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Volkswagen T-Roc R review reveals a brilliant sporty family SUV

The VW T-Roc R compact SUV can deliver the groceries and driving thrills.

The 2023 Volkswagen T-Roc R starts from about $65,000 drive-away.
The 2023 Volkswagen T-Roc R starts from about $65,000 drive-away.

You’re looking at the most popular vehicle in the Australian Volkswagen range.

Indicative of the seismic shift toward SUVs, as well as the supply issues in the past two years, the T-Roc has emerged as a shining star.

Medium and small SUVs dominate the market Down Under with VW’s T-Roc the perfect example of a successful formula: compact dimensions, high riding position, strong tech credentials along with ample internal space with accommodation capable of four adults.

A new CityLife base model is available for a drive-away price of $36,990, but those with deeper pockets and a zest for athleticism will be lured by the T-Roc R which can be in traffic for $65k.

The 2023 Volkswagen T-Roc R is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder, generating 221kW and 400Nm.
The 2023 Volkswagen T-Roc R is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder, generating 221kW and 400Nm.

What do you get?

Being the range-topper, the R gets no shortage of kit and performance punch.

Most importantly under the bonnet is a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a sub five-second time for the sprint from standstill to 100km/h.

From the outside there’s a sporty persona sitting low with sports suspension, glimpses of blue brake calipers behind19-inch alloys, LED grille strip, quad exhaust pipes.

The theme continues once inside with ‘R’ embossed on the nappa leather sport seats, 9.2-inch central touchscreen, 10.25-inch digital driver instruments which have various view options via a steering wheel button and a sports steering wheel with paddle shifters.

Interior features of the Volkswagen T-Roc R include nappa leather sport seats, 9.2-inch central touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital instruments.
Interior features of the Volkswagen T-Roc R include nappa leather sport seats, 9.2-inch central touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital instruments.

How’s the drive?

With all-wheel drive and the potent four-potter providing the motivation, finding a direct rival with this ability and price range is challenging. There’s the Mini Countryman John Cooper Works which is about $75,000 drive-away, along with Cupra Formentor VZx for about $70,000 – the latter is part of the VW group and shares aspects of the mechanicals.

It’s the same engine tune we saw in the Golf R Mk7.5, but slightly less grunt than the latest Golf R.

For an SUV the T-Roc boasts impressive dynamics. While it can’t quite match its Golf brethren in wagon and hatch guise, the T-Roc R’s ability to hunker to the bitumen and change directions is outstanding.

Coarse bitumen comes with some road rumble from the low-profile rubber but it’s one of few small blemishes on a stellar on-road resume.

The 2023 Volkswagen T-Roc is worthy of the R badge.
The 2023 Volkswagen T-Roc is worthy of the R badge.

Would you buy one?

KEL: Shut up and take my money. I loved the look, the drive and the internal space. It meets my expectations in terms of features and space. While I wouldn’t push the T-Roc R to its performance limits, the acceleration and overall confidence is addictive.

GRANT: The T-Roc R suits our active family lifestyle. Push the blue R button on the steering wheel and it adopts a savage personality, while in comfort mode it cruises around town for daily requirements.

Kel and Grant Edwards.
Kel and Grant Edwards.

What did you love?

KEL

Sporty looks inside and out

Great size meant parking was easy

Performance didn’t overshadow comfort or feature levels

GRANT

Impressive boot for the genre, which was able to handle a mountain bike and surf boards with rear seats collapsed

Punchy power delivery and limited body roll in the bends

About $10k less expensive than a Golf R

What did you loathe?

KEL

Some additional console storage spots would be helpful

Apple CarPlay was glitchy as was the wireless phone charging

Some hard plastics let down the interior

GRANT

Runs on the most expensive unleaded, RON 98

Road noise on some surfaces

Beats audio is extra $800, panoramic sunroof is $2000

Originally published as Volkswagen T-Roc R review reveals a brilliant sporty family SUV

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/bundaberg/business/volkswagen-troc-r-review-reveals-a-brilliant-sporty-family-suv/news-story/452acd3967b900bc0a0f47980c71813f