German car giant becomes the last major manufacturer to join the burgeoning compact SUV class.
Better late than never…
Perhaps, as is the case with giant car players when reaching out for new sales territories. Unveiled in Europe this week, the T-Roc is Volkswagen’s answer for the compact SUV class sitting below the Tiguan model.
As with many new editions launched this year from rival brands, the T-Roc has been designed with modernity and youthfulness in mind. Note the two-tone exterior treatment and colour-matching interior, which highlights the brand’s latest digital instrument panel.
By sitting on a 2.6m wheelbase length, the T-Roc promises competitive cabin space for five people and their belongings.
Is there a plug-in hybrid?
Initially, VW has announced a range of conventional TSI petrol and TDI diesel engines with outputs ranging from 115hp to 190hp. While six-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel-drive feature in cost-effective versions (like the 1.0-litre TSI), more sophisticated ones (like 2.0-litre TDI and 2.5-litre TSI) get seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and 4Motion all-wheel-drive.
It’s most likely that VW will offer a plug-in hybrid at a later stage because sister-brand Audi is also planning one for the Q2. Speaking of the VW Group, the other two siblings of the T-Roc include the Seat Ateca and Skoda Karoq, both also unveiled earlier this year.
But VW isn’t interested in selling it in Thailand…
In order for SUVs of this nature to sell in Thailand, they must be assembled in Asean because that’s how popular models like the Honda HR-V manage to yield prices less than one million baht.
And since this region is more of a playground for Japanese carmakers, don’t expect the T-Roc to be made around here – unless VW springs a surprise, which is unlikely again.
In fact, the Thai VW agent has recently made it clear that it will be focusing on just the Caravelle people-carrier. It’s the same with Hyundai whose bread-winning model in the country is the H1/Starex.
