Essentially a Golf in SUV format, the T-Roc is a big deal for Volkswagen. During the first ten months of the year, this is the fourth best-selling model in Europe. Sales data from Dataforce shows that the compact crossover has collected 170,931 units through October. It’s an impressive feat considering the volume comes solely from the first-generation model introduced eight years ago.
Deliveries to customers of the new T-Roc start this month, and if you’d rather wait for more power, VW is already teasing the hot R. Since it won’t arrive until 2027, the high-performance version remains shrouded in camouflage. However, the Akrapovič quad exhaust setup is a telltale sign that this is not your average version. It also features 20-inch forged wheels with wider tires than the original T-Roc R, which provide better grip.
Close-up shots shared by Self-criticism suggest angrier looking bumpers and beefier brakes, but the real highlight is under the hood. Predictably, it shares the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with the latest Golf R. Power is identical at 328 hp and 420 Newton meters of torque, but now with an electrified twist: the next T-Roc R will adopt a mild-hybrid setup.
While a 48-volt system typically implies a temporary power boost, VW engineers are prioritizing efficiency to comply with upcoming Euro 7 regulations. Consequently, the power figures are not expected to exceed the Golf R’s output. It is still too early to know whether the hot hatch will also switch to a mild-hybrid 2.0 TSI, but it remains a possibility since the Mk8 is the last Golf with a combustion engine. Wolfsburg has hinted that the current generation could remain on sale until 2035.
Photo by: Autocritica
Without an ICE-powered successor, the existing Golf R would likely need some degree of electrification to meet stricter emissions regulations. Whatever happens, the six-speed manual transmission will unfortunately not return. The performance hatchback will be mated exclusively to the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission shared with the upcoming T-Roc R. Following the Golf R, its crossover equivalent will be offered exclusively with 4Motion all-wheel drive.
The T-Roc R doesn’t join the US lineup, nor does what we consider the most complete car in VW’s portfolio, the Golf R wagon. Meanwhile, the R division is preparing to say goodbye to the Touareg R, with production of the chic SUV set to end in 2026.
Looking ahead, a fully electric R model is a matter of when, not if. VW has already previewed a non-combustion Polo GTI and hinted at a future R powered solely by electric motors.
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Source: Self-criticism
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