UPDATE: Volkswagen has officially unveiled the highly anticipated T-Roc R, a performance SUV that boasts an impressive 328 horsepower and features a mild-hybrid setup. Customer deliveries begin this month, solidifying the T-Roc’s position as a key player in the compact crossover market.
The T-Roc has surged in popularity, becoming Europe’s fourth best-selling model of the year, with 170,931 units sold through October, according to sales data from Dataforce. This achievement is remarkable for a model that has been on the market for just eight years.
The new T-Roc R is cloaked in camouflage, but early images reveal significant upgrades, including a distinctive Akrapovič quad-exhaust setup and aggressive bumpers. It is equipped with 20-inch forged wheels and wider tires, enhancing grip and performance.
Under the hood, the T-Roc R shares its turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine with the latest Golf R, delivering 295 pound-feet (or 420 Newton-meters) of torque. The addition of a mild-hybrid system represents a crucial step towards compliance with the upcoming Euro 7 regulations, prioritizing efficiency without exceeding the Golf R’s output.
As Volkswagen pivots towards electrification, the T-Roc R is just the beginning. Although the Golf R’s future remains uncertain, with hints that it could switch to a mild-hybrid engine, the T-Roc R will only be available with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, eliminating the six-speed manual gearbox.
Despite its powerful features, the T-Roc R will not be available in the U.S. market, following the trend seen with the Golf R wagon. Meanwhile, Volkswagen prepares to phase out the Touareg R by 2026, with a fully electric R model expected to emerge in the near future.
As the automotive industry shifts towards electrification, the unveiling of the T-Roc R marks a significant milestone for Volkswagen, blending performance with sustainability. Stay tuned for more updates as the T-Roc R hits the roads and sets new standards in the compact SUV segment.
