You’re probably looking at the perfect VW product for the South(ern) African market, because this 2-litre R-Line model adds all the spicy bits so many people crave over-and-above the sensible specs of the base 1.4 T-Roc we tested a while ago…
You should know: Volkswagens are among the top three best-sellers in our region, SUV’s and crossovers are all the rage right now, and anything with sporty make-up (and those ghastly black alloys) sells like hotcakes these days. See what I mean? This dark-blue T-Roc with R-Line pack surely is the dream ride of every middle-class household.
More info: Although I prefer comfort over speed these days, just a few minutes behind this 190hp Volksie woke up the boy-racer in me. VW claims 0-100km/h in 7.2 seconds but we measured an astonishing 6.75 thanks to 4Motion all-wheel traction and a snappy dual-clutch automated manual gearbox.
Why you shouldn’t: As always, I’m the fly in everyone’s soup who needs to tell you that dual-clutch jobbies don’t work at low speeds; and it’s no different in this car. However, I’ll excuse VW for trying to achieve stupid targets set by their EU overlords, plus the very nature of this compact SUV is to put foot… at which point it responds beautifully.
Why you should: Because the T-Roc is based on the brilliant Golf platform, so there’s just the right amount of comfort and space for four to five adults. Luggage capacity is 390 to 1,237L, the turning radius is just 11.1m, ground clearance at least 158mm, and you’ll find all desirable safety and luxury features inside the understated cabin.
What else? We thoroughly enjoyed the LED headlights, digital climate control (with heating for the form-hugging front seats), part-perforated sport steering wheel, carbon-look seat inlays and white contrast stitching, twin glass roof and a simple media system with rotary volume and selection knobs.
The 3-year/120,000km warranty and 5-year/90,000km service plan may be sub-par but that shouldn’t put off any potential buyers from buying Wolfsburg’s ultimate compact SUV.
FULL SPEC LIST
| Engine: | 1,984cc in-line 4-cylinder petrol |
| Transmission: | 7-speed DCT, 4WD |
| Max. Power: | 140kW @ 4,500rpm |
| Max. Torque: | 320Nm @ 1,500rpm |
| Avg. cons.: | Claimed 7.3L/100km |
| 0-100km/h: | 6.75s (claimed 7.2s) |
| Top Speed: | Claimed 216km/h |
| List Price: | From R708,900 |
