Volkswagen T-Roc

Second generation of this small SUV promises greater space and sophistication On sale January 2026 Price from £32,000 (est)

- LAWRENCE CHEUNG

THERE IS AN argument that a Kinder Surprise egg is far less satisfying than it used to be back in the 1990s. Okay, those in agreement might be showing their age, but the reason for this isn't down to the outer chocolate shell; it's because the toys inside used to be better made and far more desirable.

Owners of the 2017 Volkswagen T-Roc can relate. It was an immediate sales success, bringing the same aspirational energy to the small SUV class as the VW Golf does among family cars - despite the fact that its exterior was rather tastier than what lurked within. Now, though, with this second-generation model, VW promises buyers a real treat when they prise the T-Roc open.

More on the interior later; first, a look at the T-Roc's engine lineup. From launch, the front-wheel-drive 1.5 eTSI 116 kicks thing off with 114bhp. The 148bhp 1.5 eTSI 150 comes next, or, for a bit more oomph, there's a 201bhp 2.0 TSI 204 with four-wheel drive. Each is paired with a seven-speed automatic gearbox.

We've tried only the smaller engines so far, and the eTSI 116 is fine for everyday driving, with enough lowdown shove and a keenness to rev when pushed. The gearbox, which is eager to change down a gear when you need a burst of acceleration, also helps you maintain momentum. True, the Ford Puma 1.0 Ecoboost 125 offers a little more grunt (and a sweet manual gearbox), but the eTSI 116 should still be a good fit for most T-Roc buyers.