2017 Volkswagen T-Roc SE 1.0 TSI Review

With the keys to the all-new T-Roc, I was excited to see if Volkswagen will standout in this relatively new market.

What’s the Volkswagen T-Roc SE 1.0 TSI about?

The subcompact crossover market can be an increasingly appealing prospect. Offering style and practicality in a little package. In fact, one of the most bizarre and intriguing modern designs can be found in the form of these mini SUVs, like the Toyota C-HR, the Nissan Juke, and the Citroen C3 Aircross.

So, why do people want these utility vehicles? Simple: they are jacked-up hatchbacks. An automobile that provides hatchback-like boot space and looks but also wouldn’t mind a little bit of gravel once in a while? Sign me up.

Therefore, when Volkswagen announced the T-Roc, I was pretty stoked. They learn how to make an excellent hatchback, but do they learn how to make an excellent small SUV? Currently, the T-Roc is approximately the same size as a Golf. It sits below the Tiguan.

If it’s looks you’re after, then your T-Roc certainly delivers. With Volkswagen’s recent shift towards a far more aggressive, sharp design ethos, they’ve been pumping out beautifully contentious cars left, right and centre. Just consider the Arteon. Volkswagen describes the T-Roc’s design as ‘striking’, and I’m with them on that.

It’s much less bold as the Arteon, but I’d describe it as ‘subdued aggressive’ styling. Actually, I believe it subtly evokes the spirit of Audi. This model, painted in ‘Iridium Grey’, further reinforces the understated aggression and paired with these 17″ ‘Kulmbach’ wheels, the SE trim looks great.

Powering our particular T-Roc is a transverse turbocharged 1.0-litre inline-3, the 1.0 TSI. Before you get disheartened, this engine is in fact quite well received. In addition, it generates solid numbers because of its size – 113 bhp and 200 Nm of torque.

Delivering all that capacity to leading wheels is a 6-speed manual transmission. In general, the T-Roc propels itself from 0-62 mph in a leisurely 10.1 seconds with a high speed of 116 mph.

That said, it is extremely economical with 55.4 mpg combined and emitting 117 g/km of CO2. Since there’s no DSG or four-wheel drive, the 1.0 TSI T-Roc can be a whole lot lighter than its peers, to arrive at 1.2 tonnes.

How does it drive?

Here’s the interesting part: I’ve driven the 1.5 variant of the T-Roc, however the 1.0-litre here intrigues me because sometimes, raw speed isn’t everything you go for.

If you’re looking for outrageous off the line sprints, then your 1.0 TSI isn’t suitable. You can’t mash the pedal mindlessly and reach 62 mph in a blink of an eye. Having said that, you may well be surprised at how powerful this little engine is, because of its torque. To arrive from low down, the engine provides good kick, and overtaking is simple.

Gaining speed isn’t a chore once you progress, and the automobile is incredibly refined. The engine is silky smooth and barely audible when you’re just cruising. However, when you rev the engine, its snarl emanates, and puts a grin on your own face.

The very best feature relating to this engine is its no-nonsense 6-speed manual. Therefore you don’t have to scramble to obtain the right gear. As the 1.0 variant saves so much weight over the more technical models, it offers a noticeable boost to the car’s handling. Actually, this tall riding VW will be a lot more enticing than you might think.

It’s surprisingly nimble and incredibly thinking about its response to steering inputs. With less weight, you will be quite aggressive in your braking aswell. The T-Roc assertively becomes corners with ample grip to pull through completely. It’s definitely good fun for a crossover. The suspension is quite supple and handles bumps well.

Controls are certainly on the light side, however the drive is really as engaging since you can enter this segment. With the T-Roc’s frivolous attitude to driving, the accessibility is exactly what will attract buyers here.

What is it truly like inside?

Our model gets the ‘Dark Oak Brown/Ceramique with cloth upholstery which is standard for the SE trim. The T-Roc’s interior will be a lot more colourful than many cars nowadays. The brown inserts tastefully complement the muted cloth seats. Soft materials are used and you could expect the normal quality Volkswagen workmanship.

The ergonomics are excellent. As standard on the SE trim, you’ll get an 8″ touchscreen infotainment system. We’ve the optional £1,130 ‘Discoverer’ navigation system. This consists of a preloaded European map, three year subscription to online information such as for example traffic, fuel costs and driving data in addition to online anti-theft capabilities. In addition, it offers a 10-year subscription to Volkswagen’s call centre service.

Space is a non-issue here. I had a lot of leg and headroom, and adults can comfortably sit in the trunk. The boot space is roomy with 445 litres with the trunk seats up and 1,290 litres with them down.

If you need to get really funky, you can choose the ‘Design’ trim, which opens up a whole lot of interior customisation options. Otherwise, the T-Roc’s interior is sharp and clean.

THE KNOWLEDGE

Driving the T-Roc 1.0 is enthralling. Despite the fact that I had limited power on tap, it had been still fun to operate a vehicle. I preferred the 1.0 over the 1.5 variant, since it feels a whole lot peppier and more exciting.

Certainly, it doesn’t quite deserve the R, as well as the GTI badge from Volkswagen yet, nonetheless it doesn’t have to. It’s such a carefree and easy model to use, nonetheless it can cope with spirited driving after the driver lets go.

Verdict

The model we tested is going to be the best seller. Actually, Volkswagen think the SE trim will be extremely popular too. With the 1.0 variant being more pleasurable to drive, it’s probably to be the very best engine option aswell.

If you want the style and love the area it includes, but don’t particularly value the inside, the T-Roc SE 1.0 is a superb buy for me. However, it has stiff competition from its siblings: the SEAT Ateca and the Audi Q2.

But there’s an improved option still. The Golf: which is legendary because of being the default option for a hatchback. However, if the trendy T-Roc has already been tugging at your heartstrings, that you can do a whole lot worse.

2017 Volkswagen T-Roc SE 1.0 TSI