The entry-level version of Volkswagen's new T-Roc small SUV is finally here,
bringing a more attractive starting price of $34,000. But does this German hatchback
on stilts do enough to stand out in the busy compact SUV segment? Let's take a closer look.
Based off the Volkswagen Golf, the T-Roc has been on sale in Europe since 2017, but only touched
down in Aus last month. Putting Volkswagen in the competitive small SUV segment for the first time,
the T-Roc brings enough room for four adults as well as a premium edge over its rivals.
We've already tested the flagship T-Roc 140 TSI sport, which tops the range at more than $40,000.
So why would you choose the 110 TSI style instead? Well, there's a few reasons we can think of.
First off, this T-Roc is $7,000 cheaper than the two-litre turbo petrol version. Yes, it may get
a smaller 1.4-litre engine, but that's mated to a proper eight-speed torque converter automatic,
not Volkswagen's dawdling DSG. And because the 110 TSI is front-wheel drive, there's also extra
boot space. That means it beats rivals like the Mazda CX-30, Skoda Kamiq, and Toyota CHR
when it comes to luggage carrying capacity. Other standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels,
LED headlights and tail-lights, chrome roof rails, and rain-sensing wipers.
Inside the cabin, there are no real standout features unless you tick some option boxes,
but we'll get to that in a sec. Cabin materials in some spots are representative of its $34,000
price tag. But there's plenty of manual seat adjustments so you can sit nice and
low and still have all the important switchgear within reach. Notably, though, this eight-inch
touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay can be frustratingly slow at times, and I still
haven't invested in a USB-C cable, so I can't use any of the four outlets inside the cabin.
Here in the backseat, there's also enough room for two adults to travel in relative comfort. You also
get air vents, two USB-C outlets, an armrest, door pockets in either door and two child seat ISOFIX
points. Our test car is also fitted with a $3800 luxury pack, which adds partial leather seat trim,
heating up front, a glass sunroof with power blind, and an electric tailgate. There's also
a $2,000 Sound and Vision package onboard bringing a digital instrument cluster, bait sound system,
and navigation. As for the bright blue paint job that'll be another $600 for metallic Ravenna Blue.
All of that brings our test car's final price up to $40,390 before on-road costs
almost the same money you'd pay for the range-topping T-Roc 140 TSI Sport.
When you first hop into the T-Roc, the cabin can feel a little claustrophobic with
narrow glass in every direction. It's not a great television at the back either and
chunky C-pillars make checking for blind spots a little bit difficult.
Aside from that, the cabin is light and airy thanks to this optional panoramic sunroof.
And the T-Roc's hatchback-like dimensions make it really easy to manoeuvre on road.
Steering and suspension errs on the sportier side in the T-Roc but the 110 TSI still soaks up
potholes and road imperfections with ease and it never feels unsettled on the road.
It's not the sportiest small SUV I've driven but it is still quite enjoyable to get around
in. There are no driving modes or shift paddles. There is however manual mode so
you can flick the gear stick across and have some fun changing gears yourself.
As the noise inside the cabin, it's really quite good. On a smooth chip surface,
it is nice and refined. On course chip surfaces though you can hear quite a bit of road noise but
that's as expected. Although it's only got a small 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine onboard,
it delivers more than enough power to get around in a car this size.
It'll happily wheel-spin off the line too if you try taking off with too much enthusiasm
and throttle response can be a little jerky when torque is delivered at around 1500 RPM.
But that can be remedied by changing your driving style a bit and the eight-speed auto
is seamless when driving. Ownership perspectives are good too with a five-year factory warranty
and acclaimed combined fuel consumption of just 6.2 litres per 100 kilometres.
Notably, though, you'll need to use a minimum of 95 RON unleaded petrol. As for trips to the
workshop, well that'll cost you $1300 during the first three years or $2100 over five years.
Just 12 months ago Volkswagen didn't offer an SUV smaller than the Tiguan,
including the Polo-based T-Cross it now has two. And with the starting price in line with
its Japanese rivals, the T-Roc brings a welcome German twist to the segment.