Description
While the horsepower race is usual in the sports car or supercar segment, it was unusual in the small-sized crossover area. And yet, Volkswagen threw the gauntlet at its competitors with a pumped-up version of the T-Roc.
When Volkswagen developed the MQB platform, it created it for many vehicles built under its umbrella, including hatchbacks, station wagons, SUVs, and crossovers. As a result, it made the T-Roc under its own badge, and then it just spiced it up with a drivetrain carried over from the famous Golf R. The result was named T-Roc R and was one of the fastest crossovers on the market in 2019.
While the regular T-Roc looked like a vehicle designed for school runs, its R sibling tried to be more than that and show it. As a result, the front bumper was deeper and sported big side scoops that cooled the radiators behind them. In addition, the automaker mounted vertical LED daytime running lights instead of the rectangular ones as featured on the T-Roc. Furthermore, the apron sported a broad grille that complemented the tiny cooling area from the upper one.
To further emphasize the crossover’s sporty character, Volkswagen added a chromed R badge on the grille. Customers could get the subcompact crossover with 19” light-alloy wheels wearing 235/40 tires. The silver caps on the door mirrors were standard, but the black roof was an option. Finally, at the back, Volkswagen installed four exhausts grouped by two on each side of the vehicle, under the bumper, flanking a piano-black diffuser.
The interior was upgraded compared to the regular T-Roc with the addition of high-bolstered bucket seats at the front that provided excellent side support during high-speed cornering. For the instrument cluster, Volkswagen opted for a configurable digital display that could show the map or the dials and other information coming from the car’s onboard computer. Atop the center stack, between the vertical vents, the T-Roc sported the touchscreen for the infotainment unit featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Drivers were spoiled with a flat-bottom steering wheel and aluminum pedals. In the back, the automaker installed a split-folding bench seat fit mostly for two adults due to the tall transmission tunnel and the center console. This could expand to provide additional room for the 392-liter (13.8 cu-ft) trunk.
But the real upgrade for the T-Roc was under its skin, where Volkswagen basically took the drivetrain from a Golf R and installed it. As a result, the R version of this subcompact crossover got a two-liter turbocharged inline-four powerplant paired with a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) transmission with launch control.
Power went in all corners via a Haldex system, meaning that most of the time, the car was front-wheel-drive, and when needed, the electronic system that controlled the transmission could send up to 50% of the power to the rear wheels.
Press Release
Powerful like a genuine sports car, casual like a versatile CUV - the new Volkswagen T-Roc R is the new star of the T-Roc family. Generating a mighty 221 kW/300 PS, the compact Volkswagen R powerhouse accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. The vehicle reaches a top speed of 250 km/h before the electronics limit the forward thrust of the new top-of-the-range T-Roc version.
The cutting-edge 2.0-litre power unit featuring TSI technology and intelligent 4MOTION all-wheel drive lends the most powerful T-Roc outstanding handling characteristics. Turbocharging and direct injection already generate an impressive torque of 400 Nm at low engine speeds. Thanks to its ample speed range, the Volkswagen T-Roc R is always within the ideal performance spectrum in practically every situation. The high-performance brake system guarantees effective deceleration. A standard function called Launch Control makes sure the vehicle accelerates perfectly. When pushing it to the limit, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) can be manually deactivated. The standard 7-speed DSG gearbox has been specifically adapted to the impulsive mapping of the T-Roc R. The tried and tested 4MOTION all-wheel drive distributes the standard overdose of power between the front and the rear wheels within milliseconds, as required and depending on the wheel slip. This results in the best-possible traction - including in adverse weather, such as in wet conditions or in snow, as well as on challenging terrain.
A highly distinctive exterior too
Bumpers in R styling, air intakes with black fins and the R logo in the black radiator grille are typical hallmark features of the high-performance Volkswagen R family. LED headlights guarantee perfect illumination of the road and exemplary visibility of the vehicle. The daytime running lights have been integrated vertically into the front bumper that has been specifically designed for the Volkswagen T-Roc R. This already makes the product line's top-of-the-range version unmistakeable from a distance. The LED tail light clusters are glazed in dark red, typical of R styling. The two twin tailpipes on the rear left and right have been chrome-plated. The optional "R" Performance titanium exhaust system made by specialist Akrapovic is characterised by a distinctive sound, striking tailpipe design and a weight that has been cut by approximately seven kilos.
Sports steering wheel with flattened lower section in R trim with paddles
The multifunction sports steering wheel is covered with leather and features a flattened lower section. Striking stitching in Crystal Grey and the R logo make it a genuine eye-catcher. Featuring pleasant, thick padding, it feels perfect in the driver's hands, providing a very direct sensation for the VW T-Roc R's progressive steering. The gear ratio makes for an optimised steering response that is more direct and controlled, conveying perfect contact with the road surface. In combination with the standard sports running gear, this boosts driving dynamics on curvy roads - as well as makes everyday driving more comfortable, for instance when manoeuvring and parking. The rear of the sports steering wheel features two paddles for manual gear changes. Drivers can engage the seven gears of the dual clutch gearbox with lightning speed thanks to these conveniently positioned paddles.
Smart connectivity and modern driver assist systems
The impressive 8-inch TFT touchscreen in tablet design can be paired with a smartphone in seconds. If desired, selected apps for Android and iOS can be displayed in large format and operated using App-Connect. This also applies to elements such as phone book entries, playlists and calendar entries. The optional Comfort mobile phone interface enables contactless high-voltage battery charging. Alternatively it is also possible to link tablet PCs and iPads using Wi-Fi. Select different profiles and displays using the multi-coloured Digital Cockpit.
Like all T-Roc models the R version is equipped with cutting-edge driver assist systems. These include the standard Driver Alert System and the automatic Emergency Call Service as well as the Hill Start Assistant and Hill Descent Control. Further optional driver assist systems make the Volkswagen T-Roc R even safer. The appealing driver assist system package includes elements, such as ACC stop & go adaptive cruise control, Traffic Jam Assist, Rear Traffic Alert, Lane Assist lane keeping system, Blind Spot Monitor and Front Assist Autonomous Emergency Braking.
