Volkswagen T-Roc: Affordable Crossover SUV in the UAE

Since their introduction, crossover SUVs have gone on to become the bread-and-butter of carmakers all around the globe. In an extremely dynamic auto space like the UAE, brands have to keep their product portfolio alive and kicking if they’re to remain relevant. Auto giant and premier German marque Volkswagen certainly knows a thing or two about maintaining market dominance. To keep up with the likes of Toyota and Nissan, Volkswagen has just unleashed the T-Roc onto the UAE market. Based on the underpinnings of the beloved and best-selling Golf hatchback, the all-new T-Roc is the most affordable and smallest crossover/SUV from VW in the UAE.

Volkswagen T-Roc Price and Rivals in the UAE

Starting from AED 74,900, the new Volkswagen T-Roc is about 15,000 dirhams cheaper than the Tiguan. In the UAE, buyers looking for a brand-new Volkswagen can scout for options by visiting an Al Nabooda or Ali & Sons dealership based in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, respectively. Given its price point, the base T-Roc could rival cars such as:

• Nissan Kicks
• Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
• Ford Escape
• Honda HR-V

Volkswagen T-Roc Exterior Design

With so many crossover SUVs dotting our landscape, it becomes increasingly difficult to tell one apart from the other. As we have known all this while, Volkswagen usually likes to play it safe when it comes to the styling of its cars. However, the T-Roc has some eye-catching design choices that keep it from boring you out of your wits.

The new T-Roc can be had in striking dual-tone paint schemes, and you can also pick the optional R-Line package or Black Style package. This adds:

• Sportier-looking front and rear bumpers
• Faux skid plate and dual-exhaust tips
• Blacked-out exterior trim
• Swanky graphics on the C-pillar

Moreover, the T-Roc’s twin-chamber LED headlights gel well with the crossover’s bumper-integrated LED DRLs, front fog lights, and well-crafted LED rear light elements.

Bringing more character to the T-Roc’s design is its wide mini-SUV-like stance, beefy-looking wheel arches with stylish 17-inch alloy rims, and black plastic lower-body panels. While the roof-mounted spoiler looks sporty, VW has added some fake vents and exhaust surrounds on the T-Roc, which seem unnecessary.

Volkswagen T-Roc Interior Design and Feel

The inside of the Volkswagen T-Roc is where you’ll obviously be spending much of your time. Considering you’ll likely spend between 80,000-90,000 dirhams (post optional extras), you don’t want an interior that feels utilitarian. Thankfully, that’s not entirely the case here.

While the cabin design is inoffensive and usable for everyday driving duties, it features:

• Metallic accents
• Piano black trim
• Leather-wrapped multifunction flat-bottom steering wheel
• Dual digital screens

One of the high-resolution screens is the 11.7-inch Virtual Cockpit driver’s display, and the other is an 8-inch touch-infotainment head unit that includes built-in GPS navigation and smartphone connectivity. The layout is driver-oriented, making for a good experience behind the wheel.

However, while the fit & finish feels more than adequate, the overall quality of some touchpoints feels lackluster. Although the seats are comfortable, there’s enough headroom and knee room for all occupants. As for its boot space, the Volkswagen T-Roc can haul 445 liters of luggage, which is about 60-odd liters more than the Golf.

Volkswagen T-Roc Features and Safety Equipment

The number of convenience features in the Volkswagen T-Roc is directly proportional to the amount of dirhams you’re willing to spend. Spend enough, and you’ll be rewarded with:

• Power-operated tailgate
• Keyless entry
• Electrically-operated & auto-closing door mirrors
• Drive-mode selector
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• 300-watt Beats audio system with 6 speakers
• Wireless charging pad
• Ambient LED lighting
• Cruise control
• Panoramic sunroof
• Electronic parking brake
• Type-C USB ports

The T-Roc’s safety equipment includes an optional Park Assist system with auto parking, all-around parking sensors with a rearview camera, ABS with EBD, Blind Spot Monitoring, 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Program with Traction Control, Hill-Hold Assist, and ISOFIX anchor points.

Volkswagen T-Roc Powertrain and Performance

Motivating the Volkswagen T-Roc is a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 148hp and 250Nm of torque. In the UAE, the T-Roc is available only in front-wheel-drive with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. This enables the 1.3-ton crossover SUV to accelerate from 0-100 kmph in 8.4 seconds, with a top speed of about 180 kmph. Additionally, the Volkswagen T-Roc boasts a combined fuel economy of around 5.4 L/100 km (18.5 km/l).

Should You Buy the Volkswagen T-Roc?

If you want a well-equipped T-Roc in the UAE, you’re looking at a figure in the neighborhood of around 90,000 dirhams. The Volkswagen T-Roc features a modern-looking exterior, a practically laid-out and spacious interior, decent technology and features, plus an exciting yet frugal engine.

On the flip side, the cabin quality isn’t great, there’s no AWD system, and the optional extras can be costly. Still, if you’re okay with these factors, go ahead and give the T-Roc a test drive.