Lisbon has a special light, a deep blue that makes the city inside a heavenly dome. A few kilometers from the center of the Portuguese capital, the waves of the Atlantic Ocean crash against ancient, wild and romantic cliffs. Observing the distant and limitless horizon you can get lost in nostalgia. A sentiment that Volkswagen, whose factory is in Portugal, does not like Palmella building its present and future. In the modern factory which was inaugurated in 1991 thanks to cooperation with Ford (completed in 1999), the factory Volkswagen T-RocEurope’s best-selling SUV. The lucky first generation, which debuted in 2017 and received a significant restyling in 2021, is saying goodbye.
The production line will stop moving in December this year, after that 2 million copies. But don’t worry, the heir is already among us. There second generation The T-Roc promises to repeat its success, thanks to contemporary design, technical and dynamic improvements and a hitherto unknown hybrid engine. On the amazing Portuguese roads we were able to try out this new model made in Europe.
How design changes
Let’s be clear, the T-Roc we know so far has always had something convincing about him. The sculptural forms, almost monolithic, are distinctly German in their rational geometry. This time the music changed. The new VW T-Roc features a more dynamic, fluid and highly aerodynamic silhouette. This last aspect is also supported by the numbers, considering that Cx crossed 0.29, making a small leap forward. Despite the cold data, the design of the new Teutonic SUV tells us about its closeness to the Wolfsburg company’s latest creations, especially in the winking headlight cluster cutout on the Tiguan and Tayron range.
The similarity to the first variant is the molding that extends from the A pillar to the C pillar. The element that lengthens the roofline and because of its shape is called a “hockey stick”. Also unmistakable are the precise, muscular and prominent shoulders above the rear wheel arches. But on the back end, we have coupe style cuta solution that significantly enhances the sense of sportsmanship. Finally, the higher-performance LED Plus and Matrix IQ.LIGHT LED headlights, as well as LED daytime running light strips all around, give this compact SUV a biting charisma. However, the backlit Volkswagen logo projects this creature into a futuristic realm.
The dimensions increase
Built on a well-established transverse modular platform MQB tooNew Volkswagen T-Roc increases in size. The overall length reaches 4,373 mm, to be precise 122 mm longer than the previous model. However, the wheelbase has been increased to 2,629 mm (+39 mm). This growth leads to advantage of convenience passengers who have more legroom, especially in the back seat. Finally, luggage capacity has also increased: 475 liters (+30 liters).
Dimensions at a glance:
- length: 4.373mm;
- width: 1,828 mm;
- height: 1,562mm;
- wheelbase: 2,629 mm.
Modern interiors
The dashboard design has a linear appearance with horizontal development. What is most obvious compared to the past is a paradigm shift at a qualitative level, brought to a higher level. Made of new soft and high-quality fabric structure, it can reliably reduce glare on the windshield. That 10” Digital Cockpit placed in front of the driver offers a wealth of useful information for driving, especially in the top trim levels, while 12.9” touch screen Located in the center of the dashboard, it is an important control point.
With one touch of your finger you can manage various applications, from navigation to entertainment. The physical buttons for the temperature controls are missing which some may regret. However, in the central tunnel, there is a platform for induction charging of smartphones, which is equipped with ventilation. There’s also a nifty rotor that can be used to raise or lower the volume of the audio system or, alternatively, select the various driving modes available, including a sportier one.
Electrification is coming
The big news for the new T-Roc is the introduction of electrified engines to the range, which until now had not had any at all. Therefore, two variants of the 1.5 eTSI mild hybrid 48 V engine are available for debut. The power is 116 HP (85 kW) and 150 HP (110 kW)both are equipped with advanced technologies: energy recovery during braking, coasting mode with the engine off and deactivation of two cylinders to further reduce consumption and emissions. Supporting the four-cylinder turbo with variable geometry is 56 Nm of electric boost provided byalternator-starter in the 48th centuryvery useful when starting uphill.
Then, in 2026, the family will expand with two new hybrid systems. 2.0 eTSI is coming 48 V mild hybrid, mated to 4MOTION all-wheel drive, initially in 204 HP (150 kW) version. Next, the new T-Roc R 4MOTION will debut, even more powerful and developed by the Volkswagen R department. In the same year, two new full hybrids Front-wheel drive 1.5, with 136 HP (100 kW) and 170 HP (125 kW). The latter is completely new and waiting to be discovered.
How to drive on the highway
So, the time has come to understand how the new Volkswagen T-Roc is, in this regard 1.5 eTSI with 150 HPin R-Line trim. Once you step on the pedal, the acceleration doesn’t push you away, but rather accompanies you. It’s progressive, almost urbane in the way it builds thrust, but beneath this good manners lies mild-hybrid readiness and impeccable work from the team. 7-speed DSG automatic transmissionalways be one step ahead of your thoughts. When cornering, the T-Roc R-Line appears firm. The dedicated setup can be felt: the car remains flat, compliant, with a well-calibrated stiffness that never impacts but makes everything more direct, more lively. However comfort remains the reference. Even at highway speeds, the SUV filters, absorbs and stitches the road beneath it.
Only the slightest rustle from the large rearview mirror spoils the acoustic perfection, but you’ll need a strained ear to really notice it. During our test, over 100 km at code speed, the new 1.5 mild hybrid confirmed itself as a solid, brilliant partner: never hesitant, never lazy. Average consumption: 16 km/lexactly as declared. And the sound? An unexpected little pleasure: polite, yes, but with a charisma that lends personality to every recovery and gear shift, to every moment where T-Roc decides it’s time for attention.
New Volkswagen T-Roc: price list and features
The new Volkswagen T-Roc was distributed in Italy on three settingsdivided as follows:
- Life: which already offers a complete package including ACC with automatic distance adjustment, rear view camera and new infotainment system with 12.9 inch screen;
- Style: the most elegant version of the range focused on refined comfort thanks to seats with massage function, ambient lighting, illuminated Volkswagen logo and 18″ wheels that emphasize its premium character;
- R-line: this is a flagship sports car, with 18” wheels, special R-style bumpers, and comfortable sports seats, designed to combine support and comfort.
For prices, we start from 33,900 euros until you reach it 41,350 euros the car featured in our test.
