Introduction

Powered by a range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, the Volkswagen T-Roc will be 252mm shorter than the Tiguan, at 4.2 metres long, while many of its mechanical underpinnings will be shared with the Ateca. 

Like the SEAT, the diesel engine line-up will consist of 1.6 and 2.0 TDI engines, with power ratings spanning from 115PS, 150PS and 190PS. The turbocharged petrol range will feature three TSI engines - 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0-litre - with outputs starting at 115PS for the three-cylinder unit and rising to 150PS and 190PS for the larger four-cylinder engines. 

There are no details about emissions or fuel economy, but the 115PS petrols and diesels will be front-wheel drive and feature six-speed manual transmissions as standard. The 150PS and 190PS units will get the option of 4Motion all-wheel drive and a seven-speed DSG auto. 

Like the Up city car, the T-Roc will get a huge array of personalisation options, with coloured dashboard inserts, contrasting roof colours and ambient lighting. A 6.5-inch touchscreen will dominate the minimalist dashboard, while Volkswagen's latest eight-inch touchscreen infotainment will be available as an option, with DAB audio and navigation. Volkswagen's digital instrument display will also be available, allowing the driver to add maps to the background of the instrument binnacle. 

Bootspace will be a useful 445-litres when the rear seats in place - 15 more than the Qashqai - while the 60/40 split rear seats will fold down to provide 1290 litres, which is significantly less than the outright 1585 litres you get in the Nissan. 

Volkswagen T-Roc 2017 Road Test