Never satisfied despite a plethoric range, Volkswagen has just launched its new T-Roc, a raised vehicle midway between an urban crossover and a compact SUV. A model with great ambitions that we tried during a journey of 2,000 km. The best way to dominate a segment is always to invent it. A credo become legion among German manufacturers, accustomed in recent years to multiply models.
Volkswagen is an exception to this Germanic rule, the Wolfsburg builder staying true to its sober side. Leaving behind the competition, especially in small crossovers and SUV.
It will have been necessary to wait until the end of last year to finally see Volkswagen invest this segment of urban vehicles raised with the T-Roc. Bigger (4.23 m) than the Renault Captur, Peugeot 2008 and Citroën C3 Aircross which will be the rivals of the future T-Cross, but smaller than a Tiguan, the T-Roc denotes in the range.
Good and less good
By its style already, more trendy and less classic than the usual productions of the brand. Its beveled three quarter rear, its indicators integrated in the rims of the air intakes of the front bumper, its colorful hues or its flag dissociated dissociate it very frankly from the Golf, with which it shares the same platform.
The cabin as for him returns more in the row. The presentation is rather simple and modern with the famous digital slab, but it is imperative to check the box dashboard and colored door panels (optional) to brighten a very dark set. But practical with plenty of storage such as the drawer under the passenger seat.
The bad surprises come rather hard plastics profusely in the cockpit or a space with the legs disappointing for a vehicle of this type. Defects that are not found on the Golf, yet the same size and sold at the same price.
Same thing for the trunk, which because of the all-wheel drive, loses 53 liters to reach a load volume of 392 l, less for example a Peugeot 308. All for a basic modularity 1/3 2/3.
The all-wheel drive, a necessity?
A trunk down and a weight up (1.455 kg) with the 4Motion. Adjustable in several modes, the all-wheel drive offers excellent traction on all surfaces and when the road is wet.
The reverse of the medal, the agility of the T-Roc is partly amputated. While the SUV still has a good level of dynamism but changes in support are less responsive and the front train suffers from a registration curve less easy, relegating it in terms of amenity behind the Golf.
The 4-cylinder 2.0 TDI 150 horsepower also suffers from 4-wheel drive with a propensity to drink more: we found 6.4 l / 100 km on a course of 2,000 km of which only 300 km of city.
Fortunately, thanks to his generous torque and his perfect agreement with the DSG7 box, he does not mind the task when it comes to relaunch the beast to start the fire or double on the highway. Provided to turn off the Stop & Start, too slamming to re-acceleration, and not be too much looking at the high volume of fuel oil.
Comfort and prices... Golf!
Finally, the good road surprise of the T-Roc concerns its driving comfort. With optional damping (1,440 €) and despite 18-inch wheels, it is comfortable on all surfaces, including the most degraded roads and even dirt roads. The usual firmness to the German has moved rather in leather upholstery Vienna (€ 1,670), very pretty to the eye but uncomfortable on long trips.
And the prices in all this? Sold from 21.990 € with the 1.0 TSI 115, the T-Roc climbs up to 38.950 € for the upscale 2.0 TDI 4Motion DSG7 Carat Exclusive. Our trial version 2.0 TDI 4Motion DSG7 First Edition is sold for € 35,830, sum to which we must add 5,000 euros of options.
The latter is still well equipped standard with 18-inch wheels, the digital panel, the infotainment system with navigation and internet, the adaptive controller or the recognition of panels. Only missing on the call, keyless start and reverse camera still available on other finishes.
Balance sheet
The Volkswagen T-Roc represents a more modern alternative to the very classic Golf and its reference approval. But for this choice to be really justified, it will probably forget the diesel and all-wheel drive to benefit from a larger trunk, a lower mixed consumption and a lighter weight. Question of choice, and needs!
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