The VW Group’s Geneva Motor Show announcements continue with the release of the new T-Roc concept for a playful small crossover with removable targa tops, positioned between the upcoming Up! SUV and the existing compact Tiguan.
VW won’t confirm a production model, but it won’t deny it either at this point, stating that the T-Roc gives us a look at a possible future SUV.
The 4,179 mm long, 1,831 mm wide and 1,501 mm tall (164.5 x 72.1 x 59.1 inches respectively) T-Roc is competitor to the Nissan Juke and the new Jeep Renegade, but instead of a conventional five-door body, it has a three-door, targa-top design with seating for four passengers.
According to the Germans, “the middle section of the roof consists of two halves that with just a few flicks can be taken off and stowed in the boot”.
Like so many other the VW Group production and concept cars aimed at the masses these days, the T-Roc also rides on the MQB platform. VW says the concept tips the scales at 1,420kg (3,130 pounds) when fitted with an 181hp (184PS) and 380Nm 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine hooked up to a 7sp twin-clutch DSG transmission and 4MOTION all-wheel drive system with Haldex coupling.
With this powertrain setup, the T-Roc is capable of completing the standard sprint to 100km/h (62mph) from standstill in a swift 6.9 seconds, going up to a top speed of 210 km/h (130mph), and returning a fuel consumption of 4.9 l/100 km (58.6mpg UK or 48.0 mpg US) in the European combined cycle with 129 g/km of CO2.
VW also mentions that the T-Roc is equipped with three different driving modes: ‘Street’, ‘Off-road’ and ‘Snow’, which alter the parameters of the 4Motion drive train, 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch gearbox), ABS, Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control.
By John Halas
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