- VW’s second-generation T-Roc compact SUV debuts this year.
- The Tiguan’s little brother has been spied testing again in Europe.
- Recently leaked images reveal what’s under the camouflage.
The T-Roc isn’t VW’s biggest model, but it’s certainly one of the most important. The compact SUV even outpointed the legendary Golf in the European sales tables for a while in the early 2020s and there’s a good chance this new second-generation version could repeat that trick.
VW launched the current T-Roc in 2017 and its replacement seen here testing in northern Europe will benefit from all kinds of technologies not available first time around, including the latest MQB Evo platform and the automaker’s latest tablet touchscreen with built-in ChatGPT assistance.
Related: VW’s Electric T-Roc Will Be Separate From The ICE Version
The disguise on this prototype would have us believe that one thing not changing for T-Roc 2.0 is the exterior design, or at least not changing that much. Artfully-applied adhesive camo replicating the look of the grille, lights and bumpers on today’s SUV hides the true face beneath, but unfortunately for VW, images of the undisguised car leaked online recently.
Those leaked images from Cochespias / Wilkoblock show the T-Roc adopts a front-end design very much like the one on the new Tiguan and Tayron, with a horizontal LED bar positioned where the upper grille used to be, and connecting slim, slightly evil-looking headlights. Cooling air comes exclusively via the enlarged lower grille, which adopts a gigantic honeycomb pattern on R-Line models. Lower-spec trims will probably get a more muted grille treatment.
It’s the same story at the back. Disguise on the prototype wants us to think the rear lights are fully separated from one another. However, the leaked images confirm the bulges visible on the rear hatch either side of the VW roundel (which, like the front one, will be illuminated) are due to a second LED light bar running across the width of the tail.
The engine lineup will consist of mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines and buyers can expect a choice of front- and all-wheel drive. The T-Roc cabrio won’t return and we’re still waiting to hear if the R will make another appearance. But one new option for the second-gen SUV is an electric powertrain, though the T-Roc EV will be built around an entirely different platform.
