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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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