Driving report Volkswagen T-Roc: Crossover with identity crisis

What am I: This oh-so-funny guessing game that started on TV in the mid-1950s and first came to an end in the late 1980s. In the case of the Volkswagen T-Roc, it couldn't be more appropriate. Diesel issue, savings measures, wave of electrification and the persistent urge to want to be a premium manufacturer. Not an easy patch for the Volkswagen T-Roc. The SUV or crossover - you don't know that exactly these days - want from the somewhat staid image that the really not bad models Golf, Passat and Co. have created, break out and show the world that you can be really hip and cool in Wolfsburg. However, the question arises: is the desired coolness really there?

Design - Same same but different

Somehow it looks familiar, the VW T-Roc. A little bit Listen Q2 here, which is particularly noticeable on the C-pillar, a little Volkswagen identity here and the whole thing garnished with a lively, trendy SUV look. Add a bi-color look with a different colored roof and the next MQB clone is ready.

A “hello” to Ingolstadt: The sideline is reminiscent of the Audi Q2

Well, it's not that simple. Of course one can argue about taste, but one can say without a doubt that the Volkswagen T-Roc has turned out to be a handsome guy. Provided that you take some money in hand and leave out the unfortunately plain-looking basic equipment. Because only those who go for sport or style can choose the roof and a few attachments in a contrasting color - lifestyle. Or have you ever seen a cheap Mini Cooper?

Fortunately, the upscale features also bring a lot to the eye. There would be the daytime running lights, for example: Separated from the main headlights, it takes on the function of the indicator when required and is a skillful change in its rectangular shape. Even if the blinkers on our streets have meanwhile reached an unbearable level. Perhaps that is also the reason why Audi came up with the running light? Something new? You have to try it out! But we're drifting off the topic.

The rear looks restrained. When it comes to the exhaust pipes, the T-Roc is a blender

Back to the T-Roc: With sturdy wheel arches, discreet plastic planking and indicated underrun protection at the front and rear, it makes it comfortable in the SUV drawer. At the same time, the Wolfsburg remains pleasantly compact with an external length of 4,32 m and is not overwhelmed in the urban jungle. After all, this is where most of the SUVs are used. In addition - depending on your wallet - 16- to 19-inch light alloy wheels, color-contrasting elements such as the roof or the exterior mirrors and the C-pillar that screams loudly "AUDI". The MQB relationship is clearly evident in this detail, which is not a flaw in view of the attractive appearance. At the rear, however, the designers have lost their courage: one looks in vain for any conspicuous features or outstanding elements. Only the chrome trim, which pretends to frame two exhaust pipes, is a blender.

Interior - knock, knock!

The Volkswagen T-Roc wants to be a lifestyler, as the saying goes. A young, urban clientele is to be addressed with the SUV, which is a Tiguan is too big, but appreciates the look of the terrain. However, this clientele is able to know what premium is and this is where the newcomer stumbles a little.

Lots of hard plastic, but nicely packaged: the interior of the Volkswagen T-Roc

The grip test finally reveals that the interior is almost entirely made of hard plastic. The top of the dashboard? Hard. The center console? Hard. The door panels? Hard. Some will complain about this and counter the premium price of the Wolfsburg. On the other hand, you have to ask yourself how often you really touch the upper part of the dashboard. If you're honest ... never! For this, the T-Roc was given large bezels, which you can have colored in different colors - to match the exterior paint - as you wish. It's just a shame that the finish is mostly matte and not high-gloss.

And otherwise? Nothing to complain about! The previous nagging is already so high that it is of little consequence. After all, there's a really good car here. The usability? Great! The infotainment with an 8-inch display conveniently does not do without its rotary controls and is understood in a very short time. It is also placed comfortably high. And the VW T-Roc has something else: digital instruments that can be freely configured. That puts you in a good mood and fits in with the styler character of the Niedersachsen.

Without any faults or blame: The operation of the 8-inch infotainment is child's play

Even when it comes to space, the T-Roc hardly has to give way, despite its 25 smaller centimeters compared to the Tiguan. It sits perfectly in the front and all the necessary elements can be adjusted generously. In addition, if the passengers in row one are not giants, it can also be endured in row two. Especially since you can - of course optionally - take a seat on pretty, multi-colored cushions. The trunk also matches the format and the lifestyle cluster: depending on whether you order a variant with or without 4Motion all-wheel drive, the basic volume is 392 to 445 liters. When folded down, the Wolfsburg offers up to 1.290 liters when loaded up to the roof. These are not fabulous values, but they are okay.

Driving experience - a real Volkswagen

It was to be expected: the Volkswagen T-Roc drives perfectly and does not tend towards any extreme. It is neither overly sporty nor sofa-soft. The crossover is one that combines a lot of talents when driving. Even the engine selection is set up in such a way that you never feel as if you have had to do without anything. The entry-level unit offers only three cylinders and a displacement of 999 ccm, but the output of 115 hp is quite acceptable. Especially since the driving performance of 10,1 seconds for the sprint to 100 km / h and 187 km / h top speed is absolutely sufficient.

However, the 2.0 TDI with its 150 PS is more fun. Although the T-Roc - which is always standard all-wheel drive with this engine - does not become a racer, the torque of 340 Nm puts you in a good mood. Unfortunately, the 7-speed DSG shifts somewhat cautiously and reacts tiredly to spontaneous gas commands. Even in stop-and-go traffic, it tends to choke every now and then. The recommendation is therefore to use the 6-speed manual transmission.

The 2.0 TDI is powerful and economical. The 2.0 TSI with 190 PS is clearly more fun

But if you absolutely want to do without the automatic shift, then you should treat yourself to the top engine, the 2.0 TSI with 190 PS. The propulsion really fits the dynamic optics here and can also be read on the data sheet. After 7,2 seconds there are 100 km / h and an end is only announced at 216 things. Quite sporty.

And so the VW T-Roc also likes to be shooed from left to right, pleasing with its precise steering and the finely responsive chassis. Basically dynamic, it never even gives rise to the idea of ​​being uncomfortable. Criusen at moderate speed? Easy! And even without adjustable dampers, Chapeau!

Conclusion - the VW T-Roc and the valued comrades-in-arms

Adult appearance of a lifestyle designer. But does it have what it takes to be a blockbuster?

With the VW Troc, the Wolfsburg-based company wants to appeal to a young audience by giving it a hip appearance, but without sacrificing a brand face. In view of the prices, which start at 20.390 euros and only end at almost double that amount (with full equipment), this can be questioned a little. It is modern, offers a whole armada of assistants (mostly for a surcharge) and is nice to look at. But is he strong enough to take on the competition from within your own ranks? The Audi Q2 has long since become the standard on the streets and the Seat Arona is - God knows - not from bad parents either. And so the Volkswagen T-Roc may not be in an identity crisis, but it should not necessarily have it easy either.

 

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