Frankfurt show: Volkswagen T-Roc breaks cover

VOLKSWAGEN has revealed its new T-Roc compact SUV ahead of its public debut at the Frankfurt motor show next month, which will help the German car-maker compete in the small SUV segment when it arrives Down Under in the first half of next year.

The new baby crossover will be pitched against the likes of the top-selling Mazda CX-3, the Honda HR-V, Toyota’s C-HR, Holden Trax, the Nissan Juke and Qashqai, Mitsubishi’s ASX and Euro offerings such as the Peugeot 2008 and Renault Captur.

First teased last week, the styling of the T-Roc remains faithful to the concept unveiled at the 2014 Geneva motor show, with a similar headlight and grille design that is seen on other Volkswagen models.

The T-Roc’s front design is underscored by a wide, hexagonal grille with integrated headlights more reminiscent of the Audi Q5 and Q7 than any of its Volkswagen stablemates, while ringed LED strips for the daytime running lights (DRLs) and indicators are housed underneath.

A large lower air intake gives the front fascia a symmetrical look, while the silver front bumper and black cladding around the wheel arches and underbody lend a tougher image to the T-Roc.

The sweeping A- and C-pillars give the small crossover a coupe-like appearance, while the two-tone paint combination with contrasting roof is a first for Volkswagen.

LED tail-lights with an L-shaped bezel, rear LED DRLs and subtle roof spoiler highlight the rear end.

The interior follows familiar Volkswagen design cues including the steering wheel and air-conditioning switchgear, while also featuring a digital instrument cluster to go with the infotainment system.

VW has used a two-tone colour scheme for the cabin, specifically on the doors, dashboard and centre console and as well as contrast stitching.

The T-Roc can accommodate 445 litres of cargo space with the 60/40 split fold rear seats upright, increasing to 1290L when folded.

Three specification levels will be offered – the base version dubbed T-Roc, as well as two, equally specified trim levels called Sport and Style.

Standard driver assistance systems include automatic post-collision braking, lane keep assist and front assist with pedestrian monitoring and city emergency braking.

Optional systems include adaptive cruise control, reversing camera, rear traffic alert, blind spot monitor, lane keeping system, park assist, traffic jam assist and emergency assist.

Details on powertrains are being kept under wraps for now, but it will be offered with three turbo petrol and three diesel engines, while a combination of manual and dual-clutch automatic transmissions and front- and all-wheel drive.

A likely powertrain for the T-Roc is the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder that was revealed at last year’s Vienna Motor Symposium, which will eventually replace the 1.4-litre unit in the Golf, Jetta and Tiguan.

More details on the T-Roc will be made available at the T-Roc’s public debut at the Frankfurt motor show on September 12.