Volkswagen is carrying out final testing of the updated version of its T-Roc crossover – and to prove it, our spy photographers have caught not one, but two completely undisguised versions of the new SUV on German roads.
These images reveal both the standard Volkswagen T-Roc and the sporty T-Roc R-Line, showing how the Golf-based SUV will receive the mildest of nips and tucks for its mid-cycle refresh.
Volkswagen’s styling tweaks include a pair of new LED headlamps, which incorporate the old car’s trademark pentagon-shaped daytime lights into the main headlamps. This is mirrored by some new tail light graphics at the rear.
Other blink-and-you’ll-miss-em updates include a redesigned single-bar grille, in place of the old car’s double-bar set-up. A thicker chrome grille surround and a pair of taller air intakes below the lamps complete the changes up front.
The sportier R Line’s design, meanwhile, inches closer to the full-fat T-Roc R performance SUV with a more aggressive front bumper. It mimics the R’s dog bone-shaped intakes and gets a more prominent front splitter.
Volkswagen’s restrained cosmetic revisions should be balanced out by some more efficient engines, with the company’s eTSI unit expected to make an appearance. It’s a 110kW 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol powertrain that’s combined with a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox, a 48-volt starter-generator and a lithium-ion battery.
Economy and performance should improve with the new unit, as it allows for engine-off coasting. When you need some more power for overtaking, the system can also provide an extra 12kW and 25Nm of electric boost. Like before, a turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine will also be available, with outputs of either 80kW or 95kW.
Just one diesel is expected – a turbocharged 2.0-litre unit that produces 110kW. It’ll only be available with a seven-speed DSG transmission.
It’s also possible that Volkswagen could introduce a plug-in hybrid powertrain on the updated T-Roc. It’ll be the first time the crossover will feature the technology, but it won’t be available until after its 2022 launch.
When it eventually arrives, we expect the T-Roc eHybrid will come with Volkswagen tried-and-tested PHEV powertrain, which comprises a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, an electric motor and a 13kWh lithium-ion battery.
Drive will go to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox. Total power and torque should be around 150kW and 350Nm, which should be enough for sprightly performance figures – but most will buy the hybrid for its efficiency and ability to cover up to 70 kilometres on pure-electric power alone.
Inside, there’ll be a couple more changes, with the T-Roc likely to get a 10-inch digital display for the instrument cluster and a large 10.25-inch infotainment screen that features “Hello Volkswagen” voice control and wireless Apple CarPlay, plus a head-up display.
Other new tech almost certain to debut with the updated T-Roc includes the latest Golf’s semi-autonomous cruise control that allows the T-roc to accelerate, steer and brake on motorways – where legal – up to speeds of 210km/h.
Pricing and specifications will be revealed before the end of this year, ahead of the facelifted T-Roc’s launch event, which is expected to take place in the middle of 2022.
John Mahoney