NEWCARS Volkswagen T-Roc
Volkswagen T-Roc FIRST DRIVE Subtle but welcome updates for big-selling SUV Alex Ingram
Alex_Ingram@autovia.co.uk @AxleIngram
THE T-Roc has been a booming success for Volkswagen. More than one million of these compact SUVs have been shifted since its launch just five years ago, but with ever-strengthening competition, VW has seen fit to give one of its most popular models a nip and tuck for 2022. The bulk of the styling changes for the chunky-looking T-Roc focus on the lighting. All models now get LED tech at the front, while the grille takes inspiration from the latest Polo and Golf, with a slim LED strip that spans the headlights. The rear lights get scrolling indicators, while the wheel designs have been refreshed, too. Inside, there are more significant changes. The most obvious is in the centre of the dashboard, where the layout has been reconfigured to squeeze in a new, larger, ‘floating’ touchscreen. The eight-inch display comes with 3D-effect navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a pair of USB-C ports; there are two more in the rear for back-seat passengers. Overall quality seems better, with the dash covered in a softer plastic than before, and the touch points all feel nice. Lower down on the dash, the old physical switches for the climate controls are gone, and in their place is a set of touch-sensitive keys. If you
PRACTICALITY At 445 litres, the boot space is a fair size and larger than the load capacity in VW’s Golf family hatchback. A movable floor adds a little bit of versatility too, while the rear seats offer plenty of room and easy access
EQUIPMENT Sporty R-Line trim is on the pricier side, but features design touches that add an extra dash of style, including chunky 17-inch alloys, a sportier bodykit and bright silver exterior trim for a sharp look
want to adjust the temperature or the fan speed, you can either swipe or tap to do so, but the keys aren’t very easy to use. Along with the new haptic buttons on the steering wheel, it feels like a change made purely for aesthetics rather than for functionality. At least it’s hard to fault the T-Roc’s practicality. Although a Golf is 45mm longer than the SUV, the T-Roc’s higher roof means that it’s more spacious than the hatch. Rear headroom and knee room are both good, while the 445-litre boot is 64 litres up on a Golf’s. There’s a movable floor, too, which allows you to choose between having a level load lip or maximising the space. Little has changed about how the T-Roc drives, which means buyers get the same solid, reassuring feel that’s typical of pretty much any current VW. The steering is precise and fairly light, so it’s an easy car to drive in town, while it goes, steers and handles competently, with plenty of grip. Plus, it feels stable and reassuring at motorway speeds. Our test car also had adaptive dampers. They’re a £1,065 option, and at their best in
“Buyers get the solid, reassuring feel that’s typical of pretty much any current VW” 30 20 July 2022
www.autoexpress.co.uk
