All-new T-Roc puts VW crossover on a roll

Cabin overhaul and new tech blend with a

- Jordan Katsianis

VOLKSWAGEN'S success in Europe over the past decade has been down to two main models, Golf and Tiguan, right? Yet between these two juggernauts there's been one more car that has been quietly lending its support through huge sales: the T-Roc.

More than two million units have been sold since 2017, so not wanting to isolate its huge customer base, VW says this all-new generation takes the original's top traits and takes them up a notch, with better quality, slicker powertrains and similarly eccentric styling.

Volkswagen will launch the second-generation model with a range of mild-hybrid powertrains, but in time the lineup will expand to include full hybrids and even a range-topping 'R' model. There aren't any all-electric variants, and all versions feature a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

For now the initial engine offering is a 1.5 eTSI four-cylinder petrol engine with a turbocharger and mild-hybrid system with either 115bhp or 148bhp. This unit can be found in all manner of VW Group models and is known for being very refined and efficient.

The entry-level engine is rather meek, and takes a leisurely 10.5 seconds to get from 0-62mph.

However, the more powerful 148bhp variant we're driving is more sprightly, dropping the 0-62mph time to 8.9 seconds.

These don't sound like impressive figures, but thanks to a combination of the clever variablegeometry turbocharger (VTG), and extra electric boost from a mildhybrid system, acceleration feels effortless from idle.