Exploring the Features of the Volkswagen TRoc 20 TDi 150 CV A New but Old Acquaintance

One of the most recommended alternatives in the Volkswagen T-Roc catalog has passed through the Motor.es garage: the 150 CV TDI engine. This, in addition to comfort and practicality, provides extra low consumption, which positions it as one of the best purchases today.

Volkswagen knew where to "attack" at the time it put the first T-Roc on the market, an SUV that came to meet the requests of many customers who until then had opted for a Volkswagen Golf. The new SUV was much more logical and practical and, in addition, it had quite outstanding aesthetic appendages. Now, the German firm has updated its new flagship model, with multiple continuous elements and other new ones that only improve an already successful set.

The first launch of the Volkswagen T-Roc ended on a generally positive note from the many followers of the brand. In general terms, the only thing that was missing was an improvement in the levels of finishes; After all, it was a not particularly affordable car with upholstery and coatings that could be improved. Have these items been tuned up? We check it.

Aesthetically, the new T-Roc evolved slightly, with new bumpers retouched, although continuous, as well as some renewed moldings. Likewise, in its exterior section, it also included new colors for its bodywork and renewed sets of wheels that range from 17 to 19 inches and that can be decorated in gray or black. However, all this will depend somewhat on the finish chosen (Life or R-Line) for the model in question, which will differ in certain external aspects.

The same happens in the cabin, where the lines and continuous elements are the main genes of everything. However, this space is the one that receives the most news. First of all, a new steering wheel with the tactile buttons that the brand boasts so much about and that, in my personal opinion, would prefer the "normal" buttons already known to all.

It also receives a new digital instrumentation panel, which will now always come standard. In this case, there are two diagonal alternatives: 8 inches (Volkswagen Digital Cockpit) or 10.25 inches (Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro). The latter, in addition to being larger, also adopts new features and customization possibilities.

In the same way, the central infotainment screen can now be 8 or 9.2 inches, also depending on what is chosen. Its fluidity is noticeably better than the previous one, as well as its menus and elements have also improved. It continues to have mobile connections to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, now also wirelessly.

In another area of things, the air conditioning module has also been modified, which now includes tactile buttons and regulations. Under this is a wireless charging panel for smartphones and two USB-C ports.

In other aspects, the Volkswagen T-Roc is still an old acquaintance, although it is true that it has significantly improved the finish and feel of the interior materials, especially the upholstery that is located on the dashboard.

In terms of space and habitability, everything remains the same. In the first row, there are different spaces where you can store numerous personal items, as well as a fairly spacious personal space. In the second row, as is often the case, it is best that only two passengers travel (one at each end) since including a third in the center seat (much narrower and more uncomfortable) will make everyone travel more crowded and uncomfortable. The central backrest also includes an always grateful armrest.

It also does not find changes in its cargo space. The trunk continues to have a minimum capacity of 445 liters. However, this figure will be lower in the case of models equipped with all-wheel drive, standing at 392 liters. However, it is not the case that concerns us today, since the unit that we have been able to test is equipped with the 150 CV TDI engine sent to the front axle.

In terms of finishes and engines, as we have mentioned, the T-Roc has only two finishes; one more accessible called Life and another more equipped and sportier aspiration called R-Line. In German SUV it presents several mechanical alternatives: 1.0 TSI 110 CV, 1.5 TSI 150 CV, 2.0 TSI 190 CV, 2.0 TDI 150 CV, and, at the top of the list, a 2.0 TSI 300 CV belonging to the R version more sporty. With the exception of the two most powerful, the rest can be equipped with an automatic DSG or 6-speed manual, as well as all-wheel drive or front.

 

Driving test

Despite everything, the Volkswagen T-Roc is already an old acquaintance of ours. Certainly, we have been able to put it to the test on numerous occasions, with various engines, finishes, and even with its particular convertible body. For this reason, we can say without the possibility of mistake that the model has improved significantly since its launch, in the already distant year of 2018.

Aesthetically, from my personal point of view, I think the change has been for the better. Even if his mods are timid or bare-bones, they certainly sit really well with the set, giving him a more graceful touch in any of his combinations. The same happens in the passenger compartment, of which we have already been able to mention its modifications, and which feels really good, both to the touch and to the sight.

However, one of the greatest virtues of the Volkswagen T-Roc has always been -and will be its interior comfort and its good driving position. The model, by its own conception, is tall, although not as tall as other models from its own competition. That is why, despite being an SUV, the T-Roc has a drive that is intuited sporty by the mere fact of going lower.

However, its benefits are not of a sports car. Its 150 CV performs wonderfully well, and its consumption figures are everything we would expect from a model of this cut and this mechanics. Although, in its setup, the acceleration and momentum with which the model comes out at certain junctions seem somewhat slow. That is, from the moment you step on the accelerator until "something happens" it feels slower than we would like. To do this, the company has created a particular "S mode" in the gear lever itself and with which the car will have that acceleration that we miss so much in the "normal mode". Problem solved.

In terms of ride comfort, the T-Roc once again complies remarkably well with everything expected. Behind the wheel transmits a lot of comfort. Again I have to refer to the driving position mentioned above since this is one of the "culprits" that the model more than meets the expected standards. The suspension also complies with this, being really kind to potholes or poorly maintained asphalt. The steering is also quite soft, perhaps more than we would like since in certain cases it limits the feeling before the dynamics itself.

However, all this can be changed through the driving modes, selecting the Sport for a greater response in all controls (although consumption increases significantly). It can also be placed in Eco or Comfort mode; Between the two, the first will be more focused on greater efficiency in fuel consumption, while the second will seek a balance between efficiency and comfort. Alternatively, there is also an Individual mode whereby all parameters can be customized.

In terms of consumption, being a model equipped with a diesel engine and a really adequate potential, the extracted figures perfectly meet expectations. In urban transit, these will be closer to 5.5 liters; the continuous “stop-starts” of the cities play a fundamental role in this regard. However, these numbers begin to decrease as soon as we leave these spaces. On ring roads, such as the M-30 in Madrid, figures of 4.2 liters can be achieved, although the speed is quite limited. On motorway or highway routes, these consumptions will circulate around 5 liters.

Conclusion

The Volkswagen T-Roc with the 2.0 TDI engine is everything that can be expected from a model of this type: aesthetically attractive, comfortable, practical, and a little "expensive". On the contrary, and speaking of buts, we have to get fully into the subject of prices. The German SUV starts its price at 28,000 euros, while the engine and the finish that we have been able to test here today start at 41,145 euros. This figure can grow significantly once we get fully into the catalog of extras, which can mean a significant increase in the final bill.

However, would you recommend its purchase? Of course and without any doubt. The Volkswagen T-Roc TDI is one of the most recommended options in the German SUV engine catalog, being perfect for people who usually travel a lot.