Volkswagen T-Roc Review & Prices

The Volkswagen T-Roc has now entered its second generation as a stylish, premium, small SUV. It’s grown in size and interior space compared to the last model, but the distracting touchscreen controls and price increase dull its shine.

With tidy lines, new technology and brighter colour choices compared to the old model, the new T-Roc is a bit like a new MacBook Air. Its alternatives aren’t quite as sleek or premium feeling, but on the other hand they’re more affordable.

Speaking of which, the sporty Ford Puma, efficient Toyota CH-R and head-turning Peugeot 2008 are all worth considering, as are the larger and better-equipped Omoda 7 and Jaecoo 7.

It’s only the Peugeot and Toyota that are quite as striking as the T-Roc, but that’s down to their crazy creases and points, rather than being holistically handsome cars. The Volkswagen’s slim headlights, big grille, sporty roofline and bold rear light bar combine to make a very tidy small SUV.

The interior has had a huge uplift in style and quality compared to the last T-Roc, too. The dashboard is a two-tier affair, the lower of which wraps around onto the door cards, while the top part loops back onto itself with neat silver trim. The large 12.9-inch infotainment display is crisp and responsive to your input, but the touch-capacitive temperature sliders are a pain to use on the go.

Material quality is generally high around the areas you’re most likely to touch, including a fabric-trimmed dash top and pleasant upholstery on the seats. You’ll find less pleasant, scratchier materials lower down on the centre console and door cards, as well as in the back.

Interior space is generous for a car of this size, with comfortable seats both front and back, enough room for four adults to get comfortable and a fair amount of storage spaces for water bottles, bits and bobs.

The 475-litre boot is generous, notably bigger than the Volkswagen Golf hatchback, Toyota C-HR and Renault Captur. The back seats almost fold flat, too, handy for big items.

There are only two engine options available in the UK at the moment, both 1.5-litre petrol units. You can choose from either a 116hp motor or a more powerful 150hp version instead. A powerful T-Roc R version is on the way, as is a T-Roc hybrid.

It may have grown in size, but the new T-Roc is still an easy car to drive around town thanks to its light steering, tight turning circle and decent all-round visibility. It’s comfortable, too, but we found that versions on the optional, larger alloys were a bit harsh compared to those on more modest wheels.

The T-Roc is comfortable and quiet on the motorway, too, well insulated against road and wind noise. It’s rather good to drive on a country lane, feeling planted around tight bends, but it never feels sporty in the way a Ford Puma does.

Verdict:

The Volkswagen T-Roc really is a jack of all trades. It’s comfortable and quiet, as if it’s taken the best qualities of the sensible Skoda Kodiaq and the stylish Peugeot 2008, melding them into a desirable package. It almost justifies the high price, but it’s a shame the infotainment is annoying to use.

Take a look at the latest Volkswagen T-Roc deals, T-Roc leasing offers and used T-Rocs for sale through Carwow’s trusted dealer network. There are plenty of used Volkswagens to choose from, too, and we can even help you sell your current car when it’s time to switch.

Starting at almost £32,000 in entry-level Life trim, there’s no denying the T-Roc is pricey for a small SUV. That’s about the same price as a Toyota C-HR, but you get a hyper-efficient hybrid engine in the Japanese car, while the smaller but also-hybrid (and posher) Lexus LBX comes in at under £30,000.

Prices increase dramatically up the T-Roc range, as you’ll pay £36,000 for a mid-level Style car, while the R-Line range-topper costs a mighty £39,000 without fancy paint or posh alloys. Ouch.

Even the T-Roc Life comes as standard with an automatic gearbox (there’s no manual), 12.9-inch infotainment screen, 8.0-inch driver display, LED lights and adaptive cruise control - so it may be expensive, but you do get some good kit compared to the alternatives.

The Style model adds upgraded projector headlights, posher alloys, ambient interior lighting and rear privacy glass, while the R-Line gains an aggressive body kit, sports seats and only comes with the more powerful engine.