Motor Trader The award-winning and longest running UK magazine for car retailing professionals. Your first stop for News, Jobs and Reports for the motor industry.
Volkswagen dealers are preparing for a new SUV offensive beginning with the all-new T-Roc model which will compete head-on against the newly facelifted Nissan Qashqai.
The new compact crossover will go on sale in the UK before the end of 2017 with prices expect to start from around £19,000.
The T-Roc will sit alongside the existing Tiguan as a more style-based five-seater compact crossover model, with a coupe-like visual profile making use of a chrome styling line. It is expected to be followed next year by the smaller T-Cross model, based on a concept unveiled at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.
The T-Roc is built on the same Volkswagen Group MQB modular platform as the Tiguan and powertrains will be similar across the two models. While details are yet to be revealed three TSI petrol and three diesels will be on offer to T-Roc buyers. The vast majority of sales will be with front-wheel-drive powertrains, but the T-Roc will offer an all-wheel-drive option using Volkswagen’s 4Motion transmission – many rival crossovers are now FWD only.
Volkswagen believes dealers will be able to interest a wide age range of buyers in the T-Roc, from young drivers buying for style to older ‘empty nesters’. Volkswagen chairman Dr Herbert Diess, unveiling the car, described it as a “a milestone in our SUV offensive,” that “sets a new benchmark in the booming SUV segment.”
Dealers will also be able to compete against the Renault Captur, Seat Ateca and Peugeot 3008 in one of the most competitive parts of the new car market.
The car is expected to appeal on a number of factors, younger buyers attracted by its many personalisation offers which include a two-tone exterior finish with a visually contrasting roof – the first VW SUV to offer such an option.
Equipment levels will also be heavily promoted, notably a host of driver-assistance systems will be fitted as standard on all models, including an automatic post-collision braking system, a lane-keeping system and a front monitoring system including pedestrian monitoring and city emergency braking. A further 10 assistance features will be available as options, ranging from adaptive cruise control to rear parking cameras.
The production version of the T-Roc will be on show at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September where it is expected to be joined by the next-generation version of Volkswagen’s largest SUV, the Touareg.
