Is This the Boring New Volkswagen T-Roc?

Steph Willems
by Steph Willems

There’s a Terminator-like CGI image floating around that purports to show the upcoming Volkswagen T-Roc compact crossover. If it is VW’s new sub-Tiguan utility vehicle, and you’ve already seen the flashy T-Roc concept, prepare to be underwhelmed.

As we reported earlier this week, the T-Roc — which might adopt a new moniker in the U.S. — was reportedly green-lit for the American market after dealers gave it their seal of approval. VW needs utility vehicles, and a youthful, sporty little ride that encourages owners to drop their tops seems like just the ticket to stimulate interest in the brand. However, it seems the targa-top, pillarless two-door will lose all of those unique features before appearing on dealer lots.

If this image is indeed the T-Roc, well, those reports didn’t lie.

The shimmering specter appeared in a promotional video at the Geneva Auto Show, and its bulging fenders and short overhangs lend credence to rumors that it is the T-Roc. Reports out of Europe, where the T-Roc will launch later this year, claim the CUV will feature removable roof panels in place of a removable top. If true, expect no more glass than your average panoramic sunroof.

The model shown above appears extremely conventional, even going as far as adding roof rails and front-hinged rear doors; perfect for the crowded and competitive compact CUV segment, but hardly a buzz-worthy youthmobile. U.S. consumers can expect to see it in 2019. While VW hasn’t announced anything just yet, it’s probable that buyers will find a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-banger under the hood.

As it tried to flesh out its skimpy utility offerings, VW seems to be using every tool at its disposal. The T-Roc first appeared in concept form back in 2014, riding atop the MQB platform it shares with the Golf, but the automaker’s future holds more than one new offering. There’s also a chance we’ll see a larger crossover based on the new-for 2017 Atlas.

Steph Willems
Steph Willems

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  • Opus Opus on Mar 24, 2017

    I wouldn't complain about "underwhelming" styling. The other direction gives you the Juke and the Toyota C-RH or whatever they call it. I prefer this.

    • See 1 previous
    • Derekson Derekson on Mar 24, 2017

      Yes. Even compared to an HR-V or something this will age remarkably better even if it isn't as hip in the moment. As much as people hated on the 2011 Jetta, they look far better on the road today than Civics or Focuses from that generation and that difference will be even more exaggerated in 5 more years.

  • Tosh Tosh on Mar 24, 2017

    I name thee Volkswagen Shenanigon.

  • Redapple2 $1800 destination charge$2400 freight. Ford. Rape is illegal. You may not bend me over the table.What is an A/C charge/fee? Is it what i think it is?
  • MrIcky The ranger raptor is just simply better if you actually want to go off road, and it's only 60% of the price.
  • FreedMike Just the thing for big city driving! It's easy to park, easy on gas, and there's nothing like unleashing the 700 hp beast in bumper to bumper traffic on the Dan Ryan. (Seriously, I'm finding it almost depressing to own a performance car in a place where you can use its' performance maybe 10% of the time.)
  • Kjhkjlhkjhkljh kljhjkhjklhkjh at least they got rid of that awful 3.5 .. still not buying domestics
  • Zerofoo NASA figured out years ago that astronauts needed to be fully-engaged in piloting spacecraft or not at all. Systems that required occasional monitoring and inputs caused astronauts to lose focus.
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