The Volkswagen T-Roc R, a hotted-up small SUV pitched as an edgy Golf R alternative, will cost $59,300 before on-road costs when it hits local showrooms in August.

    That makes it the new entry point to Volkswagen’s growing ‘R’ range, slotting in beneath the Golf R ($65,990 for the hatch and $68,990 for the wagon) and bigger Tiguan R ($68,990).

    Stylistically, the T-Roc R features an illuminated grille strip with ‘R’ logo and aluminium trim, matte chrome mirrors, a lowered ride height, an exhaust with quad tailpipes, roof spoiler, and gloss black rear diffuser.

    The interior features a newly designed soft-touch dashboard that features on all upgraded T-Roc grades from this year, with a new fascia incorporating a changed dual-zone climate control panel and piano-black inlays.

    “From under $60,000 the T-Roc R is both the perfect entry to the sought-after R family while driving like an ultra-hot hatchback cloaked as a crossover. Its Volkswagen R genes run deep and lead the segment,” claims Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles brand director Michal Szaniecki.

    Pricing

    As mentioned, the price is $59,300 before on-road costs. To further contextualise this, a less powerful Golf GTI costs $54,490. Other small hotted up SUVs include the:

    All prices exclude on-road costs.

    Engine

    The T-Roc R runs a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 221kW of power and 400Nm of torque, mated to a seven-speed DSG auto and 4Motion variable all-wheel drive.

    It also benefits from Adaptive Chassis Control (adaptive dampers) and a progressive steering rack.

    Volkswagen claims a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 4.9 seconds – 0.2 seconds faster than the bigger Tiguan R and one-tenth slower than the Golf R hatch.

    Its outputs and sprint times mirror the pricier Audi SQ2.

    By contrast, the Golf R and Tiguan R’s 2.0-litre makes 235kW and 400Nm (420Nm in the Golf R wagon).

    Fuel Economy

    To be revealed closer to launch. A Golf R uses 7.8L/100km for context.

    Dimensions

    The pre-update Volkswagen T-Roc measures 4246mm long long, 1572mm tall, and 1819mm wide and rides a 2595mm wheelbase. Expect MY22 models to be basically the same.

    By contrast a Golf R is 4290mm long, 1458mm tall, and 1789mm wide.

    Safety

    The suite of listed active safety aids includes Travel Assist, which pairs the lane-centring aid and active cruise control for highway driving. Other safety and driver assist equipment includes:

    • Blind-spot monitoring
    • Rear cross-traffic alert
    • Active park assist
    • Reversing camera

    Standard Equipment

    • 19-inch Estoril alloys (space saver spare)
    • Adaptive Chassis Control with Race mode
    • Progressive steering
    • R exterior and interior styling add-ons
    • Matrix LED headlights with Dynamic Light Assist
    • LED tail lights with dynamic indicators
    • Exterior ambient lighting
    • Premium metallic paint
    • Keyless entry and start
    • Power tailgate
    • 9.2-inch ‘Discover Pro’ navigation system with voice and gesture control
    • Digital Cockpit Pro (digital cluster)
    • Wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
    • Wireless phone charging
    • Nappa leather-appointed seat upholstery
    • Heated front seats
    • Electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory

    Options

    • Panoramic sunroof: $2000
    • Black Style Package: $1200 (black roof paint finish, mirrors, roof rails and roofline decorative trim, C-pillar carbon-look trim and black surrounds for the interior air vents and audio)
    • Beats audio system upgrade: $750 (300W and six-speaker plus subwoofer)
    • Lapiz Blue matte interior inlays: $250

    Colours

    All colours are no-cost. The palette includes:

    • Pure White
    • Lapiz Blue Premium Metallic
    • Kings Red Premium Metallic
    • Pyrite Silver Metallic
    • Indium Grey Metallic
    • Deep Black Pearl Effect

    MORE: Everything Volkswagen T-Roc

    Mike Costello
    Mike Costello is a Senior Contributor at CarExpert.
    Buy and Lease
    Uncover exclusive deals and discounts with a VIP referral to Australia's best dealers
    Uncover exclusive deals and discounts with a VIP referral to Australia's best dealers