2019 Volkswagen T-Roc R performance crossover shown ahead of Geneva 2019 debut

Team OD Updated: March 19, 2020, 10:10 AM IST

This near-production concept of the 2019 Volkswagen T-Roc R is a crossover-based take on the carmaker's R line of performance cars. Consequently, it borrows much from the Golf R hot hatchback.

The T-Roc itself borrows heavily from the Golf, so it's no surprise that it gets the same 2.0 litre turbo-petrol motor from the Golf R. This motor makes 300PS and 400Nm. This gets put on the road via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and a Haldex AWD system. Other performance bits are an optional Akrapovic titanium exhaust system, larger brakes from the Golf R's Performance pack, a stiffer suspension set-up with adaptive dampers and a progressive steering system. There are 18-inch wheels as standard, with 19 inchers available as an option.

The T-Roc R's looks also have been worked on to show its sporting intent. There's more aggression to how the front looks, mainly via the dark pattern grille, the large intakes in the front bumper, matte-chrome mirror caps, black brake calipers, a contrasting diffuser in the back and quad exhaust. The vertical LED DRLs are a new touch too. This sportiness carries over on the inside as well. There's aluminium pedals, carbon-fibre pattern on the seats and R badging.

In terms of numbers, the Volkswagen T-Roc R gets from 0 to 100 kmph in 4.9s. This is 0.2s slower than the Golf R but both have the same 250kmph top speed.
The car shown here is a near-production concept. The final car will be shown at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. The T-Roc is the latest in the new wave of small performance crossovers. These are the newest SUVs sub-niche in the car world and seems like another attempt to cash in on the SUV craze.