The new TSI evo2 engine makes it possible to reduce both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The compact, ultra-modern four-cylinder engine will initially be available with an output of 110 kW (150 PS), and further variants of the 1.5 TSI evo2 will follow.

In the latest evolutionary stage of the 1.5 TSI, the development engineers have moved the three-way catalytic converter and petrol particulate filter close to the engine in a single emission control module, thereby further improving the efficiency of the emission control system. As a further contribution to sustainability, this permits reduced use of precious metals in production and at the same time creates the basis for compliance with future emission standards.

A key technological feature for reducing fuel consumption in the 1.5 l evo2 is the enhanced Active Cylinder Management system, ACTplus – a joint development of the Wolfsburg and Salzgitter sites. The focus of this new development was on improving activation and deactivation of the two cylinders in order to guarantee smooth engine running. The combustion process in two-cylinder operation was optimised, thus also allowing the operating range of the Active Cylinder Management system to be extended. With ACTplus, the second and third cylinders are not fired when the engine is operating at low and medium loads and speeds. This switchover is hardly noticeable. The efficiency is increased in the active cylinders, while the middle cylinders simply follow with practically no losses – they are reactivated when the accelerator is pressed again.

Alongside the variable-geometry turbocharger, the 1.5 TSI also features other high-tech components: the high-pressure injection system generates a pressure of up to 350 bar, plasma-coated cylinder walls reduce friction, and pistons with cast-in cooling ducts allow combustion to be optimised and efficiency increased.

Priced at INR 21.35 lakh (ex-showroom), the second batch commands a premium of INR 1.36 lakh over the first batch. According to the VW India website, this price is still introductory, and thus will be hiked later. Select VW dealerships have also commenced bookings for the 2021 T-ROC for a token amount of INR 50,000. Official launch of the VW T-Roc is expected later in March and deliveries should commence this month itself. The second batch will continue to come to our shores as full imports.

Also Read : The Five-Seater Volkswagen Tiguan Will Make A Comeback In Facelifted Guise

However, given that the T-Roc has been received fairly well in our market, VW could be looking at locally assembled at a later stage. It also remains to be seen if VW imports only 1,000 units like the first batch. The first batch of the T-Roc was available in only a single fully-loaded variant and was powered by a 1.5-litre TSI EVO petrol engine. This motor is tuned to produce 147 bhp and 250 Nm. It solely came mated to a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission.

The T-Roc can do the 0-100 kph run in just 8.4 seconds and flat out, can achieve a top speed of 205 kph. The Volkswagen T-Roc is also built on the MQB-AO platform but this is not the heavily localized MQB-AO-IN platform that will be underpinning the Taigun SUV. The T-Roc has been so appealing to Indian buyers because of its superior build quality, great driving dynamics, and very stylish looks. Although Volkswagen likes to call the T-Roc an SUV, frankly, its compact dimensions and styling make it more of a crossover.

Furthermore, it came loaded in terms of features that kept the occupants safe, entertained, and happy. Some of the highlights include LED DRLs, projector lens headlamps, a panoramic sunroof, dual-tone alloy wheels, leather upholstery, auto climate control, touchscreen infotainment system, Virtual Cockpit and much more. If you are in the market to buy a German SUV and can’t afford one of the three big German badges, Volkswagen T-Roc is the car to go for.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Volkswagen updates and other four-wheeler news.

2020 Volkswagen T-Roc Review – Exterior

Just one glance at the T-Roc is enough to understand how small it is. It measures 4,342 mm in length, 1,819 mm in width and 1,573 mm in height. To put things into perspective, it is as tall as a Hyundai Venue. However, its length and width are evident when looked at in flesh. For the styling, the T-Roc uses a minimalistic approach with the right amount of curves and creases to stay connected to Volkswagen’s family design language. On the front, there’s a sleek yet wide grille, which merges into LED headlamps giving it a single-piece effect. Below the headlamps, there are bullet-shaped LED DRLs, and they do double-up as turn indicators. Around the chin, the T-Roc gets a solid-looking skid plate, and the fog lamps are housed in the black cladding itself.

The side profile of the T-Roc looks sporty. Raking front and rear windscreen aid it with a coupe-SUV-like stance. The black cladding runs across its length, giving it the SUVish character. Helping in this aspect furthermore are the dual-tone roof rails. The T-Roc sits on a set of 17-inch rims, which look sporty and are good at filling the haunched-up wheel arches. Also, the T-Roc comes with a black roof, irrespective of the colour option you wish to go with. But, the C-pillar here is not blacked-out, which again is another design highlight.

The rear profile of the T-Roc looks elegant too. The boot lid gets just two creases, which are as straight as a ruler. The Volkswagen logo in the centre is the switch for the boot lid and also doubles up as a backup camera. The tail lamps here are all-LED units, and their glow-pattern can easily confuse some un-trained eyes for an Audi. The dual-tone bumper looks sporty, but Volkswagen designers could’ve done without the faux exhaust. All in all, the Volkswagen T-Roc looks appealing and strange but surely grabs a lot of attention.

2020 Volkswagen T-Roc Review – Interior

The T-Roc feels small from the outside, but from the driver side, its width is apparent. Also, what else is evident is the build quality. The first thought that struck our mind after stepping in the T-Roc is that it feels very Audi-ish in many aspects. Starting with the instrument console, it feels like a direct lift from the 2019 Audi A6. It is 10.25 inches in dimensions and is highly customizable. The dashboard too is nicely laid out and boasts of a great design, which comprises of panels running along its length. However, the plastics used for the dash feel hard and scratchy.

In the centre of the dashboard, there is an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The sound output from the system is good too. Beneath the infotainment screen, there are switches to operate the dual-zone climate control. Also, there are enough storage spaces in the cabin to keep your phone and other knick-knacks tight and handy.

Talking of the seats, the front ones are snug and comfy. They can accommodate the largest of the occupants with ease. Unfortunately, they lack electric adjustability and ventilation function. However, the view of the road from these seats is panoramic. Moving over to the rear bench, it is well-padded too. However, tall occupants would run short of headroom and knee room. If you plan to seat three here, they would also run out of shoulder room. Therefore, it is best to use it with just two occupants with the centre armrest folded down.

The T-Roc features a tri-colour theme for the upholstery. The milder colour tones do make the cabin feel airy. Moreover, there’s a full-size panoramic sunroof to alleviate the claustrophobic feel, if in case anyone does. In terms of equipment, the T-Roc comes fitted with six airbags, electronic parking brake, front & rear parking sensors, heated ORVMs, lane-keep assist, head-on collision warning and more. The trunk volume of the T-Roc stands at 445 litres. It isn’t the best in the segment but can stow away the luggage of four for a weekend getaway.

2020 Volkswagen T-Roc Review – Engine & Gearbox

In the Indian market, Volkswagen is offering the T-Roc with just one engine-gearbox combination – 1.5L TSI Evo engine with a 7-speed DSG. This 1.5L TSI motor boasts of a 4-cylinder layout and uses a turbocharger for improved volumetric efficiency. Interestingly, this motor feels like if it’s working in a theoretically-ideal condition. The lower-end feels just adequate, but it is the mid-range where the power and torque start to leap northwards. This motor revs all the way up to its 6,500 rpm redline, where it puts out 150 PS of peak power. The max torque, however, is rated at 250 Nm.

With the 7-speed DSG unit, this motor feels tractable in almost every part of its rev-range. Moreover, the 7-speed gearbox is fast at shifting gears, and it also offers the option of Sports mode and manual mode. To use the latter, the driver can either utilize the steering-mounted paddle shifters or can rock the gear shift lever up and down. In the Sports mode, the gearbox holds the revs till redline and is always eager to downshift. With one spirited drive around the twisties in both of these modes; we could understand that a human cannot outperform this gearbox in making the right decision about the gear that T-Roc should be in.

Talking of the NVH levels, they are well controlled. The engine feels refined at every point of the rev-range. At idle, there are no vibrations to observe, and the suite is followed till the redline. Also, we never saw the temperature bar rising over to a point where we felt the need to pull over. Although, the throttle body valve was wide open all the time. Another good aspect this motor possesses is the way it sounds. There’s a typical inline-4 whine in the higher rpms. Also, this is quite frugal, and it can de-activate two of its cylinders when coasting or pondering around city roads with easy-going traffic.

2020 Volkswagen T-Roc Review – Ride & Handling

Volkswagen has imported the T-Roc as is to the Indian shores. The suspension tuning remains the same as on the Euro-spec model. Thus, it offers a lot more feedback than other SUVs in its price range. The suspension is capable of handling bad roads with grace and poise, and it can absorb the impacts of large potholes too. Moreover, when going through the tight bends, the body-roll is well-controlled and inspires immense confidence.

Moving over to the steering wheel, it is rich in feel and feedback. Also, it is well-balanced and direct. However, we found it to be lighter than our liking at high speeds. On the flip side, the lightness is a boon in tight parking spaces. The T-Roc comes with disc brakes at all of its ends. The response and feedback from this setup are appreciable. Volkswagen has also managed to fit the lane-keep assist and front collision warning here.

Furthermore, the 215-section tyres offer loads of grip. Therefore, pushing the car around the corners is not a scary job. It is fun, instead. Since the T-Roc is shorter than all of its rivals, this aspect works in its favour when considering its driving dynamics. The centre of gravity sits lower here, and the long wheelbase and wide tracks offer a lot of mechanical grip. In simpler words, the T-Roc is one of the best-handling SUVs that are currently on sale in the country.

2020 Volkswagen T-Roc Review – Verdict

Also Read - Volkswagen Launches New Turbo Edition Models Of Polo and Vento In India

Volkswagen T-Roc is on sale in India at a starting price of Rs. 19.99 lakh. However, this compact-SUV is already sold out for the year 2020. A big reason for this response from the Indian audience goes to its superior build quality, great driving dynamics, and appealing looks. Furthermore, it is loaded in terms of features that can keep the occupants safe, entertained, and happy. Talking of the rivals, the T-Roc competes against the likes of Jeep Compass, Skoda Karoq and more. And, it is capable of being differentiated from its rivals. Our final call would be, if you are in the market to buy a German SUV and can’t afford one of the three big German badges, Volkswagen T-Roc is the car to go for.

Whether it was the attractive price or the long list of features, Volkswagen managed to sell off all the units of the T-Roc in India, which had received an overwhelming response at its launch. The German carmaker has confirmed that the current batch of the T-Roc has been sold out, as a result, it had to close its order books.

Speaking regarding the same, Steffen Knapp, Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India said:

We are thrilled with the response received for our carlines – T-Roc & Tiguan Allspace. It is a testament of customer acceptance on our SUVW offensive strategy. Keeping this momentum, we are excited as we prepare for our next big SUV – the Volkswagen Taigun.

The VW T-Roc was available in only a single variant which had a 1.5-litre TSI EVO petrol engine. This motor is tuned to produce 147 bhp and 250 Nm. The transmission provided is a 7-speed DSG automatic unit. The T-Roc can do the 0-100 km/h run in just 8.4 seconds and flat out, can achieve a top speed of 205 km/h.

Also Read: 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan facelift with several new features revealed

Built on Volkswagen’s MQB platform, the T-Roc comes loaded with features. For example, on the outside, there are LED DRLs, projector headlamps, dual-tone alloy wheels, and elegant front grille. The interior consists of leather upholstery, auto climate control, touchscreen infotainment system, panoramic sunroof, Virtual Cockpit, and more.

In other news, Volkswagen has launched the AT variants of the BS6 Polo and BS6 Vento. Both the cars get a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox and sit right at the top of their respective line-up.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Volkswagen updates and other four-wheeler news.

[Source: carandbike.com]

The VW T-Roc was launched in India on 19 March 2020, just days before the national lockdown was imposed. Dealers started receiving first units just last week.

Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd (SAVWIPL), the parent company of Volkswagen in India, is taking advantage of the relaxed import norms that allow automakers to import up to 2,500 new vehicles without homologating them in India a year. You can know more about this policy in our special report here.

Of the 2,500 units for this, 1,000 were gone to VW T-Roc. In just over two months, over 80% of the 1,000 units have been booked. Now, for the second batch, Volkswagen might consider homologating and importing more units. The company seems to have successfully test-marketed the T-Roc with a highly positive result. So, it may even locally assemble the T-Roc in the future.

The VW T-Roc retails at an introductory price of INR 19.99 lakh (ex-showroom India). That’s double the average price of a typical premium B-SUV (longer than 4,000 mm) in India. Moreover, Indian customers generally prefer SUVs with conventional styling and a tough character, and not soft, car-like crossover design that models like the VW T-Roc, Renault Captur and Nissan Kicks have. However, there’s no denying, especially now, that a niche clientele always exists for almost every type of product.

SAVWIPL has several other models it needs to import under the 2,500 unit quota, including the Skoda Karoq and the VW Tiguan Allspace. So, it may not be able to import a second batch of the VW T-Roc this year without homologating it this year.

The VW T-Roc is actually priced quite attractively considering the fact that it is a CBU import and the features it packs. Built at the Setubal plant (Portugal), it is equipped with LED headlamps, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED tail lamps, panoramic sunroof, fully digital instrument cluster, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six airbags, front and rear parking sensors, reverse parking camera and TPMS as standard in our market.

Under the hood, the VW T-Roc sold in India has the 1.5-litre TSI EVO engine with ACT. The turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine produces 150 PS and 250 Nm of torque. ACT (Active Cylinder Technology) is a cylinder management system that shuts off two of the four cylinders of this engine when not required, for reduced fuel consumption and emissions. A 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission was standard.

Also Read: VW T-Roc Cabriolet launched in Germany, priced from INR 23 lakh

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Volkswagen updates and other four-wheeler news.

[Source: autocarindia.com]

The T-Roc Cabriolet is Volkswagen’s first convertible SUV. It has a soft top that is a fully automatic, electrohydraulic one. The soft top weighs 53.1 kg and can be controlled by means of a central switch on the centre tunnel or via the remote control key (optional). A wind deflector is optionally available

The soft top can be opened within 9 seconds, at speeds of up to 30 km/h. Closing it takes 11 seconds. There’s an electromechanical lock system to keep the roof in place. In case it’s raining, there’s a provision to let the water drain via longitudinal seams of the side panels.

The VW T-Roc Cabriolet features a safety system fitted behind the rear seats to protect the passengers in the event of a rollover. Two thick panels behind the headrests pop out in a fraction of a second as soon as the vehicle’s sensors detect that it is exceeding a defined transverse acceleration or a certain tilt angle. Moreover, there are reinforcement tubes in the windscreen frame and the A-pillars, as well as convertible-specific reinforcements in the floor.

Unlike the VW T-Roc, the VW T-Roc Cabriolet benefits from Volkswagen Group’s new Modular Infotainment Toolkit (MIB 3) that uses new processors and includes eSIM to keep the vehicle permanently online. This means that the parent company’s latest infotainment system and the Digital Cockpit virtual instrument cluster (Active Info Display replacement) are present in the convertible SUV.

The VW T-Roc Cabriolet is available only in front-wheel drive. It measures 4,268 mm in length, 1,811 mm in width and 1,522 mm in height. This means that it is 34 mm longer, 8 mm narrower and 51 mm lower (FWD) compared to the VW T-Roc. Its wheelbase, at 2,630 mm, is 40 mm longer. The convertible SUV's boot space is 284 litres, while the SUV offers 445 litres of cargo space that can be increased to 1,290 litres by folding the rear seat backrests.

Volkswagen offers the T-Roc Cabriolet with only the 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine (115 PS/200 Nm) and the 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine (150 PS/250 Nm). The former can is teamed with a 6-speed manual transmission, while the latter can be had with a 6-speed manual transmission or the 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. The T-Roc Cabriolet 1.0 TSI can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 11.7 seconds and attain a top speed of 187 km/h. The T-Roc Cabriolet 1.0 TSI can hit the 100 km/h mark from standstill in 9.6 seconds and keep going further at speeds up to 205 km/h.

Volkswagen doesn't plan to launch to T-Roc Cabriolet in India, but it is considering the T-Roc R. Know more about that here.

Also Read: New VW Tiguan (facelift) teased, is a VW Golf-inspired compact SUV

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Volkswagen updates and other four-wheeler news.

According to a new media report, the VW T-Roc R could be introduced in India as the VW T-Roc GT. The report says that Volkswagen may go for the GT suffix instead of the R suffix because it is more familiar to Indian customers.

The VW T-Roc R's main highlight is its 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine that dishes out 300 PS of maximum power at 5,000 rpm and 400 Nm of torque at 2,000-5,200 rpm. This engine works in tandem with a tweaked 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission and the 4MOTION AWD system. A high-performance 17-inch brake system is there for ensuring powerful and consistently effective deceleration.

The VW T-Roc R can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds. At 250 km/h, the electronics limit the forward thrust of the high-performance small SUV. There’s no option to increase the electronically limited top speed, although, given the Indian road conditions and speed limit, that’s nothing to be sad about.

The VW T-Roc R is available with adaptive chassis control optionally, but we doubt that would be on offer in India. Even the Skoda Octavia RS 245 has been brought to our market without that adaptive suspension control system. In the German SUV, it allows configuring the running gear as normal, sporty or comfortable. Depending on the selection, the electrically adjustable damping and the steering automatically adapt.

Also Read: VW T-Roc India launch: Price, Brochure, Features & Specs

In Germany, the VW T-Roc R’s price is EUR 43,995 (INR 36,36,900.54). In India, the VW T-Roc R will likely be offered in a single configuration and probably cost upwards of INR 30 lakh (ex-showroom). It is expected to be launched in 2021.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Volkswagen updates and other four-wheeler news.

[Source: carandbike.com]

Volkswagen launched the T-Roc in India taking the benefit of the relaxed import norms that allow companies to sell up to 2,500 imported vehicles annually without homologating them in the country. The company currently imports it as a CBU, and hence the sticker price of INR 19.99 (ex-showroom). Do keep in mind that this price is applicable for only an introductory period, and so, in a month or two, the premium B-SUV will become even costlier.

The demand for the T-Roc in India is at a level which would motivate Volkswagen to locally assemble it. “At the moment there’s a lot of pull, then obviously one opportunity is P & C (Parts and Components assembly),” Knapp said. However, he ruled out manufacturing the T-Roc in the country. “I don’t think we will go for a fully built unit here,” he said. The company currently imports the premium sub-compact SUV to India from Portugal.

The VW T-Roc is available in India in a single configuration. The premium small SUV measures 4,342 mm in length, 1,819 mm in width and 1,573 mm in height. It has a 2,590 mm wheelbase. It offers 445 litres of cargo space. Under the hood, there’s a 1.5-litre TSI EVO turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine linked to a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. The engine produces 150 PS at 5,000-6,000 rpm and 250 Nm of torque at 1,500-3,500 rpm.

The VW T-Roc features a first-in-segment Active Cylinder Technology (ACT), which is basically a cylinder deactivation system in layman’s terms. This system deactivates two out of the four cylinders of the engine when it understands that the driving pattern is relaxed, basically on the basis of the required rpm. It helps in reducing fuel consumption.

LED headlamps, separate LED DRLs, 17-inch Mayfield diamond-cut alloy wheels, black ORVMs and roof and LED tail lamps are the exterior highlights of the VW T-Roc. On the inside, this SUV features Climatronic dual-zone automatic climate control, Composition media 10.25-inch Active Info Display, 8-inch Composition Media infotainment system, paddle shifters, heated front seats and much more.

6 airbags, ESC, TPMS, front and rear parking sensors, front fog lamps with cornering function, rear fog lamp, front and rear disc brakes and heated ORVMs are some of the main safety features of the VW T-Roc.

Also Read: VW T-Roc India launch: Price, Brochure, Features & Specs

The deliveries of the VW T-Roc were scheduled to commence in mid-April. However, the date has been postponed because of the ongoing national lockdown. Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Volkswagen updates and other four-wheeler news.

[Source: youtube.com]

VW T-Roc Specifications

The VW T-Roc is offered in India in a single mechanical configuration. It’s a front-wheel drive SUV powered by an EA211 1.5-litre TSI-Evo turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.

The engine is linked to the 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission and produces 150 PS and 250 Nm of torque. It features ACT, short for Active Cylinder Technology, which shuts off two cylinders when not required. This happens during relaxed driving at low engine speeds, in a matter of (13-36) milliseconds, and it helps reduce fuel consumption.

VW T-Roc Features

The VW T-Roc is available in India in only a single grade, which is quite well equipped. On the outside, it includes LED headlamps, LED DRLs, 17-inch Mayfield alloy wheels, black ORVMs, A-pillar and roof, silver anodised roof rails and LED tail lamps.

Interior highlights of the VW T-Roc include Climatronic 2-zone automatic climate control, Vienna leather seat upholstery, heated front seats, 8-inch Composition Media touchscreen infotainment system, 6 speakers, paddle shifters, 10.25-inch Active Info Display virtual instrument cluster and more.

There’s a long list of safety features too. Heated ORVMs, front and rear parking sensors, reverse camera, ESC, TPMS, HSA, front fog lamps with cornering function, rear fog lamp, 6 airbags and front and rear disc brakes are some of the noteworthy safety features.

The complete list of features is included in the brochure in the image gallery at the end of the story.

VW T-Roc Price

Also Read: VW Tiguan Allspace launched in India, priced at INR 33.13 lakh

The price of the newly launched VW T-Roc in India is INR 19.99 lakh (ex-showroom India). It is applicable for only an introductory period. Volkswagen will commence deliveries of the T-Roc in India in mid-April 2020. The all-new premium sub-compact SUV is imported to India in CBU form, from Setubal, Portugal. Curcuma Yellow, Energetic Orange, Pure White, Ravenna Blue, Deep Pearl Black and Indium Grey are the body paint choices.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Volkswagen news and other auto updates.

The VW T-Roc is the German rival to the likes of Hyundai Kona, Honda HR-V, Renault Captur (CMF-B) and Ford Puma. It sits on the MQB platform. It measures 4.2 metres in length, 1.8 metres in width and 1.6 metres in height and it has a wheelbase of 2.6 metres. The boot space is 445 litres and can be increased to 1,290 litres by folding down the rear seat backrests.

In India, Volkswagen offers the T-Roc in 6 colour options, and 5 of them are dual-tone.

VW T-Roc - Colour Options

• Curcuma Yellow + Black roof
• Energetic Orange + Black roof
• Pure White + Black roof
• Ravenna Blue + Black roof
• Deep Black Pearl
• Indium Grey + Black roof

The T-Roc is probably just an experimental model at the moment. Maybe it will be sold only until the 2021 VW Taigun is launched in the second half of next year. Volkswagen knows it’s a niche product for our market, and so, it is offering only one trim and a single mechanical configuration.

LED headlights, LED DRLs, 17-inch Mayfield alloy wheels, LED tail lamps, panoramic sunroof, 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster and Vienna leather seats are some of the equipment highlights of the VW T-Roc available in India.

On the safety front, the premium B-SUV includes Electronic Stabilisation Programme, Electronic Differential Lock, Anti-Slip Regulation, Motor-Schleppmoment-Regelung or engine drag torque control, Hill Start Assist (HSA) and 6 airbags.

Under the hood, there’s a 1.5-litre TSI-Evo engine with ACT. The turbocharged four-cylinder petrol mill produces 150 PS and 250 Nm of torque and is linked to a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 4MOTION permanent AWD system is offered internationally but not in India.

ACT is short for Active Cylinder Technology and works over a range between 1,400 and 4,000 rpm and torque outputs between 25 and ~100 Nm. It makes urban driving more efficient by deactivating two cylinders when not required.

VW T-Roc - Specifications

Also See: 2020 VW Tiguan (facelift) leaked, coming to India after Allspace?

Volkswagen imports the T-Roc to India as a CBU from Portugal, where the manufacturing takes place in Setubal.

VW T-Roc colour options in India

• Deep Black Pearl
• Curcuma Yellow + Black Roof (dual-tone)
• Energetic Orange + Black Roof (dual-tone)
• Pure White + Black Roof (dual-tone)
• Ravenna Blue + Black Roof (dual-tone)
• Indium Grey + Black Roof (dual-tone)

VW T-Roc key features in India

• LED headlamps
• LED DRLs
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• LED tail lamps
• Vienna leather seats
• Digital cockpit (11.7-inch virtual instrument cluster)
• Panoramic sunroof
• Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP)
• Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
• Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
• Motor-Schleppmoment-Regelung (MSR) or engine drag torque control
• Hill Start Assist (HSA)
• 6 airbags

VW T-Roc specifications in India

Also See: 2020 VW Tiguan (facelift) leaked, coming to India after Allspace?

The VW T-Roc is based on the MQB platform and sits below the VW Tiguan in the German automaker's line-up. Introduced in August 2017, the sub-compact SUV is built with higher standards than the low-cost 2021 VW Taigun. The latter, underpinned by the MQB A0 IN platform, will arrive in the second half of 2021.

India will get the VW T-Roc that is manufactured at the Setubal plant (near Lisbon), Portugal, as a CBU import. Expect steep pricing of over INR 20 lakh (ex-showroom). Segment-wise, its competitors will be the likes of Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta, which are locally manufactured and thus priced way lower.

[Image Source: team-bhp.com]

The VW T-Roc that was showcased at Auto Expo 2020 was in its sportiest trim ‘R-Line’ and equipped with the 19-inch ‘Suzuka’ alloy wheels, uniquely shaped body-coloured bumpers, side skirts and R-Line badging.

The VW T-roc listed on Volkswagen India website shows a lower-end configuration featuring 17-inch Mayfield alloy wheels and grey lower body. The test mule seen in the spy shots is equipped with even more basic alloy wheels, which suggests that more than one trim could be on offer.

Features so far officially confirmed to be offered in the VW T-Roc in India include LED headlamps with DRL, panoramic sunroof, Vienna leather seats, reverse parking camera, Climatronic automatic climate control, passive keyless entry and keyless start. Safety equipment will include six airbags, Electronic Stability Control and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.

The online listing in India shows the glass-encased 8.0-inch Composition Media system that includes CD player, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well. The more advanced, 8.0-inch Discover Media system that includes navigation also won’t be offered in our market. Another disappointing exclusion here will be the 11.7-inch Active Info Display fully digital instrument cluster.

The VW T-Roc is based on the MQB platform. It is 4,234 mm long, 1,819 mm wide and 1,572 mm (FWD)/1,573 mm (AWD) tall. It has a wheelbase of 2,590 mm and it offers 445 litres of boot space. The cargo capacity can be expanded to 1,290 litres by folding down the rear seat backrests.

Volkswagen will sell the T-Roc in India with only the 1.5-litre TSI-Evo turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 150 PS and 250 Nm of torque. The 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission will be standard. The 4MOTION AWD system won’t be available.

Also Read: 5 things you need to know about the production VW Taigun

The VW T-Roc will be imported to India via the CBU route and it may cost above INR 20 lakh (ex-showroom).

[Image Source: team-bhp.com]

The VW T-Roc is nearly the size of the 2021 VW Taigun and thus sits below the VW Tiguan Allspace. Underpinned by the versatile MQB platform, the crossover model measures 4,234 mm in length, 1,819 mm in width and 1,572 mm (FWD)/1,573 mm (AWD) in height. It has a 2,590 mm wheelbase. The boot space is 445 litres. Folding down the rear seat backrests boosts the cargo capacity to as much as 1,290 litres.

The VW T-Roc sold in India will come loaded with features like dual-tone alloy wheels, LED headlamps with DRL, LED tail lights, panoramic sunroof (1,364 mm x 870 mm), Vienna leather seats, Climatronic two-zone automatic climate control system with rear AC vents, passive keyless entry with keyless start, reverse parking camera, six airbags, ESC and TPMS.

As for the infotainment system, the VW T-Roc offered in our market will be equipped with the glass-encased 8.0-inch Composition Media system with CD player, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A more advanced, 8.0-inch Discover Media system based on it, featuring navigation and a broad range of vehicle information, is offered in other markets. Also not on offer here, neither as standard nor as an option, will be the 11.7-inch Active Info Display fully digital instrument cluster.

While a selection of TSI turbocharged petrol and TDI turbocharged diesel engines are available internationally, in India, the 1.5L TSI-Evo petrol engine will be standard. This engine produces 150 PS and 250 Nm of torque. It can be had with a 6-speed manual transmission in FWD drivetrain layout or with a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission in FWD drivetrain layout/AWD drivetrain layout (with 4MOTION AWD system). In our market, the 7-speed DSG transmission will be standard and the 4MOTION AWD system won’t be available.

Also Read: Next-gen VW Vento teased - Specs & features revealed

The VW T-Roc will likely cost above INR 20 lakh (ex-showroom), as it will be a CBU import. It is made in Palmela, Portugal. No more than 2,500 units will be sold annually.

Introduced in August 2017, the VW T-Roc internationally straddles the B- and C-segments. It's a model positioned between the VW T-Cross and the VW Tiguan globally. Save for the dual-tone colour scheme, there's little that is funky about the way the VW T-Roc looks. The VW T-Roc has a typically mature look seen on most Volkswagens aimed primarily at European customers.

The VW T-Roc makes sense for Europe, where the VW T-Cross is smaller. In India, the VW Taigun will be roughly the same size as the VW T-Roc. However, here it's coming just as a stop-gap measure until the model positioned lower is ready to reach the showrooms (in the second half of 2021). For reference, the VW T-Roc measures 4,234 mm in length, 1,819 mm in width and 1,573 mm (2WD)/1,572 mm (AWD) in height. It has a 2,590 mm wheelbase.

While a number of mechanical configurations are available in Europe, in India, there's only one. A 1.5-litre TSI-Evo turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 150 PS and 240 Nm of torque is linked to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 4MOTION AWD system is not a part of the package, and so, the drive is sent to only the front wheels.

LED headlamps with DRL, panoramic sunroof, passive keyless entry, engine start-stop button, two-zone Climatronic automatic climate control system, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and Vienna leather seats are the features that have been confirmed for the Indian-spec VW T-Roc. On the safety front, it packs reverse parking camera, Electronic Stability Control, six airbags, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and more.

Imported via the CBU route from Portugal, the VW T-Roc will easily cost upwards of INR 20 lakh (ex-showroom) in India. Are there enough takers for this Kia Seltos rival costing double its price? Let us know in the comments section below.

2020 Maruti Vitara Brezza (facelift)

The game-changer of the sub-four metre SUV segment, Maruti Vitara Brezza, is all set to receive its first proper facelift. The visual changes will be mild in the form of revised front and rear bumpers, new, LED headlamps, tweaked tail lamps and machined alloy wheels and a couple of additional interior features.

However, the big changes will be under the bonnet, as unlike the currently available Vitara Brezza, the new model will be sold with a petrol engine only. In this case, it will be the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol with (optional) 12V mild-hybrid tech and the choices of 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic gearboxes.

2020 Hyundai Creta

The biggest stalwart for Hyundai, the Creta, will enter into the second generation with comprehensive updates to each and every aspect. The Indian-spec 2020 Hyundai Creta will be based on the 2020 Hyundai iX25. However, it will come with few visual tweaks to front and rear, with different alloy wheels as well.

Along with an offbeat exterior and a revamped, futuristic interior, the next-gen Hyundai Creta will boast a new set of engines – 115 PS 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol, 115 PS 1.5L turbocharged diesel engine and 120 PS 1.0L turbocharged petrol.

2020 Mahindra Thar

After a long, long time, the Mahindra Thar is also going to get its second generation model, which will see it making a shift towards a more modern and practical vehicle.

While the exterior will only minor visual changes, the interior will be revamped altogether with a more contemporary layout with new additions like multifunction steering wheel, touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control and more. Unlike in the previous generation model, front-facing rear seat will be available.

Under the hood, 2020 Mahindra Thar will have an all-new, BS-VI compliant 2.0-litre diesel engine, which will be offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard and a four-wheel drive system as an optional fitment.

MG Hector Plus

After taking the 5-seat C-SUV segment by a storm with the Hector, MG will soon be upping its game by launching a 6-seat version of the same. Set to be named Hector Plus, it will feature a more stylish exterior and two captain seats in the middle and a third row behind them.

The interior cabin of the MG Hector Plus might be completely similar to that of the Hector, however, the exterior will see some visual changes in the form of a tweaked grille and a new set of LED headlamps and tail lamps. Powertrain options will be carried forward from the Hector – 1.5-litre turbo petrol and 2.0-litre diesel engines.

[Image Source: Autocar India]

Tata Gravitas

To take on the fight with the MG Hector Plus, Tata Motors has readied its warrior in the form of the seven-seat version of the Harrier - the Gravitas. Previewed as the Buzzard Geneva Edition showcased at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, the Tata Gravitas will see much more comprehensive changes on the outside, with a completely new design post the C-pillar and the obvious inclusion of third-row of seats on the inside.

While the interior design will be shared with the Harrier, it will likely feature some additional features like a tyre pressure monitoring system for instance. Powering this SUV will be a 170 PS 2.0L diesel engine. A 6-speed automatic transmission will be available.

2020 Tata Nexon (facelift)

In the wake of new competitors, Tata Motors too will be giving a fresh lease of life to the Nexon, with fee visual tweaks and feature additions. Taking heavy inspiration from the Nexon EV revealed few days ago, the 2020 Nexon will have a new bolder front appearance with new radiator grille, headlamps, fog lamps, bumpers, alloy wheels and more.

The interior cabin might see the inclusion of new features, including the much needed sunroof. The new Tata Nexon will continue to soldier on with the current 1.2-litre turbo petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines, with both 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT gearboxes.

[Image Source: Autocar India]

Kia Carnival

The Kia Carnival is a globally successful mid-size MPV in a segment above the Toyota Innova Crysta.

The Kia Carnival will be available in 7-, 8- and 7-seat configurations. It will be targeted at customers seeking extraordinary rear-seat comfort, especially during long-haul journeys.

Skoda Karoq

Set to be launched as a challenger to Jeep Compass, the Skoda Karoq has an appeal of a scaled-down Skoda Kodiaq, both in terms of size as well as features.

The 5-seat C-SUV will be launched as a petrol-only model and will pack Volkswagen Group's ubiquitous 1.5L TSI Evo turbocharged petrol engine (150 PS/250 Nm), along with will be offered with 6-speed manual and 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission choices. Imported via the CBU route, it will be launched in April.

VW T-Roc

The VW T-Roc, also a CBU import, will go against the Skoda Karoq. It will be launched in the next financial year (April 2020-March 2021).

The VW T-Roc will also share the 1.5L turbo petrol engine with the Skoda Karoq as the only engine option, and in the same state of tune – 150 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque.

Renault Zoe

After playing it safe with low-cost, locally manufactured models for years now, Renault will finally take bold move with niche import - the Zoe. The Zoe is a sub-compact all-electric hatchback with a 41 kWh battery. It will likely be assembled here and launched by next fiscal.

The Renault Zoe offers a range of up to 395 km under the WLTP cycle. It will face competition from the Tata Altroz EV, which will be cheaper as it will be manufactured in India.

Mahindra XUV300 Electric

Mahindra will be previewing the all-electric version of its popular compact SUV, the XUV300, at the Auto Expo. While there will be very few visual differences between the XUV300 Electric and its conventional fuel-driven counterpart, the obvious major difference will be under the hood, with the former carrying an all-electric powertrain.

The Mahindra XUV300 Electric will be launched in FY2020-2021. It will be available with two battery pack options, one with ~200 km range and one with ~350-400 km range. It will be pitched as a direct competitor to the Tata Nexon EV, which will be launched in India towards the end of this month.

Four new SUVs by VW for the Auto Expo 2020.

1. VW T-Roc - Indian Premiere

The VW T-Roc has been spotted in India several times in the past. It is going to be placed above the VW MQB A0 IN SUV. It will be a niche product and identical to the version that is present in the European markets. To be imported as a CBU from Palmela, Portugal, it will be offered with only a 1.5-litre TSI Evo petrol engine linked to a 7-speed DCT. An AWD system will likely be standard. With a retail price of around at least INR 20 lakh will rival the likes of Hyundai Tucson and Jeep Compass.

2. VW I.D. Crozz II concept - Indian Premiere

The VW I.D. Crozz concept was displayed for the very first time at the 2017 Shanghai Motor Show. Later on, its updated version was revealed at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show and named VW I.D. Crozz II. For the uninitiated, the I.D. Crozz/I.D. Crozz II is a pure electric SUV-coupe underpinned by Volkswagen's dedicated EV platform called MEB. Its production version will be unveiled later this year and could make it here as a CBU import from Zwickau, Germany in the distant future before the first-ever locally made Volkswagen EV. 

3. VW MQB A0 IN SUV - World Premiere:

The VW MQB A0 IN SUV will take the centre spot at Volkswagen's pavilion at Auto Expo 2020. The teaser image suggests that it will look close to the Euro-spec VW T-Cross, although chances are it will carry a different name in India, so as to be not deemed as a 'crossover utility vehicle (CUV)'. It will be launched a few months after the Skoda MQB A0 IN SUV, the production version of the Skoda Vision IN concept, in 2021.

4. VW Tiguan Allspace - Indian Premiere

The VW Tiguan Allspace has been under speculation for India for a long time now and it has also been caught undergoing testing in the country on several occasions last year. Now the VW's teaser image for Expo only confirms that it, in fact, will make its Indian debut next month at the Expo. It is expected to retail at around INR 30 lakh (ex-showroom).

The VW Tiguan Allspace will be a direct competitor to the likes of the Honda CR-V, the Skoda Kodia and the Toyota Fortuner. It will be sold in only the 7-seat version here, with a 2.0L TSI petrol engine as standard.

Steffen Knapp, director, Volkswagen passenger cars said, “We will showcase our new brand philosophy and strategy for India 2.0 as well as three of our new SUV offerings at the Auto Expo 2020. The first ones of these will be launched in the second quarter of next year and our smallest SUV, nicknamed A0 SUV, will be rolled out in 2021.”

The first upcoming VW SUV in the list will likely be the VW Tiguan Allspace. Since Volkswagen will probably want to work on upgrading/replacing an existing model to BS-VI, and as the VW Tiguan is already present in the market, getting the VW Tiguan Allspace in India should be relatively an easier task. The replacement of the VW Tiguan with the VW Tiguan Allspace will make more space for the VW T-Roc to slot it. The second launch should be the VW T-Roc, in late-2020. For the uninitiated, its road-testing in India has begun. It will likely be the torchbearer of the 1.5-litre TSI Evo petrol engine in the country.

In early 2021,  VW's answer to the Kia Seltos, the MQB A0 IN based SUV that will be unveiled in concept form at Auto Expo 2020, will be launched in India. This will be its biggest launch in our market following the VW Vento back in 2010.

Also Read: MQB A0-based VW Nivus SUV-coupe

The fourth model has to be the third-gen VW Touareg, and it will most probably be launched by end-2021. By then, it will likely have received a facelift, and expect our market to get the updated model directly.

In terms of dimensions, the VW T-Roc falls right between the VW T-Cross B-SUV and the VW Tiguan C-SUV. It measures 4,234 mm in length, 1,819 mm in width and 1,573 mm (FWD)/1,572 mm (AWD) in height. Its wheelbase measures 2,590 mm.

Volkswagen is also reportedly planning to replace the Tiguan with the Tiguan Allspace in India in 2020. The VW T-Roc will sit above the upcoming VW MQB A0 IN SUV in India. For the uninitiated the latter is nothing but basically a T-Cross spinoff. The T-Roc, on the other hand, will be a niche product and will be very similar to the version offered in Europe. It will be launched as a CBU under the relaxed homologation rules. This directly means that either 2,500 units or less will be available annually.

Under the hood, the VW T-Roc will pack the 1.5-litre TSI Evo petrol engine. This engine is known to deliver 150 PS of maximum power and 250 Nm of peak torque and features cylinder deactivation technology. It will be offered with 7-speed DCT and in FWD drivetrain layout. The 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine that generates 190 PS and 320 Nm of torque is also said to be offered.

Also Read: World premiere in Wolfsburg: 2020 VW Golf (VW Golf Mk8) breaks cover

Expect the VW T-Roc to have retail pricing starting from INR 20 lakh and extending up to INR 27 lakh (ex-showroom). At this price, it will compete directly the Hyundai Tucson, the upcoming Skoda Karoq and the Jeep Compass.

[Image Source: BrainWheelz/Rushlane]