Volkswagen T-Roc R remains an Aussie favourite

VOLKSWAGEN Australia has just added its most powerful R model ever in the form of the Touareg R plug-in hybrid SUV, but the business says that R is doing its most important work at the more affordable level.

At the launch of the new-look Touareg range this week, VW Australia confirmed that Australia has found itself as the number-one market for T-Roc R sales, while the brand’s long wait times for the Golf R hatch should be snuffed in the coming months with a predicted big sales tally based on improved supply.

Ralph Beckmann, VW Australia general manager for marketing and product, said the Aussie desire for high-performance models continues with ICE vehicles, even with lots of noise around fast EVs.

“The R success story keeps on giving,” he said.

“This is still a very highly desirable product for Australia. We continue our love affair with performance models.

“We’re going from strength to strength, also thanks to increased production. We’ve got about 500 secured for the rest of the year, predicting an overall sales growth up to 1100 cars, just for the Golf itself.”

The brand said that supply has been the biggest restriction for the current-gen Golf R’s success, with order books having been closed for about 12 months because of a struggle to secure more stock from the factory.

However, the Golf R should see a bumper sales year in 2024, with a predicted tally of 1100 units – a massive improvement on the 2023 number of 346, and the 2022 figure of just 151 units.

“We stopped taking orders on Golf R because we couldn’t fulfil them within a 12-month period,” said VW Australia communications manager Michelle Rowney.

“We only reopened them early this year or late last year.”

The brand confirmed that if you have an order in for a Golf R, the car should be here within the next six months or so.

Other successful R models in the line-up include the T-Roc R, which lists at $63,490 + ORCs – a sight less than the Golf R hatch which starts at $70,590 + ORCs.

“Last year we finished as the number one global market for T-Roc R, and we’re intending to maintain that title for this year as well,” said Mr Beckmann, with the high-riding compact SUV having accounted for a solid 2900 units since its launch in late 2022.

“And as you’re aware, we’re saying goodbye to Tiguan R at the end of this year, but at the same time we’re welcoming Touareg as the new member into the family.”.

VW will miss the additional volume offered by the Tiguan R, which – despite a $73,790 + ORCs list price – has accounted for a staggering 3400 sales since launch.