The Volkswagen T-Roc R debuts ahead of its Geneva Motor Show public appearance. It is the first performance SUV from VW. The new T-Roc R was developed and tested by Volkswagen R, including at the Nürburgring racetrack by WRX World Champion Petter Solberg and Volkswagen works driver Benjamin Leuchter.

Read more about another new small VW SUV, the T-Cross by clicking here.

A performance SUV

The Volkswagen T-Roc R takes its place at the top of the T-Roc SUV/crossover family. Powering the apex model is a 2,0-litre four-cylinder engine with an output of 221 kW along with 400 N.m maximum torque. Power is fed to all four wheels through VW’s well-known DSG dual-clutch gearbox. Thanks to all-wheel-drive grip off the line and a launch control feature the Volkswagen T-Roc R can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4,9 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

Driver selected driving modes include a special race option. The electronic stability control (ESC) feature can be manually switched off to allow drivers full control without electronic interference. The running gear includes a lowered ride height, progressive steering and massive brakes, borrowed from the Volkswagen Golf R.

Sporty looks

Volkswagen T-Roc R models are set apart from siblings by bespoke touches inside and out. A redesigned radiator grille has a polished silver band of anodised aluminium on the underside and an “R” logo. Headlamps feature vertically arranged daytime running lights that are integrated into the bumper at the front.

The rear bumper includes visual air outlets in the upper part and a diffuser in a contrasting colour. The quad exhaust tips are specific to the “R” model. The T-Roc R is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels as standard; 19 inchers are an option.

Stainless steel step sills bear the “R” logo as do the seat backrests. A leather-covered multifunction sports steering wheel with paddle levers and decorative stitching also bears the “R” logo, as does the black headliner and the greeting on the start screen.