Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line Launch Edition review: game on

Volkswagen New Zealand is adamant the second-generation T-Roc caters to a completely different buyer from the Golf. We're not so sure.

From where we're sitting, T-Roc is a logical step for the trad/loyal compact-VW buyer that wants to stay in their comfort zone, but is curious about this SUV thing. It's larger than a Golf, but not too large (about 100mm longer). It's taller with extra ride height, but it still looks and feels a lot like a hatchback.

Anyway, that or any other argument for the T-Roc is stronger than ever with the second-generation model, which looks sharper, benefits from significantly increased cabin quality and has VW's latest technology.

It'll also make potential Kiwi buyers feel a bit more eco-satisified, as it's the first-ever T-Roc hybrid (the whole range is now electrified) and VW NZ's first-ever 48-volt mild hybrid.

The T-Roc is currently available in two models for NZ, the $53,990 Life and $59,990 R-Line. Our test vehicle is the latter, but with a bit of a twist. Read on.

On the outside: what are the Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line Launch Edition's main design features?

You'll know the R-Line by its slightly different bumpers, with more agressive trims around the inlets, and its upsized alloy wheels, which move from the Life's 17-inch rims to 18in. It also rides a bit lower, because it has sports suspension.

The T-Roc R-Line does seem expensive on the surface, but there are a number of models in this segment hovering around the $60k mark.

VW NZ is offering some cheerful colours for the T-Roc, including yellow, bright blue and red. Our car is none of those. But while it's grey, it's quite a sparkly one when you look closely and at least it has a cool name: Wolf Grey Metallic. As with every colour, you can add a black roof for $1000; well, any colour except black, which gets a black roof for free. Obviously.

The other way you'll know an R-Line is by the prominent "R" badges on the front bumper and front doors. Still not sure how we feel about that; R-Line is now a common VW trim line, reaching up by referencing its high-performance R models (of which there is one coming for T-Roc). But isn't it devaluing the real thing a bit by using the same badge for a dressed-up mainstream model? All the German makers are at it, so we're wasting our disapproval, really.

The first shipment of T-Roc R-Line models for NZ (around 50 cars) are $65,490 Launch Edition versions, which sport a number of extra-equipment items. We'll get to most of those in a minute; but the only way to pick a Launch Edition from the outside is the addition of an illuminated strip in the grille and illuminated "VW" logos front and rear.

OVERVIEW

On the inside: what's the Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line Launch Edition cabin like?

If you're jumping out of a previous-generation T-Roc, you'll be blown away by the cabin in this one. It's not radical, just impressively put together and boasting some of VW's latest technology features.

The interior door releases are now ergonomic tabs on the leading edge of the armrest and they're brilliant: right where they should be and perfectly shaped.

The layout of the neat freestanding rectangular 10in digital instrument panel and generous 12.9in infotainment screen point the way for future small VWs. The steering wheel retains physical buttons following the haptic-touch controversy of the Golf 8 and ID models, although there are still audio volume/climate controls on a touch-sensitive slider (illuminated, though) underneath the infotainment display.

VW keeps evolving its infotainment OS and the T-Roc's is crisp, colourful and surprisingly easy to navigate, given that it initially looks quite busy. There's a dock at the bottom with a few climate shortcuts, and another at the top with 5 configurable widgets: long-press any of them and you can assign whatever function you like.

What that means is you can get most places you'd want to with just one click, as long as you've taken the time to set things up. And yes, phone projection is wireless for both Android and Apple, but even when it's active you retain the native docks on-screen.

T-Roc picks up the novel Driving Experience Controller from the Tiguan, Tayron and Skoda Kodiaq. It's a rotary dial that changes function when you press it (there's a digital display in the centre that tells you where you are), and can be used to select various options within those functions when you twist it. As a default, it's the audio volume controller, but it can also be used to change the cabin Atmosphere (though the 30 ambient lighting colours)/instrument displays, and drive modes.

There are a couple of really fundamental changes to the cabin layout in this model. The first is the move to a column-mounted twist-selector for the gearbox, EV-style. The second is a completely rethought interior door release: the handles are now ergonomic tabs on the leading edge of the armrest and they're brilliant: right where they should be and perfectly shaped.

The Launch Edition has a few cabin goodies of its own. The interior features so-called Varenna part-leather upholstery, power "comfort sports" front seats with memory, and heating for all four outboard positions. That alone justifies the extra spend for the Launch Edition.

If you miss out on this upgrade model, all of the Launch Edition gear (which also includes intelligent LED Plus headlights) plus upgraded audio and panoramic roof will be available in a Touring Pack, for $7500.

The new T-Roc looks more compact than the old thanks to sleeker styling, but it's actually 120mm longer overall, 30mm of it in the wheelbase - most of which has gone into interior space. So it's a much more comfortable vehicle for rear-seat occupants now.

The boot has also grown by 30 litres to 475l, once you factor in the double-floor configuration (which allows you to position it higher, to line up with the folded rear seats).

INTERIOR

On the road: what's the Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line Launch Edition like to drive?

The 1.5-litre engine is no ball of fire and not great to listen to when it's working hard, but it has good mid-range punch in city driving, thanks partly to the mild hybrid system: the starter-generator not only provides seamless stop/start, it can also apply a little extra force to the engine for increased torque in certain circumstances.

The powertrain is very much focused on efficiency. But the steering and chassis are positively sporty for a small SUV.

The hybrid tech might be mild, but it helps this new T-Roc to a massive fuel economy improvement compared to the previous car: 5.6l/100km in NZ's 3P-WLTP cycle, a 1.4l gain. Hybrid-assisted features including "sailing" at cruising speeds (engine totally off, in other words) and 2-cylinder deactivation when possible. We got 4.6l/100km on one extended motorway run.

The powertrain is very much focused on efficiency. But the steering and chassis are positively sporty for a small SUV. The Progressive Steering fitted as standard to the R-Line, the assured way the front-end turns into corners and the excellent body control over tricky Kiwi backroads are surprising and pleasing.

That all bodes well for the forthcoming R version, which will pack a lot more power and AWD. This car feels like it can handle it.

Refinement at speed is impressive, both in terms of noise, vibration and harshness, and ride. But that last thing... can feel a bit fussy in urban driving, the result of the R-Line's stiffer suspension and larger wheels.

This car is substantially less compliant than the Life we drove on the T-Roc media launch in June, which stands to reason. But the chassis is so well-resolved, it does make us wonder whether the R-Line would be a nicer car and no less engaging with either the smaller wheel-size or softer suspension setup (or both) from the lesser model.

SPECIFICATIONS

On ownership: what's the Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line Launch Edition warranty and servicing situation?

The vehicle is covered for 5 years/150,000km. Servicing is required every 12 months/15,000km; the VW Service Plan covering ther first 3 years/45,000km is included in the price of the car.

On the whole: what do we think of the Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line Launch Edition?

The T-Roc R-Line does seem expensive on the surface, but there are a number of models (see below) in this segment hovering around the $60k mark.

For similar money among the VW's rivals you can have full hybrid technology, AWD... or both. But the T-Roc stands on its own merits thanks to style, interior design/tech, quality, equipment and, no doubt for many, the VW badge on the front.

The mild hybrid engine lacks character, but it is impressively efficient. And the sporty way it steers and handles is a draw.

Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line Launch Edition FAQs

What kind of car is the Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line Launch Edition?

A 5-door compact SUV.

Does the Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line Launch Edition have hybrid or EV technology?

It's a 48-volt mild hybrid.

What’s the fuel economy of the Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line Launch Edition?

It returns 5.6 litres per 100km in NZ's 3P-WLTP cycle.

Is the Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line Launch Edition safe?

It hasn't yet been tested by ANCAP, but it gets 5 stars under NZ's VSRR system.

What safety and assistance features does the Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line Launch Edition have?

What are the Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line Launch Edition's main rivals?

• Nissan Qashqai Ti-L ($62,990): Clever range-extender hybrid tech and a luxurious interior.
• Toyota C-HR GR Sport ($58,990): Flagship C-HR is a full hybrid with AWD and loads of character.
• Mazda CX-30 Takami ($57,790): Mazda's compact-SUV has been with us a while, but still stylish and great to drive.
• Cupra Formentor V ($57,990): Shares its platform and powertrain with T-Roc, but goes bigger on the sporty stuff.
• Peugeot 3008 GT hybrid ($63,990): Peugeot calls it a "mild" hybrid, but it has an electric motor. Looks really weird/cool.