As was the case in 2023, the Volkswagen T-Roc stays the German auto model’s best-selling automotive in Australia.

However to the tip of September 2024, the small SUV has fallen one spot down the general Volkswagen gross sales chart. It’s now runner-up to the brand new VW Amarok, although the dual-cab ute technically falls below the model’s business automobiles umbrella.

So though you may need thought the favored European model’s top-seller could be one thing just like the Golf, it merely isn’t the case anymore as purchaser demand shifts in the direction of SUVs and utes. Whereas 1902 Golfs have discovered houses thus far this 12 months, that’s rather a lot lower than 5979 T-Rocs and even 3639 Tiguans, even when all of them share the identical fundamental Volkswagen platform beneath.

The T-Roc continues to be drastically overshadowed by the MG ZS (16,907) in its section although, and ranks behind different small SUVs just like the Hyundai Kona at 13,352 and even the Subaru Crosstrek at 8765.

On check right here is the 2025 Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line, which sits one rung under the prime quality.

That range-topping variant is the hotted-up T-Roc R, however the R-Line nonetheless packs extra of a punch and brings nicer gear than the cheaper and lower-spec CityLife and Fashion variants.

It comes with the caveat of a dearer asking value because it’s greater than $10,000 pricier than the most affordable T-Roc variant at the moment accessible.

Is it value stretching for a quicker small SUV just like the R-Line, or would you be higher off with a lesser model?

How a lot does the Volkswagen T-Roc value?

The R-Line is the most costly T-Roc grade priced below $50,000, and it prices much more than both of the 2 variants under it, but in addition rather a lot lower than the flagship R.

To see how the Volkswagen T-Roc stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device.

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

Even when it’s been round since 2017, the T-Roc brings a top quality inside.

Hopping into the motive force’s seat and getting located takes however a second, and it’s laborious to argue with the presentation you’re greeted with. A lot of the key areas are nice to the touch, and there are a number of R-Line goodies to have a look at too.

The seats themselves are upholstered in leather-based with carbon-fibre-look accents distinctive to the R-Line, they usually do properly to assist the entrance passengers in side-to-side motion. Even when it’s a small SUV, having well-bolstered seats could make a automotive really feel rather more confidence-inspiring, and the T-Roc is best for it.

Comparable supplies proceed as much as the steering wheel, which is massive and options beneficiant cut-outs at 9 and three o’clock. I’m a fan of Volkswagen steering wheels and that is no exception – the perforated leather-based and delicate R emblem are added reminders of the automotive’s sporty inclination.

The one actual criticism we’ve got is that the wheel is proscribed in its adjustability. When the motive force’s seat was in a snug place for my common top, the steering wheel wouldn’t tilt as little as I might’ve favored. It’s not the tip of the world, however does power a small compromise.

One other gripe is the supplies up entrance, as a result of the door playing cards and sprint are plastered in scratchy laborious plastic. When you received’t be touching these areas too typically, it’s not the nicest factor to have in a automotive at this value level.

On the subject of the steering wheel, it’s fitted with haptic contact controls slightly than bodily buttons. The T-Roc is on no account the one Volkswagen product to have utilised such a setup, however it may be annoying to make use of.

As a result of you may each contact and ‘press’ the controls, it’s generally troublesome to know precisely what you’re interacting with. By chance brushing a finger on the button floor can unintentionally modify one thing like the quantity or info show, which will be irritating.

A minimum of the buttons within the T-Roc are positioned far sufficient away from the surface of the wheel that your palms received’t by accident press the buttons in regular driving, and also you’d nearly actually don’t have any issues when you’ve had time to regulate to such controls.

It could nonetheless profit from bodily buttons as is extra typical, however general the driving controls are a neat bundle.

Shifting your consideration to the centre of the cabin begins to disclose some points. When you do get a properly sized gear selector, there’s a bit an excessive amount of gloss-black plastic round it for our liking.

The starter button and drive mode selector are each positioned in a sea of gloss-black, which invitations fingerprints and scratches. Above that’s the local weather management system, which appears extra difficult than it needs to be.

To its profit it’s positioned on a devoted panel, however once more that panel is completed in gloss-black. All of the controls listed here are touch-operated too, which will be fiddly on the transfer.

Sliding your finger to regulate temperature or fan pace is a bit alien at first, and repeatedly tapping both finish of the sliders doesn’t really feel proper.

The button to regulate the fan route isn’t clear both, and it’s once more a contact button on the highest row of the show. There weren’t any actual points with the best way the system functioned in our week with the automotive, however it’s only a bit extra tedious than we’d prefer it to be.

Above the local weather management system is one other number of buttons to toggle auto cease/begin and parking sensors, although they appear poorly made. The entire plastic piece they’re positioned on can wobble round, and every button has a whole lot of side-to-side motion.

Luckily, you received’t be urgent these buttons an excessive amount of (except you’re strongly in opposition to auto cease/begin), however given how sturdy the remainder of the cabin is we’d anticipate higher right here.

Additional up once more is the infotainment system, which is starting to look dated. It’s clear sufficient and works properly, however its show appears small even when it’s the bigger of the 2 screens supplied throughout the T-Roc vary.

It’s good to have shortcut buttons on both facet of the display screen, and the 2 bodily knobs make it simpler for passenger DJs to work together with the system. Wi-fi Apple CarPlay is an added bonus too, and except for some hiccups within the numerous black spots round Melbourne it labored with out situation.

Storage up entrance is strong, however not excellent. Within the centre of the automotive is a set of cupholders, which is organized with two holders for bigger cups and one small holder within the center.

The bigger choices are squared-off, which suggests they received’t maintain bigger cups as comfortable as they may. Its association additionally means when you have a smaller cup within the center, usability elsewhere might be restricted.

Behind that could be a properly sized centre console field, and alongside is a slot that matches the automotive’s key fob properly. Forward of the gear selector is a cubby that’ll comfortably match most telephones, and there’s a wi-fi charging pad in there too.

It really works properly, however my cellphone did get sizzling after spending longer intervals of time charging. You even have the choice of charging your cellphone through both of the USB-C ports above or the 12V outlet close by.

Different storage choices embody a normal passenger-side glovebox and bottle holders within the doorways.

The rear seats function the identical carbon-fibre accented leather-based upholstery as up entrance, and there’s loads of room to get snug. There’s the capability for 3 individuals to take a seat right here, however foot house for passengers within the center is compromised by the AWD driveline tunnel.

Passengers within the again are catered for by the inclusion of twin USB-C charging ports, in addition to air vents on the again of the centre console.

There’s extra of that scratchy plastic right here too, which takes away from the nicer ambiance created by the black upholstery and enormous panoramic sunroof.

Storage can also be restricted to cupholders on the fold-down centre armrest and bottle holders within the doorways, and there’s sufficient head- and leg room for many rear passengers to remain snug.

Boot house is compromised vertically, however the load ground is lengthy sufficient to suit a normal suitcase simply. There’s a passthrough into the again seats too, which suggests you’ll be capable of match longer gadgets and retain use of the outboard seats on the similar time.

Your entire rear row can even fold flat for max capability.

There’s a drop from the boot entrance to the ground, which suggests you’ll have to carry gadgets up and over as an alternative of sliding them in. There’s a space-saver spare below that enormous loading ground too, which affords a little bit of added safety do you have to run into any troubles.

Volkswagen offers some tie-down factors to safe hundreds as properly, and there’s a sturdy privateness cowl on high to maintain issues hidden. It’s a wonderfully sensible boot, and it ranks properly in opposition to the Crosstrek (291L) and equal Kona (407L).

To see how the Volkswagen T-Roc stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device.

What’s below the bonnet?

The R-Line variant is all-wheel drive and powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. Its outputs are up 30kW and 70Nm from the 1.4-litre CityLife and Fashion, however down 81kW and 80Nm on the two.0-litre R.

To see how the Volkswagen T-Roc stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device.

How does the Volkswagen T-Roc drive?

Even earlier than getting behind the wheel of the T-Roc R-Line, I used to be desirous to see what it was all about.

The tickled-up engine within the R-Line was the primary drawcard for me, and on that entrance it delivered. Because it’s a small automotive, so the two.0-litre engine doesn’t should work laborious to get issues shifting – actually it’s surprisingly quick.

Put your foot down from a standstill and there’s a slight hesitation because the gears transfer about and interact, however as soon as it’s rolling it pulls very similar to a efficiency hatch. That isn’t a shock given it shares its bones with the Golf, however you don’t essentially anticipate one thing like that from a small SUV just like the T-Roc.

Efficiency is noticeably dulled if the automotive’s stuffed with passengers and cargo, however that also received’t be sufficient to make it really feel sluggish. As an all-rounder, it advantages from that juiced-up powertrain, which is an effective center floor for somebody who needs one thing peppy and succesful with out going excessive.

If you wish to be extra concerned with the driving expertise, you may flick the shifter into Sport mode and make use of the paddles behind the wheel. It’s not as conscious of paddle inputs as we’d like, however it does simply sufficient to remind you it’s meant to be a hotter model of the usual T-Roc.

Because it’s a reasonably typical Volkswagen mannequin, you’d be proper to anticipate energy to be despatched to the wheels via a dual-clutch computerized transmission.

In contrast to a whole lot of different twin-clutch setups although, the gearbox within the R-Line is a clean and cozy unit. Shifts are buttery and constant, to the purpose the place they’re nearly imperceptible past third gear.

You do get a little bit of the everyday low-speed stumble when setting off from a standstill, however it’s on no account insufferable.

The variety of gears means you even have loads of functionality for various driving conditions; RPM stays low on the freeway, it’s not often caught within the mistaken gear for a fast getaway, and it holds gears on hills with out situation.

Even when it does must seize a decrease gear, it’ll kick down with out hesitation to ensure the engine and turbo are of their very best window for max energy. All-wheel drive is a bonus meaning the automotive by no means has any bother gripping up both.

The sporty efficiency is supported by the experience. It’s snug on lengthy drives and does properly to deal with tough nation roads, and the very fact they’re adaptive offers you a variety of functionality.

In twisty sections you may stiffen the suspension proper up, supplying you with a well-composed experience because the physique stays flat. That permits you to carry pace via turns with out falling over, setting it aside from different lower-end SUVs.

Calling the T-Roc an SUV nearly doesn’t really feel proper in consequence, because it behaves rather more like a hatchback regardless of its jacked-up stance. The default setting is on the firmer facet and might put on on rear seat passengers specifically, however using within the entrance will be fairly enjoyable.

The one factor that caught us off guard was the brake really feel, which will be sensitive in the event you’re not used to it. Then again, a profit is that it stops rapidly and persistently.

Helping the driving expertise is a spread of tech, together with adaptive cruise management and lane centring. Each labored flawlessly in our week with automotive, even on tighter nation roads with slim lanes and surprising bends.

To that time, we had no points with any of the security tech whereas on the highway. Issues just like the lane departure warning pipe up in the event you start to float over the road, however received’t aggressively hinder you if it is advisable to dodge hazards like potholes or bumps.

Its driver consideration monitoring additionally labored precisely because it ought to. It didn’t ping us for checking the facet mirrors, and it wasn’t overly delicate to head-checks or infotainment changes.

The T-Roc brings a formidable bundle, and it’s at all times reassuring to know the automotive can again itself with a spread of security tech that’s well-calibrated and straightforward to dwell with.

Whereas the T-Roc is a strong automotive to drive, there’s just one actual criticism. That’s the highway noise, because the R-Line rides on bigger wheels with lower-profile tyres than its cheaper siblings.

On coarse roads in rural Victoria it could turn into annoying, and can typically require you to crank up the music quantity to drown it out.

The firmer suspension doesn’t assistance on that entrance both, however not less than you’ve gotten some concept of what you’re entering into with the R-Line badging on the surface.

It’s on no account a brand new downside for European vehicles like this one and isn’t motive to push it to the facet, as the remainder of the bundle is neatly put collectively and delivers a strong, high-quality on-road expertise.

To see how the Volkswagen T-Roc stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device.

What do you get?

There are 4 distinct grades of T-Roc, and the R-Line is second from the prime quality behind the full-fat R.

The CityLife contains the next options as commonplace:

• Reflector LED headlights
• Computerized headlights
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Six-speaker sound system
• Keyless entry and begin
• Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster
• 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• DAB+ digital radio
• Wi-fi cellphone charger
• Twin-zone local weather management
• Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
• Paddle shifters
• Roof rails
• Material upholstery
• 2 x entrance and rear cup holders
• 2 x entrance and rear USB-C charging ports

The Fashion provides:

• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Black exterior rear-view mirrors
• 18-inch Grange Hill alloy wheels
• Titanium Black-Anthracite upholstery
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• Digital Cockpit Professional
• Handbook driver and passenger lumber adjustment
• Rain-sensing wipers

The R-Line provides:

• Nappa leather-based upholstery
• Heated entrance seats
• Energy-adjustable driver’s seat with reminiscence
• 18-inch Nevada alloy wheels
• R-Line exterior styling
• R-Line inside styling
• Sports activities suspension
• Progressive steering
• Entrance sport seats
• Leather-based-wrapped sports activities steering wheel
• Paddle shifters

Is the Volkswagen T-Roc protected?

The Volkswagen T-Roc achieved a five-star ANCAP security score based mostly on testing carried out in 2017, however that has now expired. It’s subsequently unrated.

Commonplace security options on the T-Roc vary embody:

• Autonomous emergency braking (ahead and reverse)
• Six airbags
• Lane-keep help
• Entrance and rear parking sensors
• Reversing digital camera
• Lane departure warning
• Driver consideration detection
• Collision warning
• Journey Help
  • Adaptive lane centring
  • Adaptive cruise management

Fashion provides:

• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert

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

The Volkswagen T-Roc is roofed by Volkswagen’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.

Volkswagen doesn’t quote capped value servicing, as an alternative outlining ‘Assured Value Servicing’ for the primary 5 visits. The model has a disclaimer that claims the service pricing indicated on its value information is just present for the day it’s obtained, so costs are prone to change.

To see how the Volkswagen T-Roc stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line

The T-Roc is a good automotive even in entry-level kind, and the R-Line provides that bit of additional spice on high.

If you would like a heat small SUV that’s nonetheless versatile sufficient for the each day run-around, it is a robust contender. Good efficiency, sporty but compliant dealing with, and a well-appointed inside are key drawcards right here.

The supplies within the entrance of the cabin depart a bit to be desired, however that isn’t a deal-breaker. On the highway, you hardly discover the cabin’s much less polished components anyway, as you’re more likely to be targeted on the enthusiastic method it drives.

R-Line-specific seats assist right here, as does the properly proportioned steering wheel and robust visibility throughout.

The one situation is the value, as a result of whilst you do get a higher-output engine and a few nicer bits, there’s no getting across the truth it’s properly above the T-Roc’s CityLife entry value level.

In the event you really need additional efficiency out of your small SUV and might justify the value, you’ll love being behind the wheel of a T-Roc R-Line.

These with small households will discover it a snug match too, and the warmed-over T-Roc exhibits you don’t should go for a boring, sluggish automotive in the event you want one thing to move youngsters, pets, and groceries.

The compact proportions will go well with many individuals too, particularly these dwelling in built-up areas. Practicality and cargo house isn’t compromised both, actually it out-does a whole lot of its competitors.

May you get by with a less expensive T-Roc? Positive, however it’s laborious to beat the spicier R-Line bundle.

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