Volkswagen T-Roc
The T-Roc is a European success story. Designed in Germany and built in Portugal, the Volkswagen - which was first presented in 2017, has been built more than two million times since then and was then enhanced in 2021 - regularly occupies the top spots in SUV registration statistics. In 2025 - the year of its replacement - the first generation of this Volkswagen is the undisputed best-selling SUV in Europe. The second generation, which has been improved in all areas, is now being launched. Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer on the new T-Roc: "Our customers love the T-Roc - and I am convinced that the new generation has everything it takes to continue this great success story: progressive design, innovative technologies, top quality and value, intuitive operation and pleasantly balanced handling." It's a fact that the T-Roc with its clear and charismatic design is taking a major leap forward in development thanks to brand-new hybrid drive systems, a newly developed and strikingly high-quality interior, new infotainment, cockpit and operating systems from the larger Tiguan and Tayron, more space in the interior and luggage compartment, and assist systems such as Travel Assist that are in some cases unique in its class. Pre-sales have already started in Europe. The official market launch of the new T-Roc and its debut at Volkswagen dealerships will follow immediately.
The first T-Roc already had its own unique style - an unmistakable yet appealing face that stood out from the crowd. Its hallmark features included a striking silver stripe extending from the A-pillar to the distinctive T-Roc C-pillar. This stripe helped to extend the roof line and was christened the 'hockey stick' by designers on account of its shape. Another of the T-Roc's clear archetypal features was the sharp, muscular and powerful shoulder section above the rear wheel arch. As part of this product line's iconic DNA, these features have also been incorporated into the successor's new design. So, despite its redesign and enhancements, this makes it immediately recognisable as a T-Roc - right down to the very last millimetre. The 'face' now shows a stylistic proximity to the family of other modern Volkswagen models and thus becomes a bridge to the Volkswagen design of the future. The new 'family face' is just the starting point from which the designers have created a 'product face' for the new T-Roc with the greatest possible autonomy. Every line, every edge, every surface and every curve is based on logic and functionality. In addition, the SUV has become more aerodynamic: the new drag coefficient of cd = 0.29 corresponds to an improvement of 10 per cent compared with the predecessor and - together with the new drive system range - serves as the basis for the significantly improved efficiency of the second T-Roc generation.
The new T-Roc is the first Volkswagen product line whose entire drive range consists exclusively of efficient hybrid systems. One of the most successful Volkswagen drive systems of this era will be offered straight from the launch: a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine as a 48 V mild hybrid (1.5 eTSI) in two output levels with 85 kW (116 PS) and 110 kW (150 PS). Both versions of the 1.5 eTSI used for the first time in the T-Roc are high-tech systems: they convert kinetic energy into electrical energy by means of recuperation and store this in a compact lithium-ion battery. As a result, the efficient combustion engine can be switched off repeatedly during a journey - this coasting mode saves fuel and reduces emissions. If the four-cylinder engine is in operation, two cylinders are also shut down as often as possible, which also reduces fuel consumption. In addition, the hybrid system's electric boost optimises the performance when driving off, as a 48 V belt-driven starter-alternator with an additional electric torque of up to 56 Nm - particularly noticeable when pulling away on uphill gradients - supports the petrol engine.
2.0 eTSI and 1.5 Hybrid as new hybrid systems
In 2026, two new hybrid developments will make their debut in the T-Roc: a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 48 V mild hybrid system (2.0 eTSI) and a 1.5-litre full hybrid (Hybrid). The new hybrid drives will also be available in two output levels: the new 2.0 eTSI is always coupled to the 4MOTION all-wheel drive in the T-Roc. The 2.0 eTSI 4MOTION with 150 kW (204 PS) will be launched first. Towards the end of next year, the new and even more powerful high-end flagship version of the SUV product line with this drive technology will follow: the T-Roc R 4MOTION developed by the premium performance brand Volkswagen R. Also in 2026, the two new 1.5-litre full hybrid engines with front-wheel drive and outputs of 100 kW (136 PS) and 125 kW (170 PS) will complement the range. The T-Roc engine range will thus consist of six versions - four with front-wheel drive and two with all-wheel drive, all equipped with automatic gearboxes.
First SUV in its class with Travel Assist
The second T-Roc generation is based on the MQB evo - the latest evolutionary stage of the modular transverse matrix. This is accompanied by a new range of assist and convenience systems in the T-Roc class. What is more, thanks to the MQB evo, the new SUV has technologies on board that are also used in the larger Tiguan and Tayron. A new feature in the T-Roc class is the next development stage of Travel Assist, which not only supports automatic lane changes, but also reacts more smoothly and in an even more anticipatory way to speed limit changes. An important safety system is Emergency Assist, which automatically steers the SUV to the side of the road and brings it to a standstill in the event of an emergency - if the driver has health problems. The exit warning system is also new on board. It warns the passengers before opening a door if a vehicle is approaching from behind. Particularly in inner-city traffic, the exit warning system can help to prevent accidents that are particularly dangerous for cyclists due to the sudden opening of the vehicle door. For the first time, the T-Roc is equipped with Park Assist Pro, which enables fully automatic parking over distances of up to 50 metres thanks to the memory function and remote parking using a smartphone.
Volkswagen has restructured and clearly designed the T-Roc's equipment matrix. Standard and optional features and packages can be selected with just a few clicks. There has been an overall rise in the standard of equipment. Even the base version of the new T-Roc generation is anything but an entry-level model due to its standard equipment package and high-quality interior materials. The new T-Roc can be customised in a targeted manner with three additional equipment versions. The top versions correspond to the equipment level of the next higher class in each case. The following four T-Roc equipment lines are currently offered:
The design of the interior is clean and unmistakable - horizontally structured surfaces and clear lines ensure immediate orientation. The quality of the materials defines a new status quo in the class - soft, high-quality and fabric-covered surfaces in the area of the dashboard, perforated and illuminated leatherette decorative trim elements for the first time as well as haptically and visually appealing seat fabrics blur the class boundaries to higher classes. Operation has been thought through down to the smallest detail - easy-to-grip buttons on the multifunction steering wheel, robust and ergonomically optimised door openers and the multifunctional driving experience control for various functions and audio volume create an interior world that can be operated intuitively. A new feature on board the T-Roc is also a windscreen head-up display. User-oriented technologies include features such as the latest generation of infotainment systems including voice control and ChatGPT integration. Also new are the digital instruments in large rectangular format; in addition to the usual views, they now offer a black panel function with a completely stripped back display, as the full spectrum of information is not always required. As the first model in this SUV class, the T-Roc also has an optional three-zone climate control system (Air Care Climatronic) on board as an alternative to the standard two-zone automatic air conditioner, enabling separate climate control for the three-seat rear passenger area.
Much more legroom and luggage compartment space
Anyone who sits in the driver or front passenger seat of the T-Roc and looks out over the high and easily visible bonnet will not imagine they are sitting in a compact-class SUV. This impression is reinforced by the space offered by the second-generation T-Roc, which is suitable for long-distance journeys and families. Even if people taller than 1.85 m are sitting in the front, passengers of a similar stature have sufficient legroom in the three seats at the rear thanks to the extra 122 mm added to the length of the new T-Roc. In addition, the designers have also ensured that there is plenty of space for the luggage of five passengers. Thanks to the increase in length, the luggage compartment volume has increased by 30 litres to 475 litres when loaded up to the height of the rear seat backrests, which fold down in a 1/3 to 2/3 split. As from the Life equipment level, the area of the centre armrest, including the centre head restraint, can be folded down separately to create space for long objects such as skis.
The seats have been ergonomically designed. The high sitting position is a characteristic feature of an SUV. As from the Life mid-range equipment line, the comfort seats already feature pneumatic lumbar supports in the backrests, which can be adjusted electrically. There is a comfortable centre armrest with an integrated stowage area between the front seats. In the Life and Style equipment levels, the front passenger seat backrest can also be folded down so that XL-sized objects can be transported on board the T-Roc.
Designed for maximum comfort, the top-of-the-range Style version features an ergonomic ergoActive driver seat. Both Style front seats are equipped with a new pneumatic massage function - a feature that Volkswagen has transferred from the mid-size and luxury class segments to the T-Roc segment. The seat centre panels of the front and outer rear seats are finished in ArtVelours Eco microfleece in the Style equipment specification. The comfort seats for driver and front passenger are also heated and height-adjustable as standard.
The sporty top-of-the-range T-Roc R-Line is equipped with ergonomic and visually individualised sports comfort seats at the front, including integrated head restraints. An 'R' for R-Line is incorporated into the centre sections of the driver and front passenger seats. Both the T-Roc R-Line and the T-Roc Style can be optionally ordered with seats in high-quality leather; in this case, the front seats are electrically adjustable. In the leather configuration, the Style line is also equipped with sports comfort seats Seating comfort in the T-Roc is therefore in a comfort league of its own within its class.
Optional equipment offers maximum variety
Options include details such as IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights with high-performance main beam and 3D LED tail light clusters with dynamic flashing function, electrically adjustable seats, the head-up display, a Harman Kardon sound system with an output of 480 watts, assist systems such as Travel Assist for semi-automated driving functions, the adaptive chassis control DCC in the T-Roc with 110 kW, a large tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof and a Black Style package with black exterior details including black alloy wheels. All versions of the T-Roc can be ordered with a towing bracket whose drawbar load of 80 kg is designed for transporting heavy e-bikes.
Volkswagen model with the highest proportion of recycled content
The new T-Roc is also a pioneer for Volkswagen in the area of general sustainability. This not only refers to the hybrid and efficient drive systems, but also to the particularly high proportion of recycled materials that Volkswagen uses in the new T-Roc. Up to 140 exterior and interior components are manufactured entirely or partially from recycled materials. Depending on equipment and engine variant, their gross weight is up to around 40 kg. This is equivalent to approx. 16 per cent of the plastic mass installed in the T-Roc. The largest components made from recycled materials include the underbody panelling and luggage compartment trim, headliner, front door trims, wheel housing liners and floor coverings. Likewise, up to 85 per cent of the textiles used contain recycled materials. As already known from the ID. models, the interior textiles are largely made from recycled PET bottle flakes. For example, the textiles on the standard seats in the Trend, Life and R-Line equipment versions are made from up to 100 per cent recycled PET. The same applies to the upper textile layer on the headliner, carpet and floor mats. The ArtVelours Eco microfleece (standard for the seats in the Style version) consists of up to 71 per cent recycled PET, which in this case is obtained from T-shirts, for example. Last but not least, an environmentally-friendly chrome replacement paint is used instead of genuine chrome. The new T-Roc thus currently has the highest recycled content of all current Volkswagen vehicles. The new SUV demonstrates par excellence how sustainability and quality are now visibly and tangibly in perfect harmony.
The ideal ratio between the compact exterior dimensions and the superior five-seater and thus fully family-friendly interior is one of the reasons why more than two million units of the first-generation T-Roc were sold. And this ratio has become even better in the new T-Roc. At 4,373 mm, the second generation is exactly 122 mm longer than its predecessor; the wheelbase has increased to 2,629 mm (+39 mm). This increase benefits the space available for the three seats in the rear and the 475 litres (+30 litres) of space in the luggage compartment. The new T-Roc comes in at 1,828 mm (+9 mm) wide (without exterior mirrors) and 1,562 mm (+20 mm) tall. To put that into context within the brand: The current T-Cross is up to 4,135 mm long, while the new-generation Tiguan launched in 2024 has a length of 4,539 mm. At the same time, the new T-Roc has become significantly more aerodynamic: the current drag coefficient of Cd = 0.29 corresponds to a 10 per cent improvement compared with the predecessor.
The first T-Roc already had its own unique style - an unmistakable yet appealing face that stood out from the crowd. Its hallmark features included a striking silver stripe extending from the A-pillar to the distinctive T-Roc C-pillar. This stripe helped to extend the roof line and was christened the 'hockey stick' by designers on account of its shape. Another of the T-Roc's clear archetypal features was the sharp, muscular and powerful shoulder section above the rear wheel arch. These design features have also been incorporated into the successor's new design as the DNA of this product line. So, despite its redesign and enhancements, this makes it immediately recognisable as a T-Roc - right down to the very last millimetre.
Enhancing a design involves having the courage to combine the DNA of a best-seller with brand-new elements and thus take it into a new era. The front end of the new T-Roc does exactly that. The 'face' now showcases it stylistic relationship with the family of other modern-day Volkswagens, like the Tayron and ID.7. And yet, the 'family face' is just the starting point. From here, the designers have created a 'product face' for the new T-Roc with the greatest possible autonomy. Every line, every edge, every surface and every curve is based on logic and functionality. Take the bonnet, for example: similar to the Tayron, it is embedded in the contour that runs all the way round the high and uniform design of the front section. The peripheral outer edge of the bonnet becomes a design element in itself. The front line of this edge is merged back into the front end between and above the headlights via a slim chrome or LED strip. The bonnet also features powerful contours: the wide and smooth centre is lower, while the side surfaces are higher; the vertical lines between these surfaces meet the imagined continuation of the headlight housing inner boundaries with incredible precision.
The T-Roc has a focused and confident look thanks to the dynamic graphics of the LED headlights - especially in conjunction with the optional LED Plus headlights and the even more powerful IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights as well as the continuous LED strip of the daytime driving lights installed with both of these options. The illuminated VW logo is integrated into this graphic design (as from LED Plus headlights). The interaction between all of the elements lends the upper section of the front end a progressive and futuristic appearance. The front end's lower segment is characterised by the wide ventilation grille. At the sides it is bordered by aerodynamic air deflectors, while the sides of the intricate black air grilles are refined by elements in the vehicle colour. At the bottom, a spoiler in the style of an underride guard rounds off the area. The daytime running light elements installed in the bumper on the predecessor have been replaced, with their function now being performed by the LED elements located in the better protected upper area of the front end.
Compared with its predecessor, the new T-Roc looks larger, sportier, more confident and - thanks to the premium feel conveyed at visual level - more mature. This becomes very clear when you look at the silhouette. In the upper area, the designers have added a dynamic enhancement to the silver 'hockey stick' (roof frame strip) and the C-pillar of the predecessor by giving the roof line an even more coupé-like finish at the rear. Both make the T-Roc appear larger and sportier. The iconic roof frame strip also separates the roof - which can be optionally painted in the contrasting colour black - from the body colour and lowers the T-Roc's visual centre of gravity. The ratio of the comparatively flat greenhouse (roof and window surfaces) to the higher area of the painted body surfaces actually makes the new T-Roc look more like a dynamic CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) as opposed to a classic SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle). The ergonomically shaped door openers are now positioned higher up the body. A particularly striking element that forms part of the T-Roc DNA is the two-part character line. At the front, it evolves out of the LED light strip of the headlights and, with a sharp undercut, runs to just in front of the A-pillar. Below the character line, the flared front wheel arches and wings shape the appearance. The wheel arches are filled with wheels of up to 20 inches in size (previously a maximum of 19 inches). The character line does not re-emerge until it reaches the rear section of the rear doors. Here, it rises above the door handles with a radius parallel to the wheel arch and then runs horizontally into the rear end. The rear side area of the character line and the flared wings were both distinctive design elements in the first T-Roc. In the second generation, the shoulder area shaped by the undercut has become even more powerful and striking. One thing is certain: the crisp T-Roc proportions, the sculpted T-Roc muscles above the wheel arches and the strong T-Roc side skirts of the new generation lend this SUV a more masculine and athletic appearance.
The revamped rear of the T-Roc is now even more distinctive. The more coupé-like design of the tailgate and the stretched roof edge spoiler to the rear provide a huge boost to the overall dynamic appearance. Here, too, the T-Roc now looks bigger and even more refined. The entire rear area, including the tailgate which extends much further outwards, has been accentuated horizontally to visually emphasise the new T-Roc's width and to give the vehicle a strong appearance on the road. While the predecessor still had split tail light clusters, the model series' second generation now uses a glass-covered crossbar, which is illuminated from the mid-range specification package. In this case, the red illuminated rear VW logo is integrated in the middle. The level below is home to the sculpted number plate area and a diffuser, with the latter giving the SUV an additional feel of stability and sportiness. The entire rear area is joined above the light strips by the aerodynamic spoiler lip that runs all the way around and extends into the character line and shoulder section - a design feature that underlines Volkswagen's quintessential solidity.
In the base version and Life specification package, the T-Roc is equipped with new LED headlights with daytime running lights and Light Assist main-beam control as standard. From the Life specification and above, the exterior mirrors also feature a light projection as surround lighting. The top-of-the-range Style and R-Line equipment lines illuminate the night with even more powerful LED Plus headlights. Integrated into the light design in this case: a narrow LED daytime running light strip in the upper area of the radiator grille and the white illuminated VW front logo in between. The LED Plus headlights package also includes automatic lighting control as well as cornering and poor weather lights. The IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights also represent a new stage of development; the LED daytime running light strip and the illuminated VW logo are also integrated here. The IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights can be configured in conjunction with the IQ.LIGHT light package. The technical features of these headlights include a new high-performance LED main beam. The extended equipment (compared with LED Plus) includes the dynamic cornering light and Dynamic Light Assist advanced main-beam control (which is used to mask road users ahead and oncoming traffic). The IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights consist of the following main components: the LED matrix module with projection lens and LED matrix unit (LED light source for dipped beam, matrix main beam and dynamic cornering light) as well as the high-performance main beam and the static cornering light.
The tail light clusters on the new T-Roc are also designed as an LED system as standard. If the SUV is equipped with the LED Plus headlights or the IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights, the new 3D tail light clusters are automatically included. In this case, the glass-covered horizontal bar between the tail light clusters is also illuminated and the rear VW logo is illuminated in red. The 3D tail light clusters include a Coming Home and Leaving Home light animation. Three different animation scenarios can be configured via the infotainment system. The new lighting systems create an unmistakable day and night light signature for the T-Roc.
10 per cent improvement in drag coefficient
As a key factor for efficiency, the aerodynamics of the T-Roc were refined in elaborate virtual flow simulations and in real-life testing in the wind tunnel. The Cd value (drag coefficient) of 0.29 is 10 per cent better than on the predecessor; it is also among the best in the segment. The new T-Roc's frontal area (A) measures 2.40 m2, which is also an indicator of the refined aerodynamics. These values were achieved through a number of individual measures. At the front, the T-Roc is characterised by air blades, wheel arch spoilers and displacement elements for optimised airflow around the bumper and front wheels. In the rear area, the elongated coupé-shaped roof with roof spoiler and side spoilers reduce air turbulence and thus lower drag. The rear diffuser was also integrated to achieve ideal aerodynamics. The aerodynamic fine tuning is extended to every detail of the body. It also includes the wheel rims, the T-Roc's underbody and the exterior mirrors; the latter come from Volkswagen's aerodynamic flagship, the ID.7. Special water deflector strips in the area of the A-pillars, which are also aerodynamically efficient, optimise acoustics at high speeds.
Volkswagen initiated a turning point in 2025: under the slogan 'True Volkswagen', the automotive manufacturer is highlighting its typical strengths more than ever through a clean and distinctive design, an attractive price-performance ratio, innovative technologies, high quality and intuitive operation. The interior of the new T-Roc reflects this start of a new era. The design of the interior is clean and unmistakable - horizontally structured surfaces and clear lines ensure immediate orientation. The quality of the materials defines a new status quo in the class - soft, high-quality and fabric-covered surfaces in the area of the dashboard, perforated and illuminated leatherette decorative trim elements as well as tactile and visually appealing seat fabrics blur the class boundaries to higher classes.
New technologies with intuitive operation
Operation has been thought through down to the smallest detail - easy-to-grip buttons on the multifunction steering wheel, robust and ergonomically optimised door openers and the multifunctional driving experience control for various functions and audio volume create an interior world that can be operated intuitively. A new feature on board the T-Roc is also an optional windscreen head-up display. User-oriented technologies include features such as the latest generation of infotainment systems including voice control and ChatGPT integration. Also new are the digital instruments in large rectangular format; in addition to the usual views, they now offer a black panel function with a completely reduced display, as the full spectrum of information is not always required. The interior of the new T-Roc in detail:
Anyone who sits in the driver or front passenger seat of the T-Roc and looks across its clearly designed cockpit landscape and over the high and easily visible bonnet will not imagine they are sitting in a compact-class SUV. This impression is reinforced by the space offered by the second-generation T-Roc, which is suitable for long-distance journeys and families. Even if people taller than 1.85 m are sitting in the front, passengers of a similar stature have sufficient legroom in the rear thanks to the extra 122 mm added to the length of the new T-Roc. In addition, the designers have also ensured that there is plenty of space for the luggage of five passengers. Thanks to the increase in length, the luggage compartment volume has now increased by 30 litres to 475 litres when loaded up to the height of the rear seat backrests, which fold down in a 1/3 to 2/3 split. As from the Life equipment line, the area of the centre armrest including the centre head restraint can be folded down separately to create space for long objects such as skis. In the T-Roc Life and T-Roc Style, the front passenger seat backrest can also be folded down so that XL-sized objects can be transported on board the SUV.
The seats of the new T-Roc have been ergonomically designed. As characteristic for SUVs, the sitting position is high: the distance to the road is 577 mm at the front, and 622 mm on the three-seater rear bench seat. The driver seat in the Trend base version is height-adjustable. As from the Life medium equipment line, the comfort seats already feature pneumatic lumbar supports in the backrests, which can be adjusted electrically. There is a comfortable centre armrest with an integrated stowage area between the front seats. Designed for maximum comfort, the top-of-the-range Style version features an especially ergonomic ergoActive driver seat. Both Style front seats are equipped with a pneumatic massage function - a standard feature that Volkswagen has transferred from the mid-size and luxury class segments to the T-Roc segment. The seat centre panels of the front and outer rear seats are finished in ArtVelours Eco microfleece in the Style equipment specification. The comfort seats for driver and front passenger are also heated and height-adjustable as standard. True to its name: the sporty top-of-the-range T-Roc R-Line is equipped with ergonomic and visually individualised sports comfort seats. They are heated at the front and are height-adjustable. In this T-Roc version, the seat centre panels of the front seats and outer rear seats are finished in R-Line fabric; an 'R' for R-Line is incorporated into the centre panels of the driver and front passenger seats. Both the T-Roc R-Line and the T-Roc Style can be optionally ordered with seats in high-quality leather, including electrically adjustable front seats. In the leather configuration, the Style line also has the sports comfort seats on board. Overall, seating comfort in the new T-Roc is now simply in a comfort league of its own within its class.
New fabric structure as the surface finish
The design and architecture of the cockpit landscape are consistently straight and horizontal. An example of the high quality in the T-Roc's interior: the top level of the dash panel. This is designed with a new, softly padded and high-quality fabric structure that reliably reduces glare in the windscreen. Different colours are available, depending on the interior trim. The continuous line of the vents is integrated below. In the Style and R-Line versions, this area is illuminated by the background lighting as standard (Life version: optional with Ambient package). In all versions, the fabric-covered top level and the vents are surrounded by an all-round trim element in a grey shade.
The digital instruments (Digital Cockpit for Trend and Life, Digital Cockpit Pro for Style and R-Line) as well as the touchscreen of the infotainment system and the air conditioning controls area on one viewing level. A windscreen head-up display is available as an option. In the maximum configuration, this means that the driver has access to a trio of displays, consisting of the digital instruments, infotainment display and head-up display, putting the vehicle at the level of the Tiguan and Tayron. Another feature in the T-Roc that has been adapted from the two larger SUVs is the enhanced driving experience control. In addition to the driving profiles and drive modes, the new generation of the elegantly illuminated rotary, touch and pushbutton switch also includes ability to control the Atmospheres function offered for the first time in the T-Roc (optional) and a second control for adjusting audio volume.
Cooling ducts for smartphones and Easter eggs
In front of the driving experience control are two USB-C ports and a stowage compartment for a smartphone - with optional inductive charging and an integrated cooling function. The inductive charging cradle is one of many examples of the perfection that extends down to the smallest detail: The cooling ducts in the rubberised non-slip cradle resemble the lanes in a miniature swimming pool. Surprise Easter egg elements have been added here: swimmers that appear when viewed from above. This attention to detail continues into the stowage compartments and cup holders in the centre console. Mini symbols integrated here include coffee cups, pretzels, ice cream cones or keys.
Compared with the predecessor's Digital Cockpit, the new digital instruments in the second-generation T-Roc are much larger due to the full use of the rectangular format with a diagonal of 25.4 cm (10 inches). The Digital Cockpit Pro in the Style and R-Line equipment lines offers a further extended range of functions - for example, integration of the navigation map. Using the View and OK buttons in the right-hand trim element of the standard multifunction steering wheel, the driver can choose between two different basic configurations (information profiles): Classic with round instruments and Progressive with display tiles. The area between the round instruments or tiles can be assigned freely - for example, with the navigation system's route guidance or displays from the assist systems. The areas inside the round instruments and tiles can be filled with various information. Completely new is a display mode that hides all information - except for the data that is required for driving, such as the current speed and notifications from the assist systems - as a black panel function. The aim of this mode is to enable the driver to concentrate even better on the road, for example during long night-time journeys. To activate the mode, it is sufficient to long press the View button. Conversely, this long press function also re-activates the other displays again.
There was previously no head-up display in the T-Roc. However, this is changing with the new T-Roc. Volkswagen's optional windscreen head-up display projects essential information for the driver onto the windscreen in the space in front of the T-Roc. The virtual projection distance from the driver is approx. 2.1 metres. The status and warning indicators on the display include, for example, information from Travel Assist as well as information on the current and permitted speed (Road Sign Display) and navigation instructions. The windscreen system's projection quality is significantly better than that of simple head-up displays that have a projection surface on the dash panel.
The newly developed infotainment systems of the T-Roc are based on the fourth-generation modular infotainment matrix (MIB4). Two different 16:9 display formats are available: the touchscreen of the base version (for Trend, without navigation function) has a diagonal size of 26.1 cm (10.3 inches). The infotainment system includes App-Connect Wireless for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital radio reception DAB+, four loudspeakers, a mobile phone interface and preparation for the online services VW Connect and VW Connect Plus. In addition, the navigation function can be activated retrospectively in the T-Roc Life. Smartphones can be charged with up to 60 watts at four USB-C charging sockets (two at the front, two at the rear).
12.9-inch infotainment for Life, Style and R-Line
The infotainment system of the versions Life, Style and R-Line offers a display diagonal of 32.7 cm (12.9 inches); the navigation function can be activated here as an option at a later date. The standard equipment includes the Comfort mobile phone interface with charging cradle plus inductive charging function and six loudspeakers. The Discover infotainment package is available as optional equipment. This additionally includes the navigation function and the IDA online voice assistant. Many vehicle and infotainment functions can be controlled using natural speech by means of IDA. In addition, IDA answers specific questions on all conceivable topics. To do this, the system accesses online databases and ChatGPT (AI). The range of applications for ChatGPT is almost endless.
Harman Kardon sound system. The 12.9-inch infotainment system can be optionally ordered in combination with a Harman Kardon sound system specially adapted to the interior of the new T-Roc. The system developed together with Volkswagen for the SUV offers a music output of 480 watts. The sound system hardware includes nine high-end loudspeakers, a subwoofer and a digital 12-channel amplifier. The surround sound system can be individually configured and set up for the various seat zones via the infotainment menu. The menu structure of the infotainment systems in detail:
Second-generation driving experience control
A central operating element of the new T-Roc is the second generation of the significantly enhanced driving experience control. In the Trend and Life versions, an equally elegantly designed rotary switch for adjusting the audio volume is fitted as standard. The driving experience control (standard for Style and R-Line, optional for Life) can be used to control the various driving profiles (including all-wheel drive profiles for 4MOTION) and preconfigured Atmospheres in addition to the audio volume. Pressing the switch display enables the driver to switch between volume, driving profile and Atmospheres control. Touching or swiping is used switch from driving profiles to the Atmospheres. The menus are shown in parallel as pop-ups on the infotainment display. Within the respective basic functions, the settings are configured simply by turning the easy-to-grip, illuminated adjustment wheel. A closer look at the Atmospheres is particularly exciting, as this is the first time they have been available on board the T-Roc. The settings for the 10- or 30-colour (depending on equipment) background lighting and the audio system (with optional Harman Kardon sound system) are merged here to create a wide range of lighting and sound tapestries. Playlists from the Spotify streaming service perfectly matched to the respective Atmospheres can be additionally included. The modes Lounge, Energetic, Joy, Minimal and Me can be activated. Lounge is characterised by muted colours, quiet sounds and classical music, for example. In contrast, Energetic has more colour, the sounds are louder, and the playlist is more rock-oriented. Depending on the mode selected, the screen illumination of the driving experience control also changes.
Similar to the latest ID. models as well as the current Passat, Tiguan and Tayron, a steering column switch is also used in the new T-Roc as a switch for the seven-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG). This creates space for stowage compartments in the centre console. It is easy to use: turn forwards to D to drive forwards, turn backwards to R to reverse, press sideways to activate the parking brake. A new multifunction steering column switch is also used for the turn signal and wiper functions.
