An SUV with hot hatch genes: New Volkswagen T-Roc R previewed
The second-generation Volkswagen T-Roc, pictured here, will spawn an R variant in 2027.
Image: Supplied
With the unabated rise of the SUV, it’s no surprise that the Volkswagen T-Roc is currently outselling its Golf hatchback sibling in Europe.
With this in mind, it would be foolish for Volkswagen to ignore the prospect that many fans of its performance models will be making the migration too.
Although we have yet to hear about a GTI version of the compact crossover, the Wolfsburg-based carmaker has confirmed that there will be an R version of its second-generation T-Roc, which was revealed in late August.
UK media were recently given a sneak preview of the upcoming performance model, although the wait will be long, with sales only expected to commence in 2027.
According to Autocar, the new T-Roc R will share its Golf R sibling’s highly developed 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine, tuned to 245kW and 420Nm. However, in the T-Roc’s case, it will be paired with a mild hybrid system that will help reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
While the latest version of VW’s 4-Motion high-performance all-wheel drive system is a given, the UK publication also reports that the T-Roc R will inherit some suspension components from the Golf GTI Edition 50, while the Akrapovic exhaust system is also expected to be made available as an option.
The disguised prototype that was presented to UK media was fitted with 20-inch alloy wheels, with 245mm-wide performance tyres. The performance model also flaunts bolder front and rear bumpers, among other key styling updates, both outside and inside the vehicle.
Forming its basis is the recently-revealed second-generation T-Roc, which is the company’s third SUV to be built around the latest MQB evo platform, thereby benefiting from numerous hardware and software developments.
The new T-Roc is 120mm longer than its predecessor, which allowed exterior designers to forge a more coupe-like shape.
More information on its local introduction will be released in due course.
IOL Motoring