Volkswagen T-ROC News

If you can’t beat them, join them. Volkswagen has long resisted the urge to add conventional, Toyota-style hybrid power to its cars, but not anymore.The German maker is rapidly expanding its petrol-electric range, diversifying from the petrol, plug-in hybrid and fully-electric options currently available.Now it has revealed European prices for the VW Golf hatchback and T-Roc SUV hybrids, which would rival the popular Toyota Corolla and Corolla Cross.Prices start at €41,400 ($67,000) for the Golf and €44,470 ($72,000) for the T-Roc. Both models are only available in the top-spec R-Line specification, and represent about a €4000 ($6500) premium over the petrol models.Petrol R-Line versions cost about $50,000 before on-road costs in Australia, so a hybrid version could cost about $60,000 on the road in Australia. That would put it about $20,000 more than the cheapest equivalent Toyota hybrids.Volkswagen Australia has previously been unable to confirm if the hybrid Golf and T-Roc will arrive in Australia, but the company said it is always evaluating opportunities for our market.The hybrid Golf and T-Roc combine a tried-and-tested 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, two electric motors and a 1.6kWh battery.VW claims this set-up produces 125kW/309Nm, a jump of 15kW/59kW over the petrol Golf’s 110kW/250Nm max outputs.It also uses about 4.6-litres per 100km of fuel, which is slightly more than Toyota's claim.Hybrid options are becoming increasingly important to brands in Australia as purely petrol powered vehicles are starting to fall foul of Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES).The NVES levels fines against carmakers for every gram of CO2 a sold vehicle emits over a certain threshold. This threshold gets lower every year until 2030.The fines can be offset by sales of EVs and plug-in hybrids.Purely petrol cars will soon become prohibitively expensive, with hybrids also attracting moderate fines in the coming years.The NVES is also putting Australia at the front of the queue for international brands to get low emissions or electric vehicles.Volkswagen Australia for years struggled to get its electric cars sold in Europe and other parts of the world, as our market wasn’t considered an emissions critical one that needed these vehicles. This is no longer the case.All this works in favour of Volkswagen bringing its latest hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles here.

Volkswagen Australia says it doesn’t fear newcomer Chinese brands, detailing the ways it believes its vehicles are superior while highlighting a slew of new models that it says will supercharge its sales in our market.That’s the word from the brand’s Head of Passenger Cars in Australia, Piergiorgio Minto, who says that while VW might not be able to compete directly on price with some newcomer brands, he believes his cars drive better than rival vehicles, and offer an elevated level of engineering.It’s one of three reasons he laid out that he says will continue to draw people to the Volkswagen brand.“I still believe that Volkswagen has a big advantage in drivability. Our cars are definitely superior there. So there is a different kind of engineering behind it,” he says.“And I believe that we also have some other subjects that are less linked to the product. Heritage is something that we have and we need to leverage that.“And last but not least, historically we have been present (in Australia) a long time, we have a very solid dealer network out there that is offering a strong service and is always there whenever a customer needs something.“These three propositions are quite unique. And they're still valid for the market.”The brand says its these three pillars that will spark a sales revival, suggesting it was a “perfect storm” of product renewals, rather than increased competition, that has seen sales fall over the past 18 months.“From a product perspective, you've got to remember that the biggest players involved for us — Tiguan, Tiguan Allspace — ran out last year, and T-Roc is running out this year,” says Arjun Nidigallu, Volkswagen Australia Head of Product.“So, our biggest volumes, it's just a perfect storm in terms of product changes and timings, which is why we don't feel like we're behind the eight ball."The new Tiguan plug-in hybrid, or e-Hybrid in VW parlance, has just launched in Australia, along with the spiritual successor to the Tiguan Allspace, the Tayron e-Hybrid, giving the brand a full complement across those SUV lineups. It will be joined by the second-generation T Roc — hugely important to the brand's sales numbers — which will offer more space, more tech and a new mild-hybrid powertrain.“It was part of the plan and now we're gearing up back this year towards having a full line up, and then with the T-Roc coming back next year, we'll be back in those numbers that we've seen in the past,” says Nidigallu.

Volkswagen has broadened available powertrain options in two of its mainstay models with the introduction of full-hybrid versions of the Golf hatch and T-Roc small SUV.Scheduled for global release in the fourth quarter of this year the newcomers are ‘plugless’ hybrids powered by a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine supported by a hybrid module consisting of two electric motors (one drive unit and the second acting as a generator), power electronics, a differential, single-speed transmission and an electronically-controlled multi-plate clutch used to engage and disengage the combustion engine.VW said the Golf Hybrid and T-Roc Hybrid have been designed to enable a higher proportion of pure-electric driving compared with existing ‘eTSI’ mild-hybrid variants and reduce charging complexity relative to plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models.Final specs for the electric motors and lithium-ion battery are yet to be detailed for the prospective Toyota Corolla and Corolla Cross rivals but VW has confirmed both will be front-wheel drive only with three operating modes available.The electric motor will be engaged exclusively at low speeds. Then, in ‘Serial drive’ the combustion engine is decoupled to act as an additional generator for battery charging. And, as the name suggests, ‘Parallel drive’ puts the engine in the primary position at speeds at or above 60km/h with the electric drive motor in support as a ‘booster’ when accelerating.Three driving profiles - ‘Eco’, ‘Comfort’ and ‘Sport’ also modulate maximum system output according to specific needs.Badged ‘eHybrid’ or GTE in more performance-focused variants, VW is positioning the new models as “a suitable drive solution for every usage scenario” in addition to its pure-electric ID. line-up.CarsGuide contacted Volkswagen Australia for comment on the potential for the new Golf and T-Roc hybrids joining the brand’s local range and a spokesperson said, "While Volkswagen Australia continues to assess future opportunities for the local market, we’re unable to confirm Australian availability or timing at this stage."

Volkswagen’s new-generation T-Roc small SUV has made its world debut showing off its new shape, tech and powertrains ahead of its arrival in Australia.The T-Roc may be small but it's Volkswagen’s biggest selling car in Australia behind the Amarok ute. The small SUV is getting larger, though. This second generation T-Roc has grown 12cm longer in length, but it’s still a compact 4373mm end to end, which VW said translated to more cabin room and a bigger boot at an impressive 475 litres.As you’d expect of any new-gen model the exterior has been overhauled with the T-Roc now looking like a mini version of the Tiguan mid-sized SUV.Inside the T-Roc’s cabin has stepped further into more premium-looking territory with soft materials and ambient lighting,  which Volkswagen said added a ‘lounge-like atmosphere”. New cabin tech includes a larger 13-inch media screen and an optional head up display. What you can’t see is the MQB evo platform the new T-Roc is built on — the same architecture the Tiguan uses. The platform gives the new T-Roc some advanced tech capabilities including autonomous lane changing and improved self parking with remote smart phone control.New powertrains accompany the new T-Roc’s arrival with 1.5-litre turbo petrol mild hybrid variants in two states of tune — 85kW and 110kW — for front-wheel drive versions.A more powerful 2.0-litre mild hybrid will join the line-up at a later date, and will be fitted to all-wheel drive R variants. A T-Roc R is confirmed, too, and it will retain its crown as the angriest and quickest in the range with the most amount of grunt. You won't find any purely electric variants here, with Volkswagen keeping EVs for its I.D. range of vehicles. That said this generation of the T-Roc could be the last combustion powered version.New colours for the T-Roc range include Canary Yellow, Celestial Blue metallic, Flamed Red metallic, and Grenadilla Black metallic. The new-gen T-Roc launches in Europe this November, and CarsGuide has reached out to Volkswagen Australia to confirm timing and prices for a local launch here.Australian pricing and specifications will no doubt be announced closer to the new T-Roc’s arrival here, but expect it to be more expensive than the current version's $38,990 starting point.

Volkswagen has published its first official teaser image of the forthcoming next-generation T-Roc small SUV ahead of its expected reveal at this year’s Munich motor show in September.

Images of the new-generation Volkswagen T-Roc small SUV have leaked online ahead of its reveal on August 27.Screenshots of a YouTube video that’s now been deleted were shared on Spanish forum website Cochespias and they show the car’s exterior and interior design.This follows leaked imagery of the T-Roc’s exterior design earlier this year.The new Volkswagen T-Roc clearly has a family resemblance to the new Tiguan, which launched in new, third-generation guise earlier this year in Australia.There’s a sporty-looking front end with an aggressive grille set-up, as well as LED headlights that are connected by an LED strip light.Around the side the new T-Roc has a more swoopy, almost coupe-like rear end than the outgoing model. There are still sharp body lines and cladding around the wheel arches.At the back the tailgate design looks reminiscent of the current Tiguan, as well as the electric ID.4 and ID.5. There’s a full-width LED light bar with an illuminated Volkswagen badge, along with ‘T-Roc’ written out on the tailgate.Inside there’s a free-standing digital instrument cluster with no shroud, along with a large touchscreen multimedia display with touch-sensitive sliders for the volume and dual-zone climate control.The gear selector has been moved behind the steering wheel, which allows for the centre console storage to be maximised.Another noteworthy design element is the steering wheel features physical buttons, rather than the touch-sensitive units certain T-Roc models currently have.At this stage there are no details surrounding the powertrain line-up for the new T-Roc.The model in the leaked images has an ‘eTSI’ badge on the rear, meaning it likely has a mild-hybrid set-up.In current Volkswagen vehicles based on the MQB Evo platform, like this forthcoming new-generation T-Roc, there are 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre mild-hybrid engine configurations.Other expected engine configurations include a 110kW 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder, as well as a 150kW tune of a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol with all-wheel drive.A plug-in hybrid version is likely, as well as a high-performance R version in due course.There has been no more word on whether the T-Roc will also receive a Toyota-style hybrid powertrain option at launch, like previous reports suggested.For now we’ll have to wait until August 27 for the full reveal, or if new information leaks online.

Volkswagen's incoming new-generation T-Roc small SUV will feature the brand’s first hybrid system when it arrives this year, according to a report It might sound strange but until now when it comes to hybrid vehicles Volkswagen has only offered the plug-in kind (PHEV) or mild variants. Now in a first for the brand a series-parallel hybrid system similar to the one that Toyota uses will debut on the second gen T-Roc.  Series-parallel hybrid systems combine a petrol engine with an electric motor and battery to drive the vehicle’s wheels. The new T-Roc, which makes its debut this September, will use this kind of hybrid system according to British motoring outlet Autocar.According to Autocar, Volkswagen’s CEO Thomas Schafer said the brand needed hybrid vehicles due to a slowdown in battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales and an increase in hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) beng bought as well. "We needed to do it anyway, because South America has a need for an HEV drivetrain - and the T-Roc is built in South America for South America, and also in China, “ Mr Schafer said."Interestingly enough, HEV has also become a big theme in the US specifically. It's a technology that everybody said was not necessary any more, but now with the BEV slowdown in the US, the balance is HEVs."And the T-Roc won't be the only Volkswagen to offer the hybrid system with sources telling Autocar there will also be hybrid versions of the Golf hatch and Tiguan mid-size SUV as well in the next two years.The hybrid T-Roc is expected to make its international debut at the Munich motor show in September.The slow down in EV uptake the past 12 months in Australia and other global markets shows the importance of transitional tech such as hybrid power.Australia is also seeing a surge of interest in hybrid vehicles. In 2024 sales of hybrid vehicles, excluding PHEVs was up by 89.8 per cent for SUVs and 39.9 per cent for hatches and sedans.Currently, the only hybrid is Volkswagen's Australian line-up is the Touareg R and it's a plug-in hybrid.CarsGuide has reached out to Volkswagen Australia for confirmation but was told by a spokesperson that nothing could said on the topic yet as the vehicle hasn’t been revealed. 

Those looking for an even tougher street presence from a small SUV will be happy to hear Volkswagen has launched a Wolfsburg Edition of its popular T-Roc R which brings unique styling and an Akrapovic exhaust for a more aggressive growl.

Volkswagen is no longer offering a car under $30,000 in Australia after announcing a minor update to its Polo and T-Roc models.For 2025, the base model Polo Life will start at $30,790, before on-road costs, an increase of $1300 on last year’s price.That puts it at $2,290 more than its key rival in the Toyota Yaris Ascent Sport, which starts at $28,500, before on-road costs, while it is nearly $7000 more expensive than the MG 3 Excite, which starts at $23,990 before on-road costs.The T-Roc, meanwhile, gets a $2000 bump in price from last year to $38,990, before on-road costs, meaning it is at least $5090 more than the hybrid-only Toyota Yaris Cross ($33,900) and $6490 more expensive than the petrol Hyundai Kona ($32,500, both at before on-road costs).In exchange of the price increase, Polo buyers will get standard Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane-Keep Assist across the range.The biggest updates are reserved for the mid-spec Polo Style, however, which adds keyless entry, push-button start, satellite navigation and wireless charging.For the base model T-Roc CityLife, there is the addition of Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert, which combines blind-spot monitor via a mirror-mounted illumination and an audible alert when an object or vehicle is detected behind the T-Roc while reversing.The T-Roc R-Line also gets a new sports leather-appointed steering wheel with buttons for audio, trip computer and adaptive cruise control functions.All new T-Roc customers now have access to VW’s GoConnect smartphone app, which allows five-year access to several functions including live technical status, vehicle location, recent trips, warning light and error notification, plus direct dealer communication.The upgraded Polo and T-Roc are available to order now with deliveries commencing during Q1 2025.Remaining supplies of the existing MY24 T-Roc CityLife are in run-out until March 31, which buyers can nab for $37,990, drive-away. Volkswagen sold 2154 Polos last year, an increase of 132.1 per cent on the previous year, while selling 7777 T-Rocs, a decrease of 13.0 per cent on the year prior.All prices are at before on-road costsAll prices are at before on-road costs

Volkswagen is gearing up to replace its T-Roc small SUV, leaked images reveal. The Golf-sized crossover has appeared un-camouflaged for the first time in images shared to the Cochespias forum. There is no official timeline from Volkswagen for when the new T-Roc might launch, however the current generation has been on the market since 2017 (globally, and Australia since late 2018) suggesting its replacement is due late in 2025 or early in 2026. Up front, pictures show the new generation T-Roc getting a big makeover reminiscent of the larger Tiguan. There’s a broad front grille with big hexagons, more intricate aerodynamic detailing and fresh alloy wheel designs. Some of the T-Roc’s signature details remain including the lifted hatch proportions and chunky C-Pillar to accentuate the sloping roofline and give it a more coupe-like design. Underneath, the T-Roc is essentially a jacked up Golf Mk8.5 and thought to use that car’s MQB Evo underpinnings. The current T-Roc is based on a seventh-generation Golf. Upgrades include improved rigidity and stiffer mounting points and better compatibility with new plug-in hybrid powertrains. There are no interior snaps but if the T-Roc follows Golf and Tiguan, it will get new graphics, a fresh design and bigger 12.9-inch multimedia touchscreen. Expect various engines, likely starting with the 110kW 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder. A mid-spec 150kW tune of a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol with AWD is likely to replace the 140TSI all-wheel drive grade. It is possible Volkswagen will release an R model as in the current T-Roc but tighter emissions standards in Europe and now Australia may make that unfeasible. A 195kW tune is available which could support a warmer model. In Australia, the Volkswagen T-Roc is a rival for the likes of the Mazda CX-30, Kia Seltos, Toyota Corolla Cross, Subaru Crosstrek and Skoda Kamiq. The small SUV segment continues to grow in Australia accounting for roughly 15 per cent of sales and, as the T-Roc slipped to Volkswagen’s second-most popular model behind the Amarok last year, an update could be welcome. Volkswagen is yet to announce further details on the second generation T-Roc. Expect to hear more later in 2025.