Articles by Tom White

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The T-Roc small SUV is a key model for Volkswagen, which sits between the compact T-Cross and mid-size Tiguan SUVs.The T-Roc will continue to be more important for the brand into the near future, as in 2022 it overtook the Golf in Australia to become VW’s fourth best-selling model, after the Tiguan, Amarok, and T-Cross.With an update in late 2022, though, the T-Roc now offers an expanded range of variants and a significant shift in its standard equipment and pricing. To understand the current range, see our full layout 2023 Volkswagen T-Roc specs below:The Volkswagen T-Roc is currently available in three main trim levels, the base Style which costs from $37,100 before on-road costs, the R-Line which costs from $45,200 before on-roads, and the top-spec R from $60,300. There is also a limited R Grid Edition variant, which trims the price slightly for the performance variant to $54,300 before on-roads.2023 Volkswagen T-Roc prices before on-road costsThe T-Roc is available with a variety of standard equipment depending on the grade. The base Style scores 18-inch alloy wheels, an 8.0-inch multimedia touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a new digital instrument cluster, wireless charger, ambient interior lighting, rear window tint, leather steering wheel, digital radio, LED headlights and sport front seats with a synthetic suede material.Options for the Style include a 'Sound and Vision' package ($2000) which includes an upgraded digital instrument cluster, improved multimedia suite with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a 300W Beats audio system, a Nappa leather interior trim option ($3450), a sunroof ($2000), and a powered tailgate ($600).The mid-grade R-Line scores an 18-inch wheel in a sportier design, a sportier suspension with matching ‘progressive’ steering tune, an enhanced digital instrument cluster and improved multimedia suite with built-in navigation, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.Options for the R-Line include Vienna leather interior ($3950), a sunroof ($2000), or a powered tailgate ($600).At the top of the range is the T-Roc R. Aside from its larger engine and all-wheel drive system, the R scores larger 19-inch alloy wheels, new drive modes, a revised suspension tune, the electric tailgate included as standard, premium dash cluster and larger 9.2-inch multimedia touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, improved LED headlights and taillights, as well as bespoke R seats and interior trims.Options on the R include the sunroof ($2000), black style pack ($1200), Beats audio ($750), and signature blue interior highlights ($250).The T-Roc has three variant-dependent engines. The base Style has a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed traditional torque converter automatic transmission. It drives the front wheels only and has maximum outputs of 110kW/250Nm.The R-Line is equipped with a larger 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, which is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and the brand’s ‘4Motion’ all-wheel drive system. In this configuration, maximum outputs are 140kW/320Nm.At the top of the performance tree, is the T-Roc R. The R also has a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, seven-speed dual clutch transmission, and all-wheel drive system, but has much higher total outputs of 221kW/400Nm.Is the T-Roc offered in diesel?No, unlike its larger Tiguan sibling, the Volkswagen T-Roc is not offered with a diesel engine.Fuel consumption for the 2023 T-Roc range will depend heavily on the variant chosen, with official numbers ranging between 6.3L/100km for the base Style to 8.3L/100km for the performance-oriented R.Boot space in the T-Roc range varies between 440 litres for the base Style, or 392 litres for the R-Line and R.USB-C connectivity is standardised throughout the cabin, as are items like cupholders.The T-Roc has a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating dated to 2017, before the car arrived in Australia.Standard equipment carries across most of the range, although due to supply constraints, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert will not be available on all cars delivered over the course of 2023.Cars which do not get this equipment will come with a $650 discount. The top-spec R will continue to maintain standard blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross traffic alert.Current standard equipment across the T-Roc range includes freeway-speed auto emergency braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. There are also six airbags and the standard array of stability, brake, and traction systems.Available colours for the T-Roc include the standard (zero cost) 'Pure White', as well as optional metallic shades - 'Indium Grey', 'Kings Red', 'Petroleum Blue', 'Pyrite Silver' and 'Ravenna Blue'. The T-Roc R adds the option of 'Deep Black Pearl'.

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