Checking the chassis
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Roughly the size of a Volkswagen Golf but fashionably taller, it’s no surprise the T-Roc is a strong seller, regularly appearing in the UK’s top ten list. That’s good news for used buyers, who have an enormous selection of models to choose from, from economical family wagons all the way to the hot hatch-like T-Roc R.
Smart styling, a sensible interior layout and a wide range of engines and trim levels are all part of the T-Roc’s appeal, and running costs shouldn’t be too painful either. Below we cover the T-Roc’s engine lineup and trim levels in more detail, and highlight a few cars you might consider instead.
Aesthetics are subjective, but chunky good looks have to be part of the Volkswagen T-Roc’s appeal. The designers clearly understood the assignment, as it’s not too flash, but has just enough interesting details to make it feel a little special, such as the prominent wheel arch blisters, and on facelift models the neat daytime running lights around vents in the front bumper.
Those facelifted cars get an updated cabin too, but whichever model you go for the T-Roc packs plenty of practicality and sensible features into that distinctive exterior design. Interior space is generous - there’s enough room for adults in the rear seats, as well as the front - and the 445-litre boot is spacious too. All the regular touchpoints in the cabin look and feel good too, and you still get physical controls for things like heating and headlights - which are easier to use than the touch-sensitive ones in more recent VWs.
On the road, the T-Roc feels more car-like than SUV-like, but you still get a seating position that puts you higher than something like a Golf. It handles neatly and the ride is good too, and it’s refined on the move, whether you’re driving around town or on a motorway. A wide choice of petrol and diesel engines gives you options - and there’s not a poor choice among them.
The T-Roc is similar under the skin to other Volkswagen Group SUVs including the Audi Q2, Skoda Karoq, and SEAT Ateca, and all of these make compelling alternatives - the Audi has badge appeal, while the Skoda and SEAT are even more sensible than the T-Roc, being slightly larger and therefore more spacious. Cars like the Peugeot 3008 and Toyota C-HR are stylish options too.
Our pick of the engines is the 1.5 TSI petrol, which has brisk performance but still offers economy in the mid-40mpg range, barely lower than the less powerful 1-litre TSI. If you prefer diesel then the 2-litre TDIs are the ones to go for - a 1.6 TDI was offered, but the 2-litre feels better suited to pulling the T-Roc along, and you get the option of all-wheel drive with the larger engines too. Style trim would be our pick of the later trim levels, for its larger digital instrument display and stylish 17-inch alloy wheels. As for the T-Roc R, it’s an entertaining diversion - but we suspect most driving enthusiasts would be better served by the lighter, leaner, and barely less practical Golf R.
2179-2196 of 2,219 vehicles
The Volkswagen T-Roc’s exterior dimensions are:
The Volkswagen T-Roc’s boot space is:
The T-Roc arrived after changes to the tax system meant a flat rate of VED for almost all cars, so most of the range will cost you £190 a year as of 2024/2025. The exception to that is the T-Roc R, which thanks to its list price of over £40,000, attracts a surcharge taking the bill to £600.
Most of the T-Roc range is on par with similarly-sized family cars for insurance at the lower end, with the most affordable models starting in group 15. Insuring the better-equipped, more powerful variants might start to get a bit more expensive, while the T-Roc R maxes out at group 34 - pretty much the same as the Volkswagen Golf R whose drivetrain it shares.
£28,650
£27,695
£29,895
£13,491
£22,450
£27,495
£22,440
£28,511
£22,781
£21,560
£22,389
£20,299
£26,345
£24,373
What is the most popular colour for Volkswagen T-Roc ?
What is the most popular gearbox for Volkswagen T-Roc ?
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What is the most popular engine for Volkswagen T-Roc ?
What is the average mileage for Volkswagen T-Roc ?
15408
How many Volkswagen T-Roc cars are available for sale?
2281
