One mild-hybrid engine will lead the Australian rollout of the second-generation T-Roc, with a hotter R model to follow, and full hybrids on the cards.
The second-generation 2027 Volkswagen T-Roc is due to be introduced to Australia at the end of this year with mild-hybrid technology, ahead of a high-performance R version to follow, plus additional electrification.
As Volkswagen's second-biggest-selling vehicle locally – even as stock of the outgoing model has begun to dry up – the new T-Roc will bring an updated design, a roomier interior, and significantly more equipment.
Set to go head-to-head against dominant small SUV players like the Toyota Corolla Cross and Hyundai Kona, the new T-Roc will launch with a single petrol engine assisted by mild-hybrid technology to save fuel.
Pricing is due to be confirmed closer to showroom arrivals, but the highly-specified grades planned to launch the model are expected to be priced between $50,000 and $60,000 before on-road costs.
It would represent a considerable price rise from the outgoing T-Roc, which still slides just under $50,000 – albeit at $49,990 plus on-road costs – in R-Line guise with a 140kW 2.0-litre engine, with the entry-level front-wheel-drive grade listed at $38,990.
It is set to spearhead a product rollout poised to see a high-performance T-Roc R flagship follow, with a full hybrid – capable of electric-only driving – also under discussion.
Under the skin, the second-generation T-Roc will share its updated ‘MQB Evo’ underpinnings with the latest Golf and Tiguan, inheriting their latest cabin and safety technology.
The initial Australian line-up will be powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine assisted by a 48-volt mild-hybrid (MHEV) system, capable of aiding the engine, rather than driving the wheels on electric power alone.
While Europe gets a choice of engine outputs starting from a base 85kW version priced from €30,845 (which converts to AUD$55,000, Australia will likely skip the entry version.
Instead, the local market will receive the more powerful 110kW/250Nm tune, mated with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
A larger 2.0-litre mild-hybrid turbo engine sending 150kW via all-wheel drive is on the cards, possibly backed by higher trim and infotainment levels.
Launching the electrified T-Roc first would help Volkswagen meet the government's tough New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, and earn 'credits' to offset emissions of heavier petrol and diesel vehicles such as the Amarok ute.
In the first half of 2027, the range could expand further with additional electrified options, though the T-Roc is not confirmed to receive the new plug-in hybrid drivetrains available in the larger Tiguan and Tayron in Australia.
Instead, a new 'full hybrid' option could be introduced to the range to rival Toyota.
"[The hybrid] certainly won't be available at launch, we will launch with just the mild hybrid," said Todd Ford, Product Manager for Volkswagen passenger vehicles
"But that's something we continue to talk to the factory about and evaluate. Same with the [T-Roc] R, we should see that in late 2027 or early 2028."
Dimensionally, the new T-Roc is 12cm longer than its predecessor, bringing an additional 30 litres of boot space for a total of 475L.
Inside, the T-Roc is all new, with a 12.9-inch infotainment screen, and the Tayron and Tiguan's 'experience dial' system controller.
Addressing feedback from the first generation, Volkswagen has upgraded the materials used inside the car, making extensive use of soft-touch surfaces and atmospheric background lighting.
Samantha has been obsessed with cars and combustion engines for most of her life, and has spent the past 25 years deep in the automotive and motorsport industries. An automotive awards judge, rally driver and motorsport tragic, she spends weekdays writing about cars and weekends off-road, off-grid or running amok at the track.
