2023 Volkswagen T-Roc R assessment

Enjoyable truth: Australia is without doubt one of the largest markets for Volkswagen R merchandise exterior of Europe.

So it’s no shock the model has fought exhausting to deliver nearly each flagship efficiency product accessible within the international portfolio to Australia. It began with the Golf R, adopted by the Tiguan R, and now the T-Roc R.

The Volkswagen T-Roc R truly isn’t all that new, because it’s been round for various years in Europe earlier than the nameplate’s mid-life refresh. However hey, higher late than by no means proper?

It serves as the brand new entry level into Volkswagen Australia’s now sprawling R line-up, which is able to quickly additionally embrace the flagship Touareg R plug-in hybrid (PHEV) either late in 2022 or early 2023.

Priced from just below $60,000 earlier than on-road prices, the T-Roc R dips again right into a worth bracket as soon as the realm of the Mk7 and Mk7.5 Golf R, and blends the Golf R’s oily bits with the in-vogue crossover physique fashion.

On paper, it needs to be successful. Might this be the model’s new fan favorite?

How a lot does the Volkswagen T-Roc R price?

The T-Roc R is priced from $59,300 earlier than on-road prices and choices.

It’s practically $10,000 inexpensive than the bigger Tiguan R (from $68,990), regardless of being faster to 100km/h and providing related ranges of options and specification, and it’s greater than $5000 cheaper than the Mk8 Golf R Hatch (from $65,990).

Need one thing even cheaper? For the 2023 model-year Volkswagen Australia is bringing the T-Roc R Grid Version with a streamlined spec sheet for $5000 much less – learn extra in regards to the limited-edition mannequin here.

2023 Volkswagen T-Roc pricing:

• Volkswagen T-Roc Type: $36,600
• Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line: $44,700
• Volkswagen T-Roc R Grid Version: $54,300
• Volkswagen T-Roc R: $59,300

Key rivals embrace:

All costs exclude on-road prices

What’s the Volkswagen T-Roc R like on the within?

The T-Roc R builds on the up to date inside of the core vary, decking out the cabin in Nappa leather-based as commonplace and providing non-compulsory Lapiz Blue trim inserts – an additional $250.

R variations of the T-Roc additionally choose up the bigger 9.2-inch touchscreen unavailable decrease down within the vary, which is a pleasant level of distinction as effectively.

The R steering wheel isn’t overly totally different to the tiller within the R-Line, although it will get blue inserts and the plastic paddle shifters are enlarged and really feel extra substantial.

Up entrance you’re sat in snug Sport entrance seats with blue R embroidery, trimmed in Nappa leather-based as commonplace – it’s just about the identical seat that’s an choice within the R-Line.

Drivers get electrical adjustment with reminiscence presets, and as famous in our assessment of the usual T-Roc, these seats provide a variety of adjustment and are very snug and supportive.

Whereas we didn’t have it on check, the T-Roc R Grid Version may have the identical seats trimmed in a sports activities fabric and suede mixture upholstery, and the electrical adjustment for the motive force is eliminated.

Being primarily an equivalent cabin to decrease grades means construct high quality is strong although some supplies are nonetheless a bit questionable given the R’s beginning worth. The brand new soft-touch dashboard is a welcome improve, although the exhausting door tops and lower-tier plastics remind you of the T-Roc’s extra budget-friendly origins.

Forward of the motive force is the ten.25-inch Digital Cockpit Professional digital instrument binnacle, frequent to a slew of present VW merchandise from the Polo hatchback via to the Tiguan SUV. It’s fast and clear, and affords a variety of views to indicate no matter data you need – i.e. mapping, journey laptop and efficiency knowledge.

Not like different platform-sharing fashions inside the Volkswagen Group – just like the SQ2 and Karoq Sportline – there’s no sportier choice within the digital cluster for a central tacho dial to additional differentiate the R from core fashions.

The 9.2-inch touchscreen sitting atop the dashboard is often Volkswagen in that it’s straightforward to make use of, is effectively featured, and affords good graphics and cargo occasions. It’s hooked as much as an non-compulsory 300W six-speaker Beats premium audio system which affords fairly punchy sound high quality – although we reckon it needs to be commonplace.

Wi-fi Apple CarPlay labored seamlessly throughout our time with the T-Roc R, bolstered by the grippy, rubberised wi-fi smartphone charging pad beneath the centre stack.

Regardless of its compact dimensions (4236mm lengthy, 1819mm broad, 2595mm wheelbase), the T-Roc’s second row is surprisingly accommodating.

At 6’1 I can comfortably match behind my very own driving place, and there’s ample facilities for youths and adults alike using within the rear.

Directional air vents, rear map pockets, a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders, and twin USB-C ports imply the T-Roc’s second row is effectively featured for the category, whereas ISOFIX and top-tether factors imply your little ones are catered for too.

The T-Roc R quotes 392 litres of bags capability in five-seat configuration, which expands to 1237 litres with the rear seats folded.

Just like the T-Roc R-Line, the R loses some capability to the front-wheel drive T-Roc Type (445L/1290L) because of the added all-wheel drive {hardware} on the rear.

Below the boot flooring is a space-saver spare wheel.

What’s underneath the bonnet?

Energy within the T-Roc R comes from a model of Volkswagen’s ubiquitous EA888 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, tuned to ship 221kW (5300-6600rpm) and 400Nm (2000-5300rpm) on this software – just like the Audi SQ2 and Cupra Ateca.

Drive is distributed to a 4Motion variable all-wheel drive system by way of a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automated transmission. Volkswagen quotes a 0-100 time of 4.9 seconds.

The T-Roc R is fitted with a petroleum particulate filter (PPF), that means Australia will get the full-fat European drivetrain. Consequently, 98 RON premium unleaded gas is the required octane score, to keep away from pricey harm to the exhaust remedy system attributable to Australia’s lower-grade sulphurous gas.

Talking of gas, the T-Roc R makes use of a claimed 8.3L/100km on the mixed cycle. The gas tank measures 55 litres.

How does the Volkswagen T-Roc R drive?

Push the beginning button and the T-Roc fires to life with a muted growl, very similar to different Volkswagen merchandise with this engine.

This efficiency drivetrain breathes new life into the T-Roc, which has all the time felt prefer it’s able to dealing with extra grunt than the earlier 140kW flagship.

In a short time you’ll discover the added muscle from low down within the rev vary – 400Nm from 2000rpm is nothing to sneeze at, particularly in a automobile weighing 1519kg (tare). It’s solely 18kg heavier than the Mk8 Golf R.

In regular driving there’s easy shove, and the racy additions of the R bundle haven’t essentially compromised consolation. The engine and exhaust word are properly subdued in Consolation and Regular settings, and the Adaptive Chassis Management (damping) affords good compliance in stated modes.

The T-Roc R is clearly tuned on the firmer facet, however like different R merchandise it’s completely serviceable as a each day driver.

Crank up the dial a bit bit, and there’s a brand new dimension to the T-Roc’s driving expertise courtesy of the Golf R {hardware} beneath.

Sink your boot in and the little crossover shoots in direction of the horizon, and there’s a pleasant raspy word to the drivetrain, augmented by some software program trickery via the automobile’s audio system.

On upshifts the T-Roc R will fart or pop relying on the depth of throttle software and drive mode, however regardless this factor is a hoot to drive on the town and up a winding B-road. If solely the Akrapovic titanium exhaust provided abroad was accessible regionally, as a result of it might solely improve the expertise additional.

On the subject of winding B-roads, the outskirts of Canberra had a beautiful mixture of high-speed nation roads that basically allowed the T-Roc R to stretch its legs and exhibit its dynamic abilities.

Whereas the driving place is a bit excessive – very similar to the Tiguan R – the T-Roc goes exhausting each in a straight line and within the bends. It actually does really feel like a raised Golf R.

There’s a lot grunt throughout the rev band, with snappy shifts from the DSG transmission and large grip courtesy of the 235/40 R19 Continental ContiSport Contact efficiency tyres and 4Motion all-wheel drive.

It’s a stack of enjoyable to punt this factor via a sequence of corners whatever the velocity, and I couldn’t assist however smile at how the T-Roc R performed itself. I felt foolish driving as aggressively as I may whereas perched excessive on this compact automobile.

Like decrease grades of the T-Roc, the R comes decked out with the newest energetic security techniques, together with the nifty Journey Help which mixes adaptive cruise and lane-centring for semi-autonomous freeway driving as much as 210km/h. Additional, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts are helpful to have given the T-Roc’s thick C-pillars.

Whereas the majority of the drive expertise is sort of optimistic, the T-Roc R isn’t with out its setbacks.

The large wheels and sports activities suspension tune imply that even in Regular mode the experience could be a little busy over pimpled tarmac, and could be a little terse over sharper hits – although that’s to be anticipated.

There’s additionally a little bit of street noise over something however easy bitumen. Just like the T-Roc R-Line with its low-profile Bridgestone Potenza rubber, the T-Roc R’s Continental tyres transmit a little bit of roar into the cabin on the freeway, significantly over the rougher stuff.

What do you get?

T-Roc R highlights:

• 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels
• Adaptive Chassis Management with Race mode
• Progressive steering
• R exterior and inside styling
• IQ.Mild Matrix LED headlights
• Dynamic Mild Help (adaptive high-beam)
• Premium LED tail lights with dynamic indicators
• Exterior ambient lighting
• Electrical tailgate with Simple Open and Shut
• Premium metallic paint
• 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Voice and Gesture management
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• Wi-fi cellphone charging
• Twin-zone local weather management
• Nappa leather-appointed upholstery
• Heated entrance seats
• Electrically-adjustable driver’s seat with reminiscence

Choices

Black Type bundle: $1200

• Black door mirrors
• Black roof line physique strip
• Black roof rails
• Black distinction roof end
• Movie in carbon-look, C-pillars
• Black inside accents for vents and infotainment

Premium audio: $750

• 600W 6-speaker Beats audio system
• Subwoofer
• 8-channel amplifier

Panoramic glass sunroof: $2000
Lapiz Blue matte inlays: $250

Is the Volkswagen T-Roc R protected?

Whereas the T-Roc vary wears a five-star ANCAP security score based mostly on exams performed by Euro NCAP in 2017, the T-Roc R isn’t lined by this score.

It acquired an grownup occupant safety rating of 96 per cent, a baby occupant safety rating of 87 per cent, a pedestrian safety rating of 79 per cent, and a security help rating of 71 per cent.

Customary security options embrace:

• 6 airbags
• AEB with pedestrian detection
• Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
• Lane departure warning
• Lane preserve help
• Journey Help
  • Adaptive cruise management
  • Energetic lane centring
• Aspect Help (blind-spot monitoring)*
• Rear cross-traffic alert*
• Proactive occupant safety system*
• Park Help (bay and parallel)
• Parking sensors entrance, rear
• Reversing digicam

*Aspect Help, Rear Visitors Alert and Proactive Occupant Safety are unavailable for MY23 T-Roc Type, R-Line and R Grid Version fashions

How a lot does the Volkswagen T-Roc R price to run?

The T-Roc, like all new Volkswagen fashions, is roofed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.

Scheduled upkeep is required each 12 months or 15,000 kilometres – whichever comes first.

Volkswagen affords three- and five-year Care Plans for all variations of the T-Roc, costing $1600 and $2800 respectively for the R, averaging between $530 and $560 every year.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Volkswagen T-Roc R

I gained’t mince phrases – the T-Roc R is a bloody hoot.

Volkswagen’s newest addition to the R portfolio balances efficiency with enjoyable, practicality and relative worth in as we speak’s market. In truth it’s effectively cheaper than a brand new Golf R regardless of genetic hyperlinks.

For me it’s the Mk7 Golf R reincarnated to swimsuit trendy tastes, and fills the void left by the previous-generation Golf R from a worth perspective, given the brand new Mk8 R is over $70,000 on the street.

The one actual risk to the T-Roc R comes from inside Volkswagen’s personal steady, with the newer MQB Evo-based Cupra Formentor VZx priced equally however providing extra space and a better-appointed cabin. Audi’s mechanically related however arguably extra premium SQ2 additionally looms, asking for not rather more than a fully-optioned T-Roc R.

However that’s what the Volkswagen Group achieve this effectively, providing a variety of comparable merchandise all totally different sufficient to enchantment to totally different tastes and worth factors.

And the T-Roc R will little question be successful amongst present T-Roc house owners on the lookout for extra punch, in addition to followers of the Golf R and different scorching hatches that need the upper hip level and perceived practicality good points of an SUV.

The incoming Grid Version can be an attention-grabbing proposition, priced round $2000 than a high-spec Hyundai Kona N however providing extra grunt and all-wheel drive traction. Efficiency SUVs are pretty exhausting to come back by at this finish of the market, so there’s not a lot else to check the VW to.

I’ve already began seeing T-Roc Rs driving round in Melbourne, and I’ve little question they’ll quickly turn out to be as frequent a sight on Australian roads because the Mk7 and seven.5 Golf R.

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