the T-Cross, Tiguan, Tiguan AllSpace and the mighty Touareg.
The automaker says the T-Roc is a car for the brave, for those who are defiant from the start: “The T-Roc is a car that sets itself apart and is driven by those who understand that only the boldest have the courage to live it your way. Why continue when you can lead? “
I love Volkswagen’s bold approach with its new campaign: “for the challengers from the start”, or #DriveToDefy because it really sums up everything this car is about. Just as it beautifully utilizes two black South African women who have embraced success through their own challenge. Major Mandisa Mfeka and the exceptional Kitty Phetla are the heroes of your campaign. And after listening to their stories and then driving the new T-Roc, it all fits together perfectly. They couldn’t have come up with a better concept that completely defines a product.
And as amazing as this new car is, with all its great features, it is expensive and will be out of reach for most consumers. You’re looking at nearly half a bar for the “entry-level” model and R593 600 for the high-end, and that’s without even one of many items in the long list of optional details.
Does it matter? Of course not, because put a VW badge on any car, and it will surely perform well, even if it is expensive.
While the T-Cross is more affordable and accessible for buyers looking for a premium compact crossover, the new T-Roc’s model range starts off quite steep at a price tag of R489 400. There are three models in the range, with two of gasoline. Engine options are the 1.4 TSI and 2.0-liter DSG models. There are two derivatives available Design only on the 1.4 and Design and R-Line for the 2.0-liter models.
What do you think of the new Volkswagen T-Roc? Would you buy one if you could? Email us your thoughts or share your car photos and stories. Or, use the comment section at the end of this article.
The 1.4-liter TSI engine is mated to an eight-speed tiptronic gearbox and is good for 110kW from 5000 to 6000 rpm and 250 Nm from 1500 to 3500 rpm. It goes from zero to 100 km / h in 8.4 seconds and has a top speed of 205 km / h, and a declared average fuel consumption of 6.9 liters / 100 km.
The all-new 2.0-liter TSI engine is mated to a seven-speed DSG transmission, and is also available with the brand’s 4Motion (all-wheel drive). It produces 140 kW from 4500 to 6200 rpm and a delicious 320 Nm from 1500 to 4400 rpm. Sprinting from zero to 100 km / h takes 7.2 seconds, and you can expect to pay a bit more for fuel with a declared average fuel consumption of 8.3 liters / 100 km.
But how does it drive?
Precious bladdy, of course. We all know Volkswagen’s DSG box is what happy meals are made of, and that’s in addition to that new 2.0-liter Lekker engine with permanent four-wheel drive on the top-of-the-line model, and what else is there? you can ask. ? Smooth, velvety gear changes, powerful ride and fantastic dynamics.
On the second day we tested the 1.4-liter TSI which doesn’t disappoint either, and with 30kW less in the base model, you’re not missing much. It’s just as brave at 110 kW and 250 Nm, more than adequate for overtaking the winding Grabouw corners and comfortable for cruising at smooth speeds. We got caught in some much-needed, albeit strange, rain on our way home through Sir Lowry’s Pass, and if there’s one thing I’d change on any of the three models, it would be a more sufficient and faster windshield wiper system.
According to the automaker, the T-Roc is the most expressive vehicle in its SUV range thanks to its wide grille, sports coupe appearance and roof line structure. It also has an innovative luminous signature frame and is available with an optional two-tone color scheme. There is distinctive lighting that also adds to the car’s posture on the road with LED daytime running lights and unique LED headlights.
It’s also the car with the most features and options, and an indication of that is the ten body colors customers can choose from, along with four two-tone options. That means there are a total of 20 color combinations available for the T-Roc.
So what is the big difference in specs between the Design and R-Line versions? Standard specification on both styling models includes LED taillight clusters, climatronic air conditioning, a black skid plate, and front and rear park distance control.
The top-of-the-range R-Line has standard products such as front assist area monitoring with city emergency braking and pedestrian monitoring, automatic post-collision braking system, and Lane Assist lane keeping system. There’s also the Light Assist package, LED bumper daytime running lights and dynamic cornering lights, 19-inch Suzuka alloy wheels, next-generation infotainment, keyless entry, adaptive cruise control with front-assist and seats. leather Vienna.
The range of driver assistance systems is also derived from VW’s IQ.Drive system, which is the company’s direction towards autonomous driving.
Optional extras include a panoramic sunroof, electronic trailer hitch, smoking package, Discover Pro navigation system with a 9.2-inch screen, the Beats sound system, and the Park package.
Will the T-Roc have an impact on T-Cross sales, or even other commodities? Volkswagen South Africa doesn’t seem the least bit disturbed as they believe the T-Roc now fills a missing void. The T-Cross customer is also not the same as those looking for something more daring like the T-Roc.
We can’t wait to see T-Roc sales grow in the coming months and see if the numbers will match VWSA’s confidence in their new vehicle. Ten to one, most likely it will.
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