Hinting at a Future Compact SUV Below the Tiguan

The "T-ROC" announced by Volkswagen at theGeneva Motor Showis a concept model that suggests a third SUV following theTouaregandTiguan. The name is said to be a combination of "T," common to Volkswagen's SUV models (Touareg, Tiguan, Taigun), and "ROC(k)," signifying its ability to traverse rocky terrain without issue.

The T-ROC, with its distinctive interior and exterior design, is a two-door model with a coupe-like silhouette, yet it is an SUV with four-wheel-drive off-road capability and the versatility to become an open-air convertible.

The roof can be easily detached in two sections and stored under the luggage compartment.



Round rings embedded in the front and rear bumpers house LED fog lights along with movable cameras with LED spotlights. In off-road mode, these cameras turn with the steering wheel, projecting the road ahead onto the 12.3-inch screen on the center console, allowing the driver to see obstacles even at night. This system is installed not only at the front but also at the rear.

MQBThe body, designed on the platform, measures 4,179mm in length, 1,831mm in width, and 1,501mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,595mm. Short overhangs of 811mm at the front and 772mm at the rear emphasize its distinctive proportions. It rides on 19-inch alloy wheels with 245/45 tires.

Engine Inherited from the Golf GTD

The engine installed is the 2.0 TDI direct-injection turbodiesel found in theGolf GTD. It produces a maximum output of 135kW (184ps) and a maximum torque of 380Nm from just 1,750rpm. Combined with a 7-speed DSG and the latest Haldex coupling for four-wheel drive, it boasts a top speed of 210km/h and a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 6.9 seconds.

The lightweight T-ROC weighs just 1,420kg and has a fuel consumption of 4.9ℓ/100km (approximately 20.4km/ℓ).



Functionally, it is equipped with a system that allows switching between three driving modes: Street, Offroad, and Snow.

In "Street" mode, used for normal driving, it primarily utilizes front-wheel drive for fuel efficiency, with instantaneous torque distribution to the rear wheels to ensure stability when slip or traction imbalance is detected. In "Offroad" mode, intended for heavy-duty use, the front-to-rear torque distribution is set to a 50:50 baseline, and various electronic devices that enhance performance on inclines and declines are maximized. "Snow" mode is, as the name suggests, for driving on slippery surfaces like packed snow.

To meet the growing demand for SUVs, Volkswagen announced its direction for large SUVs at theDetroit Motor Showin 2013 with theCrossBlue, and at theShanghai Motor Showwith the "CrossBlue Coupe." These are reportedly under development for production.

Meanwhile, at the New Delhi Motor Show in India this February, the "Taigun," being developed as an affordable, mass-market model for rapidly growing emerging economies, was unveiled.

The T-ROC, announced this time, is presented as a model that expresses a new direction for SUVs, joining this group of SUV concepts.