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2018 Volkswagen T-Roc Shows VW's Funkier Side in Frankfurt

The only surprising thing about the T-Roc is that it took Volkswagen so long to bring it to market. With SUVs big and small selling like discounted hot cakes on a cold day, the German manufacturer should have cashed in on this segment years ago.
2018 Volkswagen T-Roc in Frankfurt 14 photos
Photo: Guido Ten Brink/SB-Medien
2018 Volkswagen T-Roc in Frankfurt2018 Volkswagen T-Roc in Frankfurt2018 Volkswagen T-Roc in Frankfurt2018 Volkswagen T-Roc in Frankfurt2018 Volkswagen T-Roc in Frankfurt2018 Volkswagen T-Roc in Frankfurt2018 Volkswagen T-Roc in Frankfurt2018 Volkswagen T-Roc in Frankfurt2018 Volkswagen T-Roc in Frankfurt2018 Volkswagen T-Roc in Frankfurt2018 Volkswagen T-Roc in Frankfurt2018 Volkswagen T-Roc in Frankfurt2018 Volkswagen T-Roc in Frankfurt
But what segment exactly does the T-Roc fit in? That's a more difficult question to answer since its dimensions make it a bit puzzling to figure out its direct competitors. Built on a Polo platform, the T-Roc has a larger storage space than a Golf, and yet a shorter wheelbase than VW's iconic hatchback.

The contradictions don't stop there. It is considerably shorter and lower than the Tiguan, but it's marginally wider than its bigger brother. All these, coupled with the bold (by Volkswagen standards, at least) design and the two-tone color scheme, suggest the T-Roc is an atypical model for the German carmaker.

Indeed, even though T-Rocs will spend most of their time inside the city and their suburbs, the new SUV leaves the impression it would make a fine beach buggy if Volkswagen ever released an open-top version of it. It's probably the funkiest offering from Wolfsburg at the moment, which is precisely what's needed if you're going to rival the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur or even the MINI Cooper Countryman.

Engine-wise, the T-Roc has a little something for everyone under its hood. The 1.0-liter TSI three-cylinder turbo engine with 115 hp is the bread and butter, but more potent options can be had up to a maximum of 190 hp. Diesel choices come in just two displacements - 1.6- and 2.0-liter and vary in power from 150 to 190 hp. The 7-Speed DSG dual clutch automatic transmission is an option, and some configurations will also offer the 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system.

All in all, it looks like Volkswagen might have a winner here that's more than capable of making up for the time lost and fight its way up to the top of the segment. We're still not sure if we shouldn't use a plural there, though.
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About the author: Vlad Mitrache
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"Boy meets car, boy loves car, boy gets journalism degree and starts job writing and editing at a car magazine" - 5/5. (Vlad Mitrache if he was a movie)
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