Volkswagen UK has just launched an entry-level T-Roc TDI model in Britain, equipped with a 1.6-liter engine. The model costs £21,290 before options, which isn't too bad.
"Diesel is dead," is something we say a lot. But at the end of the day, we're talking about a type of engine, not an animal, so you can't actually kill it. The T-Roc had a 1.6 TDI from Day 1. The only difference is that it's now WLTP-tested and can be sold in Britain.
The downside of that is a more realistic driving cycle showed the combo emits 115 grams of CO2 per kilometer, which means you're never getting this as a company car. Still, we think it has all the power you could ever want: 115 HP and 250 Nm (184 pound-feet) of torque going to the front wheels. The 150 HP of the 2.0 TDI is too much, and you're getting better economy than the 1.0 TSI.
But cost needs to be factored into your buying decisions as well. The T-Roc 1.6 TDI starts at £21,290 in the S trim level, whereas a 115 HP T-Roc 1.0 TSI starts at £18,955. That is a lot of money, which I think you're unlikely to get back from the gas mileage unless you keep the car for more than four years.
So do we. Even though the T-Roc doesn't get the best R-Line body kit out there, it's still better than stock. The problem is that you will be paying even more: £27,010. In return, you get not only the body kit and bigger wheels, but also things like a digital dashboard, R-Line wheels, and better seats.
However, even the T-Roc S comes with an 8-inch color touchscreen with a digital radio, Bluetooth, climate control, LED daytime running lights and an autonomous emergency braking system. So it's not a bad ownership proposition.
Alternatives? Well, the best one is the popular Renault Captur which is cheaper but doesn't have the same handling and interior. If you buy the Juke, you're downright crazy, though.
The downside of that is a more realistic driving cycle showed the combo emits 115 grams of CO2 per kilometer, which means you're never getting this as a company car. Still, we think it has all the power you could ever want: 115 HP and 250 Nm (184 pound-feet) of torque going to the front wheels. The 150 HP of the 2.0 TDI is too much, and you're getting better economy than the 1.0 TSI.
But cost needs to be factored into your buying decisions as well. The T-Roc 1.6 TDI starts at £21,290 in the S trim level, whereas a 115 HP T-Roc 1.0 TSI starts at £18,955. That is a lot of money, which I think you're unlikely to get back from the gas mileage unless you keep the car for more than four years.
Like the T-Roc photo?
So do we. Even though the T-Roc doesn't get the best R-Line body kit out there, it's still better than stock. The problem is that you will be paying even more: £27,010. In return, you get not only the body kit and bigger wheels, but also things like a digital dashboard, R-Line wheels, and better seats.
However, even the T-Roc S comes with an 8-inch color touchscreen with a digital radio, Bluetooth, climate control, LED daytime running lights and an autonomous emergency braking system. So it's not a bad ownership proposition.
Alternatives? Well, the best one is the popular Renault Captur which is cheaper but doesn't have the same handling and interior. If you buy the Juke, you're downright crazy, though.