VW T–ROC The quiet ROC Star?

The T from T-Roc is shared with the rst letter of the other VW SUVs and the Roc, derives from the English word Rock. e model now sits between the Taigo and the Tiguan in the nine-strong line SUV family, with more models in the pipeline.

It apparently ‘combines dominance of an SUV with the agility of a compact hatchback model and the dynamism of the compact class.’ Let’s just say it as it is. is car feels as solid as a rock most of the time.

Hopping into the VW T-Roc immediately after a few days’ power experience in the Audi TTRS was like going back in time. Well, it was like going back in VW time to be exact, to another age when the shutting of their car doors were imperceptible (one of my top car tests of build quality), and you immediately knew what you were doing. How quaint in this day and age…

It’s a manual car with an original lift-for-reverse gear stick (not ‘Manuel knob’ as my late Grandmother accidentally called it). It also has a real key that you put in a key hole, and runs on petrol.

My immediate thought was that this would make a great car for grandparents who want a no-fuss, easy-to-drive car that is easy to get in and out of (sorry but it comes to us all and I am just trying to help), will host a row of small people very securely with ISOFIX ttings in the back, and is not going to burn rubber any time soon.

With its one-litre engine, it is a good car for calmly pootling about in. e six-speed gear box is a little like a bag of spanners, and not as smooth a change over as I would have expected. However, once I got used to it, it was good enough. You need to press the clutch down hard for a decent change (I did say it was like going back in time).

You can also see what you are doing in more ways than one before you even get into it in the dark. A slightly bizarre illuminated prison-like grill, the size of a man hole cover appears by the side of the front doors to light your way. How polite and courteous – and very German…

Just don’t say, ‘I’m a grandparent, get me out of here…’

I showed a colleague (40-ish) around it without sharing any of my initial thoughts and they said, “ is would be great for mum and dad…” Enough said.

If you just want to get from A to B as safely and as economically as possible without any aggravation (or excitement), but with a plethora of easy to access technology for all the family, this is well worth the investment.

Positives

• It is deliciously uncomplicated for a new car

• Super easy phone pairing - combining the functionality of Apple Car Play, Google Android Auto and Mirror link, allowing ‘mirroring’ of the smartphone display on the infotainment touch screen.

• The Ready 2 Discover Media Infotainment is one of the easiest ever to operate and understand; DAB Radio, SMS functionality when stationary, six speakers front and rear and streaming internet-based service to name just a few of the services available. It does not have the greatest sound quality (for a massive music fan like me) but it is good enough for the Archers, Saturday afternoon football scores and the cricket

• 2x USB charging points in both front and back.

• Lots of car seat attachments to hang things on.

• A huge boot with a handy lip on either side to pop it up on and wait for it…. a full-size spare tyre.

Tech Stuff

MODEL TESTED: T-Roc 1-litre TSI

ENGINE: 1-lite turbocharged

POWER: 110 bhp SPEED: 0-62 in 10.8 seconds

TOP: 115 mph ECONOMY: 47.1 mpg

PRICE FROM: £26,210 AS TESTED: £28,165

Negatives

• Ridiculously hot heated seats (you might need to re-position your HRT patch otherwise you might have a permanent tattoo during this period in your life).

• Very little leg room in the back.

• Rear windscreen wiper has limited movement and rubs the window slightly.

• Some of the design ergonomics are quite narrow in the door

• Central console not ideal for water bottles and the plethora of stuff we now appear to carry with us these days.

A good solid

8/10

CHEESE AND WINE PAIRING EXPERIENCE AT DENBIE’S

Dorking

During the visit to locally-made Norbury Blue, you will learn about the cheese making process and experience firsthand, the opportunity to make cheese in the traditional way. Return to Denbies for a two course lunch. Denbies WSET wine expert will host your afternoon which will include instruction on wine styles, wine, and cheese pairing. The afternoon will conclude with a fun blind wine and cheese tasting. Your ticket includes all refreshments.

Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking

March 23rd / May 18th www.denbies.co.uk