Cheaper entry price for Volkswagen T-Roc

VOLKSWAGEN has expanded its small T-Roc SUV line-up with what it calls an urban-focused entry-level model called the CityLife. Priced from $35,990 plus on-road costs it represents a reduction of $1110 on the previous T-Roc Style entry point.

The special edition crossover vehicle sells in the ultra-competitive small SUV segment against the likes of Hyundai Kona (from $26,900), Kia Seltos (from $29,500), MG ZS Excite (from $23,990) and Mitsubishi ASX (from $23,990).

The German model will also vie against the brand new all-wheel drive Subaru Crosstrek (from $34,990) and a swag of other lower priced front wheel drive alternatives like Nissan’s new Quashqai, the Toyota Corolla Cross and C-HR, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, Mazda CX-30 and GWM Haval Jolion – some of which cost thousands of dollars less than the entry-spec T-Roc.

The popular T-Roc was added to VW’s local line-up in 2020 and is built on the same MQB-A1 platform as the Golf, Audi A3 and Skoda Karoq among a plethora of other VW Group models.

Volkswagen Australia has been able to secure what it says are “significant numbers” of the budget T-Roc and suggests potential buyers order their car now for delivery in September.

VW says the most important feature of the T-Roc CityLife is its rich feature set, with a “comprehensive and class-leading number of design, technology and convenience inclusions”.

The car has VW’s ubiquitous 110kW/250Nm 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine under the bonnet driving the front axle through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The CityLife variant rolls on a model-specific 17-inch alloy wheel and tyre package VW says is “ideal for pockmarked city streets”, along with exclusive to CityLife reflector-style LED headlights with light assist and a blacked-out grille.

Driver assist technologies in the special edition incorporates lane assist with adaptive cruise control, front assist, front and rear parking sensors with manoeuvre braking (front and rear autonomous emergency braking), park assist and rear camera. All are standard across the T-Roc range.

Further high-tech equipment includes keyless access and ignition, a digital cockpit with 8.0-inch “composition” centre touchscreen including DAB+ digital radio and app-connect, wireless smartphone charging, dual-zone climate control and leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters.

Upholstered in a Comfort cloth material with lumbar seat adjustment, CityLife scores ceramique headlining and pewter matte dashboard inlays, making it far from an ‘entry’ specification, according to Veedub.

The only option is metallic/pearl effect paint for an extra $700.

“We have strong availability of stock across the Volkswagen T-Roc range including Style, R-Line and R,” said Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles director, Michal Szaniecki.

“Australian customers are drawn to the T-Roc’s combination of design, technology and sporty dynamics that is rare in the compact SUV segment.

“Now we present the T-Roc CityLife special edition that adds leading value to that alluring combination.

“The price of the CityLife is comparable to smaller compact SUVs with fewer features, so we expect this to add significantly to the T-Roc’s market positioning and further increase its segment share.”

2023 Volkswagen T-Roc pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.