Desperate for more utility vehicles in the U.S. market, Volkswagen has reportedly green-lit a sporty crossover concept that has made the auto show rounds since 2014.
The T-Roc, which shares the same MQB platform as the Golf, debuted as a two-door compact crossover with a targa-like removable roof and pillarless side glass. Just don’t expect the T-Roc to drop its top when it appears in the U.S. in 2019. Oh, and the two-door thing? Don’t expect that, either.
According to Automotive News, Volkswagen’s American dealer network has given the T-Roc a thumbs up, meaning there’s broad confidence in the model’s ability to sell. The model will slot below the next-generation Tiguan and held-over previous generation model.
While the source’s claim is big product news for the U.S., overseas markets are already anticipating T-Roc deliveries in the second half of this year. European customers can expect standard front-wheel drive, with optional 4Motion all-wheel drive. Naturally, Golf engines reside under the hood. Likely, VW’s turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder will be the U.S. go-to powerplant.
While similar drive wheel choices should appear in the U.S., the T-Roc might see a name change first.
Two weeks ago, VW North American Region CEO Hinrich Woebcken bemoaned the brand’s “severely underrepresented” utility vehicle presence in the U.S., hinting that another large crossover might appear on the Atlas’ platform. There was no mention of the T-Roc, but adding it would bring the brand’s ultimate utility count to six (including the yet-unannounced large CUV). It would also give the brand a product with youthful appeal.
A report from earlier this year claims the fun and edgy concept will have a tall glass of cold water poured over it before reaching production. Two-door utility vehicles no longer fly, so expect a four-door model built in the style of the concept. Removable roof panels will let in some air, but don’t hold out hope for a targa experience. It isn’t known if the rear doors will be center-hinged or of an abbreviated clamshell design.
As you’ve no doubt observed, there are plenty of details yet to be pinned down for this model. That includes where it’ll be built. U.S.-bound production models could be built in Mexico or imported from Europe.
Suzuki X90, we hardly knew ye.
So it shares a name with the concept, and little else.
A jacked up Golf.
The Golf Country (based on the Mk.2) from back in the day was pretty cool.
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/PMhftExtrSw/maxresdefault.jpg
And worth a pretty penny now, if you can find them.
That is downright bizarre, Kyree.
But today it’d be called a “Buick Encore.”
There a ton of tall mk4 Golf wagons running around as taxis in Cozumel, Mexico. Seemed pretty practical. As for this T-roc, I’ll reserve judgement until it goes on sale.
There’s a lot of manufacturers getting into (or, perhaps, creating) segment. Whether we as enthusiasts like it or not, it’s part of the automotive landscape. It’s very interesting to see VW being more proactive about the US market instead of reactive at best, or late altogether.
How is this being proactive? It’s just another compact crossover, right?
Given Volkswagen’s history on keeping up in the USDM, this is downright revolutionary.
OK then, wake me when the revolution starts (2019, right?).
Sorry, jeoff, the revolution will not be televised.
“Mein Führer! Ze gefukkten Ami bombers are geschplattering all of our beautiful Reich! But zere iss a new Messerschmidt jet fighter zat can shoot zem down like ducks before zey even see it coming!”
“Excellent! Ve’ll use it as a dive bomber!”
German crisis management hasn’t improved much.
What crissis?
I believe this is an intelligent move on VW’s part.
VW sales are strong outside of the US and VW is attempting to bring a new product into the US.
I wish VW the best of luck.
BEEAH!
;)
http://m.memegen.com/eub9kl.jpg
No pillarless is disappoint.
But hardly a bad move to introduce another CUV below the moving-up Tiguan.
I take the view of at least do something cool like pillar-less windows in your uncool vehicle.
The first VW in a long time that I would consider buying – if they can make the production version close to the concept..
So you’re declining to read the article text then?
Corey,
I sometimes just read the title and the comments section:)
This madness has got to stop!
“I sometimes just read the title and the comments section”
That explains quite a bit!
Another view in a different shade of blue: https://tinyurl.com/lg8ql9a
So, in other words, VW will offer something called T-Roc…that looks nothing like the vehicle shown? Makes perfect sense…
VW is short on SUV’s and CUV’s. They are stuck between a T-Roc and a hard place.
OK, I understand the four doors, but why lose the targa top? Looking at this I see a practical, AWD 4-5 seater version of the Honda Del Sol. My girlfriend back when I lived in CA had one. Fun little car for a drive in wine country.
The big question is – Does J-Roc approve of the T-Roc? Unless he says it’s tight, no go for me.
Golf del Sol.
Honda awaits royalty payments.
In other words, they’re going to make another small, boring CUV. I can’t wait… (yes, that’s sarcasm).
You can’t spell “atrocious” without “t-r-o-c.”