INTERNATIONAL LAUNCH
Between a roc and a poor exchange rate
Stunningly good Golf-based crossover could be one of the great surprise packages of the year, says Michael Taylor
In a world of booming SUV growth, having a Tiguan, a Touareg and an upcoming Polo-based T-Cross on the books isn’t enough for Volkswagen. It needed one of the Golf as well. Sitting just under the Tiguan in size and a world away in philosophy, the T-Roc might just turn out to be a masterstroke of positioning, feeling sharp, agile, practical and a lot of fun. Before you get too excited though, Volkswagen SA has put its plans to bring the T-Roc to the country on the shelf as it is likely to be too expensive. After driving it in Portugal, we hope they change their minds. Built off the Golf’s core architecture, the T-Roc is sharp where the more family-oriented Tiguan is dully competent, agile where its big brother is stolid and it pays almost nothing in terms of ride quality. Its interior is feisty and fun, though the eggshell-hard dashboard plastic is both unbecoming and not very VW in the way it sounds and feels. There’s plenty of interior tech, including a new digital instrument clust...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.