Compact crossovers, the segment you had to be in if you were a big car manufacturer.
That's why it's remarkable Volkswagen has remained absent... Until now, that is, because this is their answer;
The T-Roc.
I'll have to say, Volkswagen knows how to surprise me.
When I came here, I expected a Kadjar-killer based on the Polo,
but beneath this body isn't a Polo, but a Golf.
So is it a SUV-Golf? No, because the Tiguan already takes that spot.
This car has been positioned a tad lower, so it's a sort of hybrid.
Think of the Toyota C-HR, a car which stands inbetween the B- and C-segments.
Anyway, it's a rather remarkable car. It has to come over as tough,
like a SUV. But with that roofline, it pretends it's a hatchback as well.
If you ask me, they've just looked over Audi's shoulders,
because I see an Q2 with another face.
That's mostly because of the roof, which slopes at the end.
The C-style is quite special. It looks like a shark fin.
Other than that, these lines are supposed to make the car look more roughened-up.
These curves as well. It's got big wheelarches,
which look even bigger thanks to this mascara.
It's a big tough car. The measurements are right as well;
it's shorter than the Tiguan, but it's also wide and low,
and it's quite the sight.
Volkswagen interiors sometimes tend to disappoint. It often is gray, dull and boring.
It's good, but boring. Not in here though.
You've got lots of panels on the dash, on the middle console, on the doors,
all painted in the body color, and that makes it a very colourful car.
Unfortunately, there's some cheap plastic in here,
but other than that it all looks fun. It's a little bit like the New Beetle really.
In more expensive versions, you can get fully digital dials.
You've got two USB-ports, there's a little compartment for your phone,
which not only has an induction loader, but also a connection for an external antenna.
So they've done that properly.
Volkswagen aims high for safety features, so every T-Roc is fitted with City Brake System.
That's a system which also brakes after a crash, which makes sure you won't keep on going.
You get lane keeping assist as standard as well, and some other features are available for an additional price.
I want to take a look at the back now, because a sloped roof often means trouble...
That isn't the case in here though. I'm behind myself now, and I've got quite a lot of legroom.
I even have lots of headroom. You wouldn't expect that from a sloped roof.
So that sloped roof is just for appearance.
So you must think there isn't a lot of luggage space left.
Well, there's still 485 litres available, and that's huge for this class.
The T-Roc will be available with six engines. Three petrol versions, and three diesels.
In both cases, you can choose between 115, 150 or 190 horsepower versions.
Also, the lightest versions are only available with a manual 6-speed, and front-wheel drive.
The heaviest only comes with a 7-speed DSG and four-wheel drive. The middle one is fully customizable.
You can expect them on the Dutch roads in November.